Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
I really loved this book! This is my first time reading something of this genre and I really enjoyed it. I love Noemi and how strong of a character she is, and the supporting cast was great too. From the beginning, the book seems foreboding and sinister and I think the imagery and gore really contribute to the atmosphere. This is a personal preference, but I like how the author left the fate of Francis unanswered- it makes it feel as if he himself is going to be haunted/traumatised by this experience forever. Which makes sense, as surviving the High Place was harrowing for Noemi, Catalina, and him so it makes sense why whether or not his trauma manifests in a physical or emotional way he's going to be left with at least SOME trauma.
Overall, I feel like this book is an interesting characterization of the oppression of women. Constantly, the women in the story are undermined and underestimated, and the beginning and the end of the story is all based on the actions of the women, not the men. I like how they ended up winning in the end though, it makes the world seem less bleak.
Overall, 4.5/5 because I liked it a lot, but it did get dry in some parts.
