A review by kcbookshelf
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Firstly, the mention of Sor Juana took me by surprise and nearly made me cry. So good to see her being talked about even if it’s only two lines. The book was incredibly atmospheric, interesting and clever. It had me gripped and pulling cringed faces all the way through. It’s a clever idea that givens science to haunting and the concept behind it was truly intriguing. Glad I have finally read a SMG book, especially since I have her whole collection! On to the next!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Cannibalism, Sexual harassment, and Child death

Moderate: Incest, Rape, Xenophobia, Violence, Racism, Suicide, Colonisation, Death of parent, and Death

Minor: Miscarriage, Murder, Slavery, and Racial slurs

Incest

The family at the house survive on incest and having children together to carry on the bloodline

Sexual harassment etc.

Virgil in particular is a very uncomfortable character. Tried to force himself on Noemi multiple times and suggests others should too. There is also a scene with her being forced to kiss the old man.

Racism, colonialism, xenophobia, general mentions along these topics - I believe the topic of the book works well to highlight these issues by using a fictional 1950s Mexico. Particular comments made around inferior and superior races, certain looks, and inbreeding, comes from an incredibly horrible character.