Leamos

Talk about slow burn... nearly gave up when by the end of chapter 4 we were still in modern-day Madrid, and other than the one scene in the bookstore, nothing at all had happened. Glad I didn't. The author (both in this and the other historical novel of hers I've read) does tend towards over-explaining, with very long, detailed, unnecessary detail, and quite a bit of repetitive inner dialogue. And yet, she draws me in with her characterization and the complexity of the relationships she creates.

What I loved most about this book were the scenes that took place in Mexico City and the village - such a beautifully rendered depiction of Mexico in the 1950's that really contradicts so many stereotypes. The author says she took inspiration from her family - I see elements of my own family reflected as well. I especially loved the respectful relationship that existed between the healer and the doctor, and their hospitality towards Noemí. It may have been off-page and barely there, and yet it felt like an important distinction between the British mining family and the Mexicans they saw as disposable. It's these kinds of details that give stories impact, and this book was full of them.

I very much appreciate the way the author dropped in the little bits of knowledge that Noemí had picked up from her many varied experiences and studies (and that they were accurate for a woman of her time and place) - it served as a needed reminder of the astuteness that accompanied her penchant for pretty shoes. The social commentary is clear and sharp.

I think I would have been more drawn in by the mystery if I hadn't read or watched The Girl With All the Gifts and Get Out, if I were less informed about mold/mycotoxins, or hadn't developed a mild interest in mycelial connections in the last few years. As it was, I caught on very early on to what otherwise would have probably been a subtle and appropriate detail of gothic atmosphere, and I was unable to just get lost in the story as I so badly wanted to. Instead of feeling tension as things came to a head, I found myself bored and just wanting to get through it.

I've seen this categorized as gothic horror and gothic romance. I would put it firmly in horror - the romance elements are minimal. I did find the graphic descriptions of body horror and attempted rape to be rather sudden and unexpected.

Talk about slow burn... nearly gave up when by the end of chapter 4 we were still in modern-day Madrid, and other than the one scene in the bookstore, nothing at all had happened. Glad I didn't. The author (both in this and the other historical novel of hers I've read) does tend towards over-explaining, with very long, detailed, unnecessary detail, and quite a bit of repetitive inner dialogue. And yet, she draws me in with her characterization and the complexity of the relationships she creates.

If I could rank them separately: part 1 would get 4.5 stars; part 2 would get 4; part 3 would get 3.5; and part 4 would get 3.