bjkingape 's review for:

Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

4.25

adventurous dark mysterious reflective tense 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

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Family grief and love through a lens of horror, done well! Cordova offers a story centered on difference, that is, a being brought into existence who is sentient and humanlike at times but very much not human nor wanting to be.  His family responds to him with loyalty but also with great emotional struggle. Some who love him can't quite see him for who he truly is, which was a key point for me (love isn't always enough). The queer body horror makes a good frame for all of this, right on theme and never superfluous.