"Gothic" by author-self-insert

Posted by KatHat

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Gothic: pertaining to a style of literature characterized by a gloomy setting, grotesque, mysterious, or violent events, and an atmosphere of degeneration and decay. This describes not only focus of the classes Dr. Isabella Swan teaches as a professor of Early Modern Literature, but it also her proclivity in her personal life as a connoisseur of horror films and 19th-century Gothic novels. She rationalizes that these things are her safe haven where she can immerse herself in the tortuous existence of the characters in these stories - as a way to escape from her own; choosing the safe haven of books with characters that will cause her no pain as opposed to people in real life who can. She is extremely intelligent and thought-provoking, often leaving you chuckling from her unusual and hilarious thought associations, but she is also constantly disparaging herself as awkward or not socially acceptable or what a “burden it must be for people to have to look at someone like me”. She is always expecting the worst from others and questioning every action and word for ulterior motives, but she endeavors to appear ‘normal’ and charming in front of her colleagues and students; trying to present herself as tolerable and carefully following all the rules of etiquette. What could have happened in her life to leave her so disturbed and damaged? What had she endured as a young girl to drive her to only find solace in books of Gothic literature?

For one thing, meet Edward Cullen, the bane of her existence. Back in high school he was the leader of the resident ‘brat pack’ who made it their sole purpose in life to bully, humiliate and torment Bella and her best friend, Alice, making their daily lives a living hell. Now he shows up ten years later at the bar where her department colleagues are having ‘happy hour’ and he has the audacity to approach and speak to her, and even has the nerve to ask her to help him solve the mysterious cold case murder of his ex-girlfriend, Tanya, that happened right after high school. And why ask Bella? Because willing or not, she was his only alibi that kept him from being tried for the murder himself, and the only one who knows without a doubt he did not do it. Now he’s intruding on her personal life once again, saying he’s a doctor, he’s changed, and he’s sorry. You have to give him credit for being a persistent fella who keeps asking her questions, eventually figuring out how to play by her rules - but still pushes her buttons to get her to talk. Then he listens in fascination as she goes on one of her crazy rants - even though most of the time he has no idea what she is talking about! Her passive-aggressive treatment of Edward, and the changing dynamics and dialogue between these two is like watching a championship tennis match.

Author-self-insert will definitely keep you on your toes with her brilliant and articulate word play, the intense, intriguingly complex plot and the absolutely unique voice she has given Bella. You will be torn between cracking up over Bella's inner dialogue and feeling heartbroken for her damaged sense of self-worth and complete distrust of everyone. You will discover that Gothic is so much more than a murder mystery, even though that part will have you continually racking your brain to come up with your own theories as to ‘whodunit’ and keep you riveted on the edge of your seat. It is also an intellectually challenging and emotionally provoking study of the struggle of two flawed individuals to deal not only with the demons of their pasts, but with increasingly disturbing events that start happening in the present; while at the same time forging the basic foundation of a budding relationship with each other - seemingly against the all the odds. Can they figure it all out? Do you think you can figure it out? Are you up for the challenge? Don’t miss out on this gem, it's perfect for Friday the 13th ;-)!

Gothic contains 23 chapters and a total of 116,449 words. The story is rated M for language and content.

WORK IN PROGRESS
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