William Faulkner's novel, Sanctuary (1931), describes horrifying acts and their results in the American South, and probes themes of individual and social evil, disillusionment, and the possibility of achieving justice in an unjust world.

Daphne Du Manner's classic gothic novel Rebecca (1938) presents a tale of the psychological manipulation of a young bride by her wealthy, troubled husband, Max de Winter. The narrator's insecurity and constant comparisons to her husband's deceased first wife, Rebecca, lead to inaccurate perceptions that give way to surprising truths in the novel's suspenseful conclusion.

The Member of the Wedding, Carson McCullers's 1946 novel of emotional conflicts and the difficult transition into adulthood. Its twelve-year-old female protagonist Frankie Addams wishes to be called F. Jasmine Addams and mistakenly believes she will be accompanying her older brother on his honeymoon. McCullers's deft use of perspective allows readers to understand and...