Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Mexican Gothic

Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism

Format: Digital via Libby

Publish Date: June 2020

Read: October 2023

Favorite Quote: Men were always so afraid of tears, of having a hysterical woman on their hands.

Story Synopsis: Noemí Taboada, a young socialite in Mexico City, is living her carefree life when her father summons her home early from a party. Mr Taboada requires Noemí to visit a small mountain village where her cousin Catalina has been for her first year of marriage. After receiving an alarming letter from Catalina and vague responses from her new husband, Mr Taboada wants to confirm Catalina’s health, wellness, and mental state. When Noemí arrives, she uncovers sinister forces living in the walls of High Place, the home of the Doyle family from England. There, Noemí must break free of the people who seek to control her and save her cousin.

Why does this book beguile? This was a fun one! I remember when it was first published in 2020 and it made big waves. I had yet to make my foray into magical realism or “creepy” books, but Mexican Gothic really hit the mark! I loved the pragmatism of the main character and how she knew how to push the right boundaries - especially in 1950. Noemí is the protagonist I’ve been waiting for: sharp-tongued, pragmatic, joyful, caring, empathetic, and a do-no-harm-but-take-no-shit attitude.

A bonus: Mexican Gothic is a fantastic book to put you in the Halloween spirit!

Rating: 5/5

Link*: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

If you’re interested in this, read*: In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker