In order not to burn myself out bingeing the whole book, I made myself keep a steady pace of a chapter or so a day. But oh my god, the way those last few chapters gripped me. Overall, Moreno-Garcia's writing is very vivid and extremely engaging--though of course not everyone is going to be able to stomach the body horror, abuse, assault, etc.

What an effective and (I feel) original metaphor for colonialism, colonialism of the body, and the cycles of abuse.

Wow.

This novel really stands true as a modern version of the classic Victorian Gothic tales like Jane Eyre. And in that sense, you can’t go into this book expecting horror. Gothic Horror is a whole other beast.

Morena-Garcia crafts a truly unnerving story of a menacing family and their unsettling patriarch. I felt this book in my soul.

I mean it, I felt it all with this book: anxiety, rage, my heart melted with the romantic plot, and my skin crawled as Neomí dove deeper into the malicious intents of those around her. I even caught myself with goosebumps in the final chapter.

I highly recommend Mexican Gothic to anyone who is a fan of Gothic literature, or the thriller side of horror. This book left me asking ‘what the f**k is happening?’ every night after I put it down. And when it reached its climax and big reveal it left me screaming ‘WHAT. THE, F**K. IS. HAPPENING!’

As always with anything, make sure to check up on content warnings. Because there are definitely very strong, highly uncomfortable themes in this novel which could be incredibly triggering to some readers.

its an enjoyable read everything was gross and icky and i hated reading the third act becuz i wanted to screammmm but in a good way i was tense i like noemis character but i wished they played into some of her traits more she seems to be a very alluring person who can eaily manipulate i wished they showcasted that more but i guess its understandable due to the nature of the situation i also wish we knew more of catalinas side of the events, especially the events that predate the book so i guess a prequel is very much needed some of the writing was a bit off, like how they mention small insignifcant things from noemis past/life lile i rly dont think they were necessary i like the setting and how you can vividly see the high place in ur mind becuz of the description that was very nice overall i like it a bit more than i thought i would and i would reccomend 

I couldn’t put this book down!  The story is very fast moving, the characters are enticing, and the plot is chock-full of spookiness. 

In a decadent, decaying manor, high above the rural town of El Triunfo, lives a strange English family. The year is 1950 and the mines the Doyles came to exploit have been in disrepair for decades, but still, the standoffish brood remains isolated a top the hill. Noemí Taboada, a socialite from Mexico City, is an unwelcome visitor. Having received a chilling letter from her cousin Catalina, who recently married into the Doyle family, Noemí arrives at High Place concerned for her wellbeing. The Doyles claim that Catalina is ill with tuberculosis and experiencing feverish delusions, but they are suspiciously controlling and prevent Noemí from spending more than a few minutes with Catalina at a time. As the days drag on, Noemí clashes with the family and feels increasingly powerless to help her cousin. When she starts having disturbing visions of her own, Noemí becomes even more desperate to sort things out and depart. But things get a whole lot weirder before the dark reality of Catalina’s illness and the house’s horrific secrets are finally revealed.

Mexican Gothic combines Latin American magic realism and historical suspense with mystery, horror, and a hint of romance. The narrative is told in third person. The beginning mostly details the dreary aspects of life at High Place. But then a series of abnormal events occur, and bizarre supernatural circumstances ultimately bring the story to a head.

This book is full of beautifully crafted depictions of unsettling things that freaked me out to the point of sleeping with the lights on. It might not be the best read for those who prefer a faster paced novel, but the writing is so atmospheric that I personally found even the instances of monotony engrossing. I did not so enjoy the most grotesque horrors, but I’m a wimp and I get sleep paralysis so I’m surprised I even picked this story up… still, no regrets.

Although most of the cast is unlikeable, I was rather fond of the main character. Capable, clever, outspoken, and flirty, Noemí is a strong heroine, but not in a stereotypical way. People underestimate her, but she challenges the standards that say to be feminine is to be weak and that a woman who fancies fashion and fun is just silly or slutty or shallow. As the author has pointed out, we don’t see many Mexican characters portrayed as anything other than maids and laborers in spite of the different socio-economic classes that exist. But Noemí comes from a degree of privilege, and her position also helps embolden her in dealing with the Doyles.

At the start, it seems like the Doyles all have relatively flat personalities. But what lies beneath the family’s austere demeanor is a sadistic ruthlessness. Shy, kind Francis is the only one with any redeemable qualities. Despite being raised up in a household of white supremacists with misplaced humanity, he does not see the world their way or behave like the rest of them. He stays passive far too long, but abuse is all he’s ever known, and it’s important to recognize how hard such things can be to escape.

In terms of messaging, Mexican Gothic contrasts the use of old gothic tropes with a modern discourse on the state of the world, broaching issues like colonialism, racism, and eugenics. The setting makes use of a less referenced part of Mexico's history. And while examining the limits of a woman’s autonomy in 1950s Mexico, the narrative also touches upon the violations women have faced across the world for millennia. I just wish it didn’t depend on repeated descriptions of sexual harassment and assault to get its point across. Certain parts felt a bit excessive to me and I’m not sure all of the graphic content was necessary.

The only other thing I wish was different is the exploration of Catalina’s character. I would’ve liked her to play a bigger role in the story, seeing as she was the whole reason Noemi ended up at High Place.