SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion
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Mexican Gothic
Group Reads Discussions 2023
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"Mexican Gothic" First Impressions *No Spoilers*
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At first I was skeptical, it seemed to be going in an odd direction given the setting and MC, but I'm glad I stuck it out. Once it established atmosphere and the pace picked up I enjoyed it more.
I instantly fell in love with our heroine, perfect fit!
This book really hits a lot of feels for me. Historical, new culture, gothic, very creepy.
as a dedicated non-horror fan, I wasn't too fond of the book. I always feel like screaming at the people to just leave.
CBRetriever wrote: "as a dedicated non-horror fan, I wasn't too fond of the book. I always feel like screaming at the people to just leave."I would not consider myself dedicated to non-horror, and yet, I can relate to this feeling very much, especially because I liked the main character so much.
I'm at about 40% and it is eerie and makes me feel tense. It's like when you are watching a movie and suspect a jump scare is coming but you just don't know when.
Ellen wrote: "I'm at about 40% and it is eerie and makes me feel tense. It's like when you are watching a movie and suspect a jump scare is coming but you just don't know when."Yes, this is exactly how I felt when I was reading, Ellen, but it was also compelling and I found myself staying up too late reading despite the eeriness. (I kept asking myself, Why am I reading this book before bed? and then continuing to read it before bed...)
My first time reading a book along with the club. Is this book a stand-alone or part of a series? Would audio or print be a better “read?”
This is a stand alone, John. I read the print version, but I’d say choose whichever you prefer. Usually there’s a mix of people in the discussions who eye-read or listen to the audio.
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I do find my mind wandering a bit. I think the characterization here is the best of the three books I’ve read/am reading by SMG. I wish the story would get on with it a bit faster, but hey at least I can crank up the speed.
Just finished chapter 5. It certainly is a most unpleasant and creepy house with a bunch of extremely unpleasant characters. I have a few ideas about what might be going on, but I doubt any of them are correct! I will say that when Noemi did not go right up to see her cousin on her first morning, I found that odd. I would think she would spend all her time there, reading to her and whatnot. That's what she's there for, after all.
While I ended up not enjoying this book overall, the atmosphere created was fantastic! Everything leant itself to the overall creepiness and gloom. The fabrics described, the food, clothing, weather, everything. I think that may be the hallmark of a true gothic novel.
Kandice, you are exactly correct - the atmosphere is indeed crucial to a good Gothic novel, and this one had it in spades. Also, I was correct. Not one of my guesses was anywhere close!
Kandice wrote: "Everything leant itself to the overall creepiness and gloom. The fabrics described, the food, clothing, weather, everything. I think that may be the hallmark of a true gothic novel"and that's why, since I read so many gothic novels as a teenager/young adult, I think that this one is more horror than Gothic. It doesn't hold a candle to Rebecca, The Picture of Dorian Grey, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Jamaica Inn, and several other books by Du Maurier, Holt, Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, etc.
I'm about 35% of the way through, and what I'm really enjoying is the mystery of what the villain/monster/etc is. Some characters are reminding me of other classic horror monsters, but I'm also reminded of other books I've read where the big reveal is purely psychological.
Three chapters in, and I’m intrigued, although I wish Moreno-Garcia would ease up on signposting so much. Having read a couple of her other works, it’s a tendency I’ve noticed. She has tons of skill and a fertile imagination, and a knack for creating believably plucky heroines. If she trusted her readers more, I would be able to more fully immerse myself in her work.
Started it today. It’s growing on me, chapter by chapter.
Three chapters in. Does not feel Mexican at all to me, which seems problematic. 1950 (as explained by the housekeeper) is later than I was imagining, but I still suspect that Señor Taboada would have had a brother go along with Noemi, not send a daughter out there alone.Many of my Fr & Following like this, and it was nominated for lots of awards. But so far, I agree with CB's comment above. I would prefer older Gothic works such as Wildfell Hall, Northanger Abbey, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Woman in White, Dracula, Rebecca, Jamaica Inn, My Cousin Rachel...
I didn't care for Gods of Jade and Shadow, but let's see if this one picks up for me.
This was a great book, definitely slow paced but it is worth it!
Please save all discussion of particulars, details from the story, character choices, plot questions, etc. for the full spoiler thread.
Content warnings for those who want them: (view spoiler)[ misogyny, racism, eugenics, sexual assault, incest, drugging, body horror, cannibalism, infertility & miscarriages, blood & gore, death of loved ones (including infant), murder (hide spoiler)] from Trigger Warning Database. (More about CWs here.)