Plain Bad Heroines: Buy Emily M. Danforth’s Novel in Sri Lanka
Key Takeaways
- “Plain Bad Heroines” is a 2020 gothic-comedy novel by American author Emily M. Danforth, blending a 1902 girls’ boarding-school tragedy with a present-day Hollywood film adaptation.
- The book is a queer, darkly funny horror-mystery that weaves two timelines around a cursed New England academy called Brookhants.
- Readers in Sri Lanka can buy Plain Bad Heroines online from Bookshop Near Me with island-wide delivery.
- It suits fans of gothic fiction, feminist storytelling, LGBTQ+ narratives, and slow-burn mysteries with wit.
- Danforth is best known for her acclaimed 2012 debut, The Miseducation of Cameron Post.
“Plain Bad Heroines” by Emily M. Danforth is a 2020 gothic horror-comedy novel that follows two connected stories: a series of mysterious deaths at a girls’ boarding school in 1902, and a modern film crew adapting that tragedy into a movie. If you have been searching for Plain Bad Heroines in Sri Lanka, you can order it online with convenient island-wide delivery from Bookshop Near Me. This guide explains what the book is about, who wrote it, why it is worth reading, and where to buy it locally.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Plain Bad Heroines |
| Author | Emily M. Danforth |
| Genre | Gothic Fiction / Horror-Comedy / LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction |
| Published | 2020 |
| Format | Paperback / Hardcover |
| Setting | Rhode Island, USA (1902 & present day) |
| Availability in Sri Lanka | Bookshop Near Me — island-wide delivery |
What is “Plain Bad Heroines” about?
“Plain Bad Heroines” is about a cursed girls’ boarding school called Brookhants, where two students died in 1902 while obsessed with a scandalous memoir, and the modern film crew that arrives more than a century later to turn the legend into a horror movie. The novel braids these two timelines together into one sprawling, atmospheric story.
In the 1902 storyline, students Flo and Clara are found dead, seemingly killed by a swarm of yellow jacket wasps, with a copy of a real (and controversial) memoir near their bodies. Their deaths spark rumours of a curse that spreads through the school.
In the present-day storyline, three women collide as the tragedy becomes a film. Merritt Emmons is the young author whose book about Brookhants inspired the movie. Harper Harper is a famous actress cast in the lead, and Audrey Wells is a former child star hoping for a comeback. As filming begins, strange and unsettling events suggest the curse may not be fiction after all.
The book mixes horror, dark comedy, romance, and metafiction. Footnotes, illustrations, and a chatty narrator guide you through the story, making it feel playful even when the subject matter turns eerie. You can find the full edition on the Plain Bad Heroines product page.
Who is Emily M. Danforth?
Emily M. Danforth is an American author best known for her 2012 debut novel “The Miseducation of Cameron Post,” a coming-of-age story that was later adapted into an award-winning 2018 film. She writes literary fiction with strong queer themes, sharp humour, and richly drawn characters.
Danforth grew up in Miles City, Montana, a setting that shaped much of her early work. She earned an MFA in fiction and a PhD in creative writing, and she has taught writing at the university level. Her academic background shows in the layered structure and confident storytelling of her books.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post won critical praise for its honest portrayal of a young lesbian sent to a conversion-therapy camp, and it became a landmark young-adult title. With Plain Bad Heroines, her first novel for adult readers, Danforth expanded into gothic horror while keeping the wit and emotional depth that defined her earlier work.
You can explore more about her writing and background on the Emily M. Danforth author page. Readers who enjoy authors that mix humour with serious themes tend to connect strongly with her style.
What makes “Plain Bad Heroines” worth reading?
“Plain Bad Heroines” is worth reading because it combines gothic atmosphere, genuine humour, queer romance, and a clever dual-timeline mystery in a single, ambitious book. It is one of the more original gothic novels of recent years, and it rewards readers who enjoy slow-building tension.
Here are the standout reasons it appeals to so many readers:
- A distinctive narrator: The chatty, knowing voice speaks directly to you and adds dark comedy throughout.
- Two intertwined stories: The 1902 tragedy and the modern film shoot mirror and echo each other in satisfying ways.
- Strong queer representation: The central characters are women who love women, portrayed with warmth and complexity.
- Atmospheric horror: Wasps, curses, and a decaying school create genuine unease without relying on cheap scares.
- Illustrations and footnotes: The book’s design makes it feel like an object you want to hold and revisit.
At over 600 pages, it is a substantial read, so it suits people who like to sink into a long, immersive story. If you enjoy books that blend genres rather than sticking to one, this novel offers plenty to explore. Reserve your copy through the Bookshop Near Me listing.
Who should read this book?
You should read “Plain Bad Heroines” if you enjoy gothic mysteries, dark humour, LGBTQ+ stories, and long, atmospheric novels that reward patience. It is aimed at adult readers rather than young teens, mainly due to its length, mature themes, and occasional graphic content.
This book is a strong match for:
- Fans of gothic and horror fiction who like slow-burn dread over jump scares.
- Readers who love metafiction — stories that play with narration, footnotes, and self-awareness.
- LGBTQ+ readers and anyone looking for queer central characters written with depth.
- Book lovers who enjoy long reads and don’t mind investing time in a complex plot.
- Readers who liked Sarah Waters, Shirley Jackson, or Danforth’s own earlier work.
If you prefer fast, short thrillers or light romance, this may feel dense in places. But for readers in Sri Lanka who want something ambitious and different from the usual bestsellers, it stands out. It also makes a memorable gift for the gothic-fiction fan in your life.
Books similar to “Plain Bad Heroines”
If you enjoyed “Plain Bad Heroines,” you may also like historical fiction, witty romance, and character-driven stories with strong women at their centre. Here are titles available at Bookshop Near Me that pair well with Danforth’s novel.
- If you loved the historical scope and strong female leads, read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah — a moving World War II story about two sisters in France.
- If you enjoyed the wit and romance, try Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood — a smart, funny contemporary romance with a science-driven heroine.
- If the layered, multi-timeline storytelling drew you in, pick up The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. — a rich historical saga about a remarkable woman’s journey.
- If you appreciate grand, epic narratives full of drama and moral complexity, explore Mahabharata: Stories of Valor and Virtue for timeless tales of heroism and human nature.
These titles span genres, but each offers the same pleasures readers love in Plain Bad Heroines: memorable heroines, emotional depth, and stories that stay with you long after the last page.
Where can I buy “Plain Bad Heroines” in Sri Lanka?
You can buy “Plain Bad Heroines” in Sri Lanka online from Bookshop Near Me, which offers island-wide delivery to Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, and every district. Ordering online is the easiest way to get a copy delivered to your doorstep without visiting a physical store.
To order:
- Visit the Plain Bad Heroines product page.
- Add the book to your cart and enter your delivery address.
- Choose your payment method and confirm your order.
- Your book is packed and shipped anywhere in Sri Lanka.
Bookshop Near Me stocks a wide range of fiction, from gothic novels to romance and historical epics. If you want to read more by the same author first, browse the Emily M. Danforth author page to see available titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Plain Bad Heroines” a horror novel?
“Plain Bad Heroines” is best described as a gothic horror-comedy. It blends genuine dread and eerie, supernatural-tinged events with dark humour and a playful narrator, so it is scary in atmosphere but not a traditional slasher-style horror.
Is “Plain Bad Heroines” suitable for young readers?
“Plain Bad Heroines” is written for adult readers. It contains mature themes, some graphic content, and a long, complex structure, making it better suited to readers aged 17 and above rather than younger teens.
How long is “Plain Bad Heroines”?
“Plain Bad Heroines” is a long novel of roughly 600 pages. It is an immersive read that suits people who enjoy settling into a big, layered story rather than a quick weekend read.
Do I need to read Emily M. Danforth’s other books first?
No, “Plain Bad Heroines” is a standalone novel and can be read on its own. However, many readers also enjoy her acclaimed debut, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, which shares her signature wit and queer storytelling.
Does the book have LGBTQ+ characters?
Yes, “Plain Bad Heroines” features queer women as its central characters in both timelines. LGBTQ+ relationships and identity are woven through the heart of the story.
Can I get “Plain Bad Heroines” delivered outside Colombo?
Yes. Bookshop Near Me delivers island-wide across Sri Lanka, including Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, Kurunegala, and rural districts, so you can order from anywhere on the island.
Final Thoughts
“Plain Bad Heroines” by Emily M. Danforth is a bold, genre-blending novel that rewards readers who love gothic atmosphere, sharp humour, and stories built around strong, complicated women. Its dual timeline, memorable characters, and playful design make it stand out from ordinary thrillers and romances.
If you are ready to dive into Brookhants and its curse, order your copy today from the Plain Bad Heroines page at Bookshop Near Me and enjoy fast, island-wide delivery anywhere in Sri Lanka. Happy reading!