A review by wundini
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

This is my second book by Silvia Moreno this year, and once again, it doesn’t disappoint. It’s a stylish nod to the gothic tradition of British classics, with Englishmen imported to a castle in the Mexican mountains, blending horror and a love story. There’s something charmingly ‘pulpy’ about it, in the best possible way. The writing is accessible, the plot is engaging, and the concept feels fresh. Despite its readability, it’s far from superficial—there are references to Wuthering Heights, Ruth Benedict, and Margaret Mead, which add intellectual depth. The novel also brings an anthropological twist, touching on themes of native populations, colonialism, and the misogyny of the nobility. My only critique is that the 1950s setting feels underdeveloped and lacks the detail needed to fully evoke the era.


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