Where to read popular Dark Academia books in Oxford, UK
Babel, or the Necessity of Violence by R.F. Kuang
My number one recommended dark academia book to read in Oxford is Babel by R.F. Kuang, whose setting takes place in fictionalized version of Oxford. Imagine reading Babel while inside the Radcliffe Camera library, the real life inspiration for the prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, or Babel tower, featured in the book.
I had the pleasure of reading the book in September 2022, when Babel won Blackwell's Books of the Year for Fiction. For the full immersive experience, I recommend reading the book in the autumn, when Oxford begins to fill with students returning for the upcoming school year.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
While the bacchanal scenes that take place in The Secret History are set in the Vermont countryside, there are many settings in Oxford that are reminiscent of the setting in the book.
I recommend reading this novel on a picnic at Christ Church Meadows. The grand gothic medieval architecture of Christ Church college remind me of grandness of Francis' estate featured in the novel.
I'd also recommend reading the novel at Port Meadow, a large livestock field with a pond and tavern. During spring and summertime, students frequent the area and host picnics and drunken gatherings. Sometimes there'll even be horses on the grounds.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
If We Were Villains is a story of young student actors studying Shakespeare and their attempt to convince police and themselves that they're blameless.
I'd recommend reading this novel at the Oxford Union library, which features a collection of literature from around the world. After reading, you can visit the debate chamber located across the courtyard from the library.
Bunny by Mona Awad
I recommend reading Bunny in the springtime, preferably outside while on a picnic as well.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Of course, while in Oxford, you have to read the Harry Potter series. Our top recommendation would be to enjoy the series in the Duke Humphrey's library, which was featured in the movie adaptation.
You can further immerse yourself in the Wizarding World with our guide below. Our guide extends outside of Oxford and also recommends places to visit in London.
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