Scan barcode
jsims20_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kandyqueenk's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
arjohnson5623's review against another edition
5.0
I’m still thinking about this book an absurd amount almost a week after finishing it. It is beautiful and unique and horrifying, and none of it in a way that leaves me unsatisfied that it is over. It is an -experience-. Everyone need to read it, ASAP.
namastelala's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
jmstevens_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
caitcoy's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
As someone who has previously enjoyed modern gothic horror, I was so convinced that I would enjoy this (and I'll admit swayed by that gorgeous cover) that I tried to read it three separate times. The third and final time was for a bookclub and forced me to power through my reservations about it.
The writing style for Mexican Gothic reminds me of a more classic style, with the reader feeling more removed from the character and a sort of distant observer of what's happening. The pacing is also very slow, with Noemi arriving at the manor and getting to know her very odd, reclusive in-laws. While I liked Noemi as a character, I really struggled to connect to the writing style and honestly was incredibly bored for the first two thirds of the book.
The final third of the book accelerates rapidly and wildly, to the point that it felt a bit like whiplash. And the third section also had a ton of elements that are a personal ick for me, to the point that I seriously considered not finishing it. There are definitely content warnings to be aware of for this section.There's a fair amount of sexual assault, with the main character being completely powerless to do anything about it. I get that this is horror and that's part of the horror of it, but between that being something that I actively hate and the overall increasing amount of gross with the mushrooms, I about tapped out. Honestly by the end I needed Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery levels of vengeance and while there is some, it just didn't feel worth it to me.
Overall Mexican Gothic is just one of those gothic horror stories that I have to recognize isn't for me. Between it having some content that I honestly hate reading about, the disconnect with the main character and the uneven pacing, I really didn't enjoy most of this. If you like slower paced gothics (particularly classics) and don't have my issues with the content, it might be more your cup of tea than mine. I still really love the ideas about Mexico and colonialism that the author touched on so I'll still probably try something else from her in the future.
The writing style for Mexican Gothic reminds me of a more classic style, with the reader feeling more removed from the character and a sort of distant observer of what's happening. The pacing is also very slow, with Noemi arriving at the manor and getting to know her very odd, reclusive in-laws. While I liked Noemi as a character, I really struggled to connect to the writing style and honestly was incredibly bored for the first two thirds of the book.
The final third of the book accelerates rapidly and wildly, to the point that it felt a bit like whiplash. And the third section also had a ton of elements that are a personal ick for me, to the point that I seriously considered not finishing it. There are definitely content warnings to be aware of for this section.
Overall Mexican Gothic is just one of those gothic horror stories that I have to recognize isn't for me. Between it having some content that I honestly hate reading about, the disconnect with the main character and the uneven pacing, I really didn't enjoy most of this. If you like slower paced gothics (particularly classics) and don't have my issues with the content, it might be more your cup of tea than mine. I still really love the ideas about Mexico and colonialism that the author touched on so I'll still probably try something else from her in the future.
halieghkai's review against another edition
4.0
Mexican Gothic is a classic gothic horror set in the glamorous 1950s. It was a slow-burn read with a blood-boiling twist. If it wasn't for the foreshadows, I don't think I would've finished this book, but here we are, finished and amused!
I consider the genre a Domestic Thriller than a Horror due to the atmosphere. The uncomfortable dialogues about Eugenics and the sheer audacity of colonizers infuriated me (kudos to the author!) The extent one will go to take what they want in this story will have your skin itching, side-eyeing the stain on your wall, and smoking cigarettes (optional).
We follow our protagonist, Noemí, an indomitable socialite as her worldview flipped upside down the moment her father received a letter from her newly wedded cousin begging for help.
Being a woman in that era (as you'd expect) was very restrictive, and Noemí had ambitions, one of which she wanted to attend University. Her father presented an ultimatum—the only way she'll be able to attend university is if she agrees to visit her cousin Catalina in High Place— the place where the story begins or ends.
I can't believe that I'm saying this but, I enjoyed this book! Sure, my patience was tested in the first half of the book due to the slow pacing, but I appreciated how the author sprinkled little hints and elements enough to fuel my curiosity, and that's what makes a slow burn worth the burn in my opinion.
There were history lessons in this book as well, referencing Mexico's Independence that tied in so cleverly with the plot. But with praise, I must also warn that this book has triggers that involve SA (Nothing too graphic but the first encounter will be Chapter 12.)
Reading between the lines, you'll notice that this book is an Exploration of Womanhood through the Marginalized. The pain women endured through our bloodlines connects us in more ways than one, and the root cause, of course, is the patriarchy. It begs the question, how will we release this pain?
My Critiques:
The book ended too abruptly for me. It felt as though the last chapter ended on a breath that never exhaled. I wish an epilogue was added to know what happened in the aftermath—like, did Noemí attend university? If anything, I'm hopeful that the upcoming Hulu series adaptation will provide some clarity which I'm really excited about!
I consider the genre a Domestic Thriller than a Horror due to the atmosphere. The uncomfortable dialogues about Eugenics and the sheer audacity of colonizers infuriated me (kudos to the author!) The extent one will go to take what they want in this story will have your skin itching, side-eyeing the stain on your wall, and smoking cigarettes (optional).
We follow our protagonist, Noemí, an indomitable socialite as her worldview flipped upside down the moment her father received a letter from her newly wedded cousin begging for help.
Being a woman in that era (as you'd expect) was very restrictive, and Noemí had ambitions, one of which she wanted to attend University. Her father presented an ultimatum—the only way she'll be able to attend university is if she agrees to visit her cousin Catalina in High Place— the place where the story begins or ends.
I can't believe that I'm saying this but, I enjoyed this book! Sure, my patience was tested in the first half of the book due to the slow pacing, but I appreciated how the author sprinkled little hints and elements enough to fuel my curiosity, and that's what makes a slow burn worth the burn in my opinion.
There were history lessons in this book as well, referencing Mexico's Independence that tied in so cleverly with the plot. But with praise, I must also warn that this book has triggers that involve SA (Nothing too graphic but the first encounter will be Chapter 12.)
Reading between the lines, you'll notice that this book is an Exploration of Womanhood through the Marginalized. The pain women endured through our bloodlines connects us in more ways than one, and the root cause, of course, is the patriarchy. It begs the question, how will we release this pain?
My Critiques:
The book ended too abruptly for me. It felt as though the last chapter ended on a breath that never exhaled. I wish an epilogue was added to know what happened in the aftermath—like, did Noemí attend university? If anything, I'm hopeful that the upcoming Hulu series adaptation will provide some clarity which I'm really excited about!
caitlynischeckedout's review against another edition
3.5
This book was… Interesting. It’s got that slow burn, creeping dread kind of horror that I did like, but it definitely felt like it took forever to get anywhere. I love Moreno-Garcia’s writing and the poetic way she describes scenes, but I do think sometimes she over explains the plot. Like when there was a nightmare, she’s quick to tell you that the truth and fiction are crossing, but I think I would’ve liked it more had I not known truly what was real and what was not.
The “monster” was a fascinating take and added to the trapped feeling of the story, but with how many times Noemí did get out of the house, I couldn’t help but think “why isn’t she going for help?” She knew that something was wrong but just kept letting herself get trapped there, despite us being told over and over that Noemí is strong and independent.
The romance subplot was interesting and I couldn’t help but care for his character and didn’t want him to die, but also I’m not sure it seems realistic that he *did* get out after he just explained to us that no one could. That left the story feeling a bit unfinished to me.
Overall it’s a fascinating horror and I did like the concepts, but it just didn’t quite land for me.
The “monster” was a fascinating take and added to the trapped feeling of the story, but with how many times Noemí did get out of the house, I couldn’t help but think “why isn’t she going for help?” She knew that something was wrong but just kept letting herself get trapped there, despite us being told over and over that Noemí is strong and independent.
The romance subplot was interesting and I couldn’t help but care for his character and didn’t want him to die, but also I’m not sure it seems realistic that he *did* get out after he just explained to us that no one could. That left the story feeling a bit unfinished to me.
Overall it’s a fascinating horror and I did like the concepts, but it just didn’t quite land for me.
andotherworlds's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 // Hello, hello. Yes it is I, Nicolette, the one who has been in a two month reading slump and still is in the midst of one. I decided to pick this up for Halloween for the spooky vibes I expected. Well, uh, it appears that I was just a tad bit late. Like only 12 days late right. Anyways, I went into this with the expectations being a gothic story with light horror. And while that element was there, this was so much more. To those who are reading this review so they can see if this is a worthwhile book, I would recommend giving it a try, but I would also say that it is more fun if you don't know much going into it like me, because trust me you will be in for a surprise. ALSO TW FOR SEXUAL ASSULT AND SOME OTHER DIFFICULT TOPICS (I'M SURE YOU CAN FIND A LIST SOMEWHERE ONLINE JUST BE AWARE)
To those who have read it, or those who just want to read my thoughts, here are some bulleted notes I took whilst reading:
- So far a bit too fast and obvious
- I take that back, why did this generally decent book go from dark academia vibezzz to killer haunted mushrooms where the hell did they come from
- I think that bringing up this aspect of racism in the estate is quite important and prevalent. It almost seems like a nod to the white washing of the dark academia aesthetic and the entire realm of early gothic fiction.
- I like Noemie, Francis is a bit flat, Virgil would be an interesting character study but I guess we won't get much of that give this is in first person perspective (Noemie)
- Uh... mushrooms? REALLY
- EVERYONE LIVED WTF
- Ok but that ending was so "meh" was it really all that necessary I mean yeah we could go the hopeful route but still it felt off. "I THOUGHT I DREAMED YOU. I'M REAL" BAHAHAJDH BRO
Overall this was a decent read. I'm not sure if the turn it took was for me, but it was definitely an experience.
To those who have read it, or those who just want to read my thoughts, here are some bulleted notes I took whilst reading:
- So far a bit too fast and obvious
- I take that back, why did this generally decent book go from dark academia vibezzz to killer haunted mushrooms where the hell did they come from
- I think that bringing up this aspect of racism in the estate is quite important and prevalent. It almost seems like a nod to the white washing of the dark academia aesthetic and the entire realm of early gothic fiction.
- I like Noemie, Francis is a bit flat, Virgil would be an interesting character study but I guess we won't get much of that give this is in first person perspective (Noemie)
- Uh... mushrooms? REALLY
- EVERYONE LIVED WTF
- Ok but that ending was so "meh" was it really all that necessary I mean yeah we could go the hopeful route but still it felt off. "I THOUGHT I DREAMED YOU. I'M REAL" BAHAHAJDH BRO
Overall this was a decent read. I'm not sure if the turn it took was for me, but it was definitely an experience.