Is Encyclopedia Gothica A Novel Or Non-Fiction?

'Encyclopedia Gothica' is a novel disguised as non-fiction, and that’s what makes it so fun. It’s written like a real reference book, complete with alphabetical entries and faux-academic tone, but everything inside is fictional or exaggerated for comedic effect. I love how it toys with the idea of authority—it looks like something you’d study for a test on gothic culture, but it’s really a love letter to the absurdity of subcultures. If you’re expecting a dry historical text, you’ll be surprised (and probably delighted) by its playful approach. It’s the kind of book that makes you smirk while reading it in public.

I stumbled upon 'Encyclopedia Gothica' while browsing through a quirky little bookstore downtown, and the title immediately caught my attention. At first glance, it sounded like some kind of dark, academic tome—maybe a guide to gothic subculture or a deep dive into macabre history. But when I flipped through it, I realized it’s actually a novel, and a pretty clever one at that. The author, Liisa Ladouceur, crafts it as a satirical reference book, packed with fake entries about gothic culture, music, and even fictional bands. It’s hilarious if you’re into dry humor and niche aesthetics, though I can see why some might mistake it for non-fiction at first. The way it mimics an actual encyclopedia is so convincing! It’s one of those books that blurs the line between fact and fiction, playing with form in a way that feels fresh. If you love gothic culture or just enjoy meta humor, it’s definitely worth a read—just don’t expect to actually learn historical facts from it.

What’s fascinating is how the book taps into the gothic subculture’s love for melodrama and irony. It’s filled with absurdly detailed entries on things like 'How to Properly Swoon' or 'The Taxonomy of Black Eyeliner,' all written with a straight face. I found myself laughing at how seriously it takes itself, even while poking fun at the very tropes it celebrates. It’s not for everyone—some might find the joke wears thin—but if you’ve ever rolled your eyes at gothic clichés while secretly loving them, this book feels like an inside joke you’re in on. I ended up buying it as a gift for a friend who dresses like a Victorian vampire, and they adored it.