A review by emmalong
Where They Burn Books, They Also Burn People by Marcos Antonio Hernandez

3.0

probably one of my most highly anticipated books of the year due to the content, but fell somewhat flat. the book was published as two separate works but combined into one and is intended to read it as such. but i just did not like the storyline of Cortez in modern day. Cortez is a very clearly neurodivergent-coded character, but his traits of stalking and persistent dark thoughts just paint a bad picture for those who relate to his quirks. the story of Friar Diego in the Yucatan Peninsula was much more engaging, albeit devastating, but there were layers to that story - especially in comparison to the modern day. the lazy "connection" between the two stories pushed me over the edge. however, my biggest gripe is the sexualization and lack of importance placed on the women of the story. i have a pretty strong feeling that their roles were not as minimal as the author made them out to be and i felt it was a pretty short-sighted portrayal of women. overall, just a fine book with some important highlights of the shadowy past and dark beginnings of Catholicism, but definitely missed the mark in a few places.