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samsterleeee's review against another edition
3.0
I absolutely adore Silvia Moreno-Garcia; "Mexican Gothic" is one of my favorite books. I guess I wanted something similar out of this book, but it was not, obviously. It's set against some real life conflict between the native Mayans and Mexican (Spaniards) in Mexico. It was an interesting tale. I've never read the novel this is based on, but it was interesting nonetheless.
b0okcupidity's review against another edition
I was excited to read this book, it sounded fantastic to me. I love a deeply atmospheric read. I just could NOT get into the slow pacing or writing style (which felt sterile).
jasisreading's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
laurenkraigco's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aniventure's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
undercoverfeesh's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.85 ⭐️
I love how lush, gorgeous, mysterious and wild the Yucatán landscape seemed in this novel. The colonizers' misconception that the Yucatán was an island -- and the jungle's vitality and impenetrability -- helped create a perfect setup for a retelling of "The Island of Doctor Moreau."
The book shone through its themes of feminism and its unflinching examination of colorism/internalized racism in Mexican society, Mexico's patriarchy, and the history of the enslavement of the Maya people (and ensuing Maya resistance).
I did find the plot largely predictable; hence, its 3.85 star rating. But, as a woman of Mexican descent, it felt so good and meaningful to read this book and feel so at home in the wilderness.
I love how lush, gorgeous, mysterious and wild the Yucatán landscape seemed in this novel. The colonizers' misconception that the Yucatán was an island -- and the jungle's vitality and impenetrability -- helped create a perfect setup for a retelling of "The Island of Doctor Moreau."
The book shone through its themes of feminism and its unflinching examination of colorism/internalized racism in Mexican society, Mexico's patriarchy, and the history of the enslavement of the Maya people (and ensuing Maya resistance).
I did find the plot largely predictable; hence, its 3.85 star rating. But, as a woman of Mexican descent, it felt so good and meaningful to read this book and feel so at home in the wilderness.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Misogyny
annika_th's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Cool characters and thoughtful themes. I was hoping it would be spookier.
smfaulkner's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
agwood32's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know what it is about SMG's writing, but I eat her books up in like two days. Regardless of my nit-picky comments, she's always going to deliver a story that pulls me in.
elread0's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0