review of Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

 Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

What a ride! This is my first proper Horror novel and it was so amazing. The way Garcia writes with such vivid detail about the 1950's dress, Mexican setting, and the creepy manor is unmatched. It's a true horror novel and for someone who loves horror movies I'm surprised it has taken me so long to take up the genre. This book has so much in it, it's at once a horror novel, a historical novel, and then it is also a romance novel. It's not really a book you want to read alone on a cold gloomy night (but then again maybe it is?). Fans of Haunting in Hill House and Bly Manor will completely fall for this book. It's a story about courage, family ties, love, history, and horrors. I definitely see why so many people have raved about this novel! 

Our heroine is Noemi Taboada a Mexico City socialite, she is an educated, independent, a wealthy, and stubborn young woman who is asked to go check on her recently married cousin in a small town who has been taken ill. But once she gets there she realizes that something is very wrong with the manor and family in which she has come to meet. I loved Noemi because she was so confident and fearless throughout, I literally wrote in my journal "She's such a badass". The incredible detail of the house will almost make you believe it could all be real. 

Stand out quote: 

" "That was a dream," She stammered. 

"It doesn't mean it wasn't real." "pg 225 

Some questions to ponder: 

1. If someone told Noemi the truth about the manor before or earlier do you think she would have gone to help her cousin? 
2. Do you think Noemi is naive? Why or why not?
3. What are the similarities between Noemi and Ruth? 
4. Would you stay the night in the manor? 

Thanks for stopping by!

-MDB