Book Review: Mexican Gothic
Hi everyone! I am back with my next book review! For the month(s) of June and July, we (the book club) decided to read the book ‘Mexican Gothic’. This book came out in 2020 and have been seeing it EVERYWHERE as a recommended read. Well, I finally got to read it! Here is my honest review of this book!
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Review: I was not able to finish the book, so this will be a short review. I do plan to finish this book. Okay, so I genuinely enjoyed what I’ve read so far. One discrepancy I did have was that some conversations were written in English while they could have been in Spanish given setting of the book, BUT I might have been corrected (at book club). While the conversations (that I thought should have been in Spanish) are in Spanish, but translated for the reader…or something like that. It makes sense when the book is being read. Other than that, this books is looking pretty neat and the plot is definitely interesting!
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (so far)
Okay, fellow book lovers, let's talk about the burning question many of us have when picking up a new read, especially one as popular as Silvia Moreno-Garcia's 'Mexican Gothic': Is it spicy? I've seen this question pop up so many times in book clubs and online discussions, and it's a totally valid thing to wonder about these days! As someone who's delved into this New York Times Bestseller, I want to give you the lowdown from my own experience. First off, let's set the record straight: If you're looking for a book filled with steamy, explicit romance or what's commonly referred to as 'spicy' scenes in the contemporary sense, 'Mexican Gothic' is not that book. I know, I know, sometimes a gripping plot can make you hope for some passionate encounters too, but that's not the primary focus here. Instead, what you get is a masterclass in gothic horror and atmospheric suspense, a truly chilling and captivating read that pulls you in with a different kind of intensity. The 'spice' in 'Mexican Gothic' comes from its rich, unsettling atmosphere, the slow-burn dread, and the deeply disturbing family secrets that unfold within the decaying walls of High Place. Imagine a remote, mist-shrouded mansion, a dysfunctional and sinister family, and a brave, fashion-forward socialite (Noemí Taboada) who arrives to rescue her cousin from what she suspects is an unspeakable evil. The tension is palpable, but it's psychological and environmental, not romantic. The book truly embodies the quote from Victor LaValle on the cover, promising something "Lurid and deliciously creepy" – and it absolutely delivers on that front. While there are underlying currents of attraction and complicated relationships, they are much more subtle and serve the larger gothic narrative rather than being central to the plot. You won't find explicit romantic scenes or prolonged passionate moments. The focus remains squarely on the mystery, the horror, and Noemí's fight for survival against forces both human and supernatural. Silvia Moreno-Garcia excels at building a sense of unease and dread, making you question what's real and what's merely a figment of a disturbed mind. The prose is beautiful, the historical setting of 1950s Mexico is vividly rendered, and the cultural elements add another layer of richness that sets it apart from traditional gothic tales. So, if your ideal read involves high heat and explicit romance, this might not be your cup of tea. However, if you're a fan of atmospheric horror, psychological thrillers, strong female protagonists, and stories that make your skin crawl with suspense rather than blush with passion, then 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is an absolute must-read. It's a unique and unforgettable journey into darkness, and while it might not be 'spicy,' it certainly offers a different kind of thrill that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
