As we near the end of Capricorn season, fear not; there is still time to squeeze in a few fantastic novels from some acclaimed Capricorn authors. These novels are truly by Capricorns, for Capricorns — almost all of them feature strong-willed, resilient, practical, stubborn characters. Check out this list to find your next read before the season ends or whenever you feel like celebrating Capricorn authors.
1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Listen, we both know that everyone has told you to read this book and that it’s the best book they’ve ever read. And, I’m telling you right now, it deserves the hype. This book follows a group of smart, overachieving students at an elite New England college who, under the influence of their fascinating professor, discover a new way of thinking. However, this new discovery leads them to commit terrible acts. This book explores themes of morality and justice and asks the question, how far will you go to keep a secret?
A Capricorn would feel very represented in this book, with the main character, Richard Papen, being a sensitive, hard-working, and ambitious student. But don’t read it if you don’t enjoy unlikeable characters!
2. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
Based on a true story from Capricorn Patricia Highsmith’s life, The Price of Salt follows Therese Belivet, who, while working at a dreary department store, lays her eyes upon the stunning and intriguing Carol Aird. Thus begins an obsessive and beautiful romance, complete with the drama of a cross-country road trip while being pursued by a private investigator. The Price of Salt is also a key piece of lesbian history, as it is commonly referred to as the first lesbian novel with a happy ending to be published in the United States.
While the film adaptation, Carol, is somewhat known as a Christmas movie, the setting of the book ranges from a few days before Christmas to after New Year, so it’s still the perfect time to read it.
3. Animal by Lisa Taddeo
After our main character, Joan, witnesses a horrific act of violence, she drives to Los Angeles from New York City in search of Alice, who she sees as the key to making sense of her traumatic past. This book is certainly not for the faint of heart. It’s dark, thought-provoking, and gut-wrenching, but it is truly an incredible story, one of the best I’ve ever read. If you love themes of feminine rage, you will be obsessed with this book.
The ruling planet of Capricorn is Saturn, which represents restriction. Capricorns, in turn, are often practical and exhibit excellent self-control. Does our protagonist, Joan, exhibit these tendencies? I guess you’ll have to see for yourself…
4. Maurice by E. M. Forster
E.M. Forster is the perfect example of a resilient Capricorn. He was a homosexual during a time when homosexuality was illegal in the UK, but he still had many passionate relationships with men. His novel Maurice reflects this and tells a beautiful story about Maurice, a young gay man, and his experiences in University and beyond. Maurice’s determination to be true to himself, even if it goes against society’s expectations, is also reminiscent of Capricorn traits.
5. The Woman Destroyed by Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir is very well-known for her quote, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” Though this is thoroughly explored in her book The Second Sex, The Woman Destroyed offers de Beauvoir’s philosophy through the more accessible novel. There are three stories in this text, and each story demonstrates the ways in which women are forced by society to be dependent on men. This book would surely make you angry, but the responsible Capricorn would want to know more about sexism and gender-based oppression!
6. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
This book truly needs no introduction, as we all know the story of Bella Swan, who moves from beautiful, sun-touched Arizona to the tiny, dreary town of Forks, Washington. Luckily for her, Forks is full of sexy vampires, and she quickly falls for one, even though his most passionate desire is to drink her blood.
Revisit a childhood classic or find a fun, entertaining YA series with the first book of Capricorn Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight. Because of the absolute grip that Twilight had on every teenager from 2005-2013, I can guarantee you can easily find 10 copies of it on the shelves of your local Goodwill, and who doesn’t love an occasional YA throwback read?
Whether you enjoy a dramatic thriller like The Secret History or Animal, think-pieces like The Woman Destroyed, iconic queer romances, or vampire YA, there are ample opportunities to support and celebrate Capricorn authors. None of these tickled your fancy? Don’t worry; the resilient Capricorn star sign has many other highly praised fiction writers under its umbrella: J.R.R. Tolkien, Jack London, Haruki Murakami, Henry Miller, Edgar Alan Poe, Patti Smith, David Sedaris, and many more!
Get a head start on Aquarius season with this Bookstr list!
Check out this Bookshop shelf for more Capricorn authors!
