In the book "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate" by Alexander McCall Smith, the protagonist experiences an overwhelming sense of dread that is both sudden and profound. This existential horror stems from her realization of the emptiness surrounding her life, symbolized by her pristine white home filled with sterile decor, including white carpets and furniture.

A crucial aspect of her horror is the absence of books in her living space, which represents a lack of intellectual and emotional depth. Without the presence of literature, she feels a disconnect from the richness of experience and knowledge, highlighting the importance of personal engagement with ideas and stories in defining one's identity and existence.