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Let’s dive into Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I’ll be upfront—this book took me by surprise in the best way possible. If you haven’t read it yet, and you’re not into spoilers, I’d suggest hitting pause on this post right now. But if you’re still here, let’s get into it.

First off, this book delves into some seriously heavy themes, like eugenics and, yes, kissing cousins. I know, it’s as unsettling as it sounds, but trust me—it’s disturbingly good. I hope I haven’t scared you off, but if you’re still with me, let’s talk about why Mexican Gothic is such an essential read.

One of the things that struck me about this novel is how it taps into the mentality that still lingers in some parts of the Latinx community: the idea of “bettering the race” by encouraging marriages with lighter-skinned people with more European features. Moreno-Garcia brilliantly weaves this into the fabric of the story, transporting us back to a time when such ideas were not only prevalent but entrenched in the social fabric. The protagonist, Noemí, is a young, fearless woman who sets out to rescue her cousin after receiving a cryptic and unsettling letter. What she uncovers is a horrifying truth about the family her cousin has married into—a colonizing British family in Mexico who are getting rich off indigenous lands and labor. Sound familiar?

The family she encounters believes in the so-called superiority of the white race, and their twisted ideology has led them down a path of incestuous marriages to maintain their “pure” bloodline. It’s grotesque, but it’s also a stark reflection of the colonial mindset that persists in subtle ways even today.

I absolutely adore how Silvia Moreno-Garcia creates strong, independent female characters. Noemí is no damsel in distress—she’s intelligent, resourceful, and unafraid to confront the horrors she uncovers. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen this in Moreno-Garcia’s work; her female leads are consistently well-rounded, capable of making their own decisions, and fully aware of their circumstances. This is something I also admired in Certain Dark Things, and I can’t wait to explore more of her work.

If you’re a writer, Mexican Gothic is a masterclass in character development. Moreno-Garcia does a phenomenal job of building Noemí’s character by allowing her to tap into her past to assess her present and future. She understands the constraints of her time but doesn’t let them define her. The internal monologues and dialogues are so on point, giving us a deep, intimate look into Noemí’s thoughts and fears. It’s the kind of writing that pulls you in and refuses to let go.

Now, let’s talk about the gothic vibes. This book gave me all the La Hacienda feels with its eerie, almost sentient house that’s dripping with a dark history. But here’s the twist: while La Hacienda leans heavily into the paranormal, Mexican Gothic straddles a fascinating line between the supernatural and the scientific. You’re never quite sure what’s real and what’s the product of twisted science or hallucinations induced by opium or other substances. Is the house truly haunted, or is it all in their minds? That ambiguity keeps you guessing, much like the show Evil, where you’re constantly trying to figure out if the events are paranormal or just the result of human malevolence or even science.

The sleepwalking episodes, the strange drinks, the unsettling hallucinations—are they the result of supernatural forces, or is there something more sinister at play? This uncertainty keeps you on the edge of your seat, and it’s a testament to Moreno-Garcia’s skill that she manages to keep you hooked from start to finish.

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In short, Mexican Gothic is a book that surprised me, unsettled me, and ultimately impressed me with its layers of depth and its strong, well-developed characters. It’s a reminder of why we need more stories like this—stories that confront uncomfortable truths and give us a window into the darker aspects of our history and culture. Silvia Moreno-Garcia has once again proven herself to be a powerhouse of storytelling, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

If you’re into gothic horror with a twist, compelling characters, and a story that will keep you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page, Mexican Gothic is a must-read. Just be prepared—it’s going to take you on one hell of a ride.

And speaking of gothic vibes, if you’re as captivated by Mexican Gothic as I am, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for my upcoming series, The Devil That Haunts Them. The series includes Under The Flamboyant Tree, The Devil That Haunts Me, and a yet untitled third book from La Doña’s perspective. These books are rich with family drama, infused with magical realism, and, like The Devil That Haunts Me, steeped in gothic and supernatural elements. If you love stories that explore deep emotional and cultural truths with a touch of the eerie and mysterious, I think you’ll find something to love in this series. Stay tuned!

#MexicanGothic #SilviaMorenoGarcia #GothicHorror #LatinxBooks #OwnVoices #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #DiverseReads