Scan barcode
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I picked this book up because it is an upcoming Literally Dead Book Club pick.
"Monstrilio" is a heart wrenching horror book that follows a grieving mother, Magos. Following the death of her son, Santiago, Magos cuts a piece of his lung out and cares for it because of an old folktale. The lung grows and evolves into what the family names Monstrilio. They keep him hidden in their home in Mexico City until Monstrilio starts to resemble Santiago.
I really enjoyed this book as an exploration of grief and loss. Magos wants more than anything to have her son back, and her desperation drives her to allow the creation of Monstrilio. This creature is not human, and he causes great chaos, but Magos cannot bear to give up on the idea that he is a piece of her baby boy.
I have not read any horror like this, and I have not read much that explores a folktale quite like this. This story is rich with culture and hope.
I look forward to seeing what Gerardo Sámano Córdova writes in the future!
"Monstrilio" is a heart wrenching horror book that follows a grieving mother, Magos. Following the death of her son, Santiago, Magos cuts a piece of his lung out and cares for it because of an old folktale. The lung grows and evolves into what the family names Monstrilio. They keep him hidden in their home in Mexico City until Monstrilio starts to resemble Santiago.
I really enjoyed this book as an exploration of grief and loss. Magos wants more than anything to have her son back, and her desperation drives her to allow the creation of Monstrilio. This creature is not human, and he causes great chaos, but Magos cannot bear to give up on the idea that he is a piece of her baby boy.
I have not read any horror like this, and I have not read much that explores a folktale quite like this. This story is rich with culture and hope.
I look forward to seeing what Gerardo Sámano Córdova writes in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Animal cruelty, Child death, Gore, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy
More...