Studying the Shadowy Genre of Dark Academia

Congratulations, we’re pleased to offer you an exclusive place in this one hour exploration of the Dark Academia novel — a genre defined by intrigue and academic elitism, isolation and otherness, magical realism, and psychological suspense. You don’t have to be an expert in the genre to attend; just a curious reader.

In this session, we’ll look at examples from classics like Brideshead Revisited to cult favorites like The Secret History, and contemporary breakouts like Ninth House and Babel, and explore at how this genre emerged and evolved. We’ll also look at how diverse new authors are challenging its traditions, and how the genre has been reimagined beyond books, as in Shonda Rhimes’ TV hit How to Get Away With M**der.

If you’re intrigued by gothic halls and sharp, moody cultural critique, this session will offer a compelling consideration of why Dark Academia continues to captivate — and what it says about our obsession with knowledge, identity, and power.

Reading List:

A Separate Peace – John Knowles

The Secret History – Donna Tartt

Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro

Babel, or the Necessity of Violence – R.F. Kuang

Ninth House – Leigh Bardugo

Catherine House – Elisabeth Thomas

Special Topics in Calamity Physics – Marisha Pessl

All levels are welcome.

Stef Ferrari is a New York Times bestselling author, and an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and artist. Her forthcoming debut novel is a queer YA rom-com set in Brooklyn amid the magic of the holiday season. As a journalist, she’s a contributing writer to publications including The New York Times, and covers her greatest obsession: women’s sports.

Also check out other Arts events in Brooklyn, Literary Art events in Brooklyn, Sports events in Brooklyn.