Mexican Gothic: Unearthing the Shadows -A Dive into the Haunting Elegance of Silvia Moreno-Garcia
“Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, released in 2020, is a modern take on gothic horror that I was eager to read. This novel masterfully blends classic gothic elements with innovative perspectives on historical and contemporary themes. However, if body horror makes you uneasy, be prepared for some particularly unsettling scenes.
The story centers on Noemi, a glamorous Mexican socialite, who ventures to a remote mansion to check on her cousin, Catalina. Noemi makes a deal with her father to continue funding her education in exchange for helping Catalina, who is found to be in a disturbingly deteriorated state. Despite her husband Virgil’s dismissive claims that Catalina is merely depressed, Noemi suspects something far more sinister. As she delves deeper, the plot thickens and becomes increasingly eerie.
Moreno-Garcia’s writing style is a captivating blend of contemporary clarity and a nod to the historical period in which the book is set—the 1920s. There’s a playful, almost frivolous undertone to Noemi’s character and lifestyle, contrasting sharply with the gothic, measured, and class-conscious narrative style.
The novel delves into the dichotomy between Noemi and the Doyles. Noemi, with her zest for life, art, and pleasure, clashes with the Doyles’ disdainful and elitist attitudes. This tension is palpable and adds depth to the characters.
Noemi stands out in the gothic genre as a vibrant, curious, and multifaceted woman who defies traditional tropes. She’s flirtatious, enjoys dancing, smokes, and is intellectually restless, frequently changing her field of study. The Doyle family members—Francis, Virgil, and Florence—are shrouded in mystery, inviting curiosity but revealing little about themselves. This enigmatic quality suits the gothic atmosphere of the novel.
The setting is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of creeping dread and confinement. The Doyle mansion starts as a neglected, cold, and dark place, but gradually, its true nature and history are revealed.
In terms of pacing, ‘’Mexican Gothic’’ unfolds slowly, with subtle hints and developments. Despite this deliberate pace, the book is engaging and easy to read. By the midpoint, some mysteries begin to unravel, but the full extent of the story isn’t clear until the latter part of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘’Mexican Gothic’’. My main critique is that once the action ramps up, it feels a bit overwhelming. The slow build-up of suspense is one of the book’s strengths, but the climactic sequences might feel excessive to some readers.
As I read, I pondered the title ‘’Mexican Gothic’’. The novel, dominated by British characters and artifacts, initially feels detached from its Mexican setting. The Doyles’ overt racism and sense of superiority are stark, making Noemi’s acceptance into their world surprising.
This initial impression is intentional. The novel is a commentary on colonialism. The British Doyles, with their grand mansion in Mexico, represent the colonial exploitation of indigenous people. The indigenous miners, who toiled and died under brutal conditions, reflect a harsh historical reality.
About the author
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