Around this time last year, fellow Book Rioter Amanda gave us a list of Indigenous horror books to read in 2020 (you can see the list here). It was the perfect kick to my reading list, especially during THAT year. Unfortunately, 2021 has not been that much better, and once again I am on the hunt for more Indigenous horror.
Why Indigenous Horror?
Horror is one of the oldest forms of storytelling, with long roots in folklore, myths, and legends. As the spawn of speculative fiction, its instinctual need is to create a feeling of fear, shock, or disgust. It can be psychological or supernatural — or both. Unfortunately, more often than not, it is white writers who emphasise the folklore and cultural symbols in their horror stories without really understanding the significance of Indigenous culture or traditions. I have read way too many books which have appropriated Indigenous stories to create “native horror tropes.” Writers can do better, and as readers, so can we.
Indigenous Horror Books
If this Indigenous horror books list doesn’t feel long enough, there’s more scheduled for 2022. Top of my wishlist is a forthcoming anthology, with Mykaela Saunders as editor. Earlier this year, Saunders had a callout for speculative fiction from Indigenous Australians — including Indigenous horror. I can’t wait to see what she found. I should note here, Jones has a new book out: My Heart is a Chainsaw. I am hearing great things about this, especially from fans of classic horror movies. A broken young girl takes inspiration from classic horror movies to cope with the horror in her own life. It’s on my TBR list.
