Book Review: Mexican Gothic

I was looking at a list of new books when I stumbled accross Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. This book definitely leans toward the interests I had a long time ago (re: horror) and I actually debated myself on whether I would actually read it. Below I'll add a section for believers with the perninent info on how I feel about the book spiritually.

Overview of the Book

Mexican Gothic follows the adventures of a young socialite, Noemí, from Mexico City in the 1950s as she works to unravel the mysteries surrounding the family her cousin married into.

What I Didn't Like

The book is weird, and that might be an understatement.

The first question I had was, if Noemí's cousin alleged that her husband was trying to kill her, why wouldn't her father accompany her? Who sends their party-girl daughter to stay with a potential killer?

I was also disappointed about the way it ended. The author definitely left room for potential sequels, which is great from a buisness perspective, but not so much for the reader. I had questions, just enough to make it unsatisfying, but not enough to care for a sequel.

What I Liked

Although the pacing of the story starts out slow, I found myself sucked in pretty quickly. The way the novel is written, I felt like I was watching the events play out and it was the perfect level of eerie without the gore (well, until the end at least). I didn't see the big reveal coming, which is always a pleasant surprise.

How I Feel About the Book Spiritually

This section will contain mild spoilers.

As far as horror novels go, this is probably the cleanest thing you'll find for Christians. There's a tad bit of sexuality, but nothing too explicit.

One of the major questions in the novel is whether Noemí's cousin is seeing ghosts or not, thus the novel dabbles with necromancy. This is probably the main thing I would gripe about from a spiritual perspective.

The final twist is pretty twisted—it involves incest and a ritual—and some might feel a bit squeamish about it. However, the main character is very aware of how wrong it is; it is immediately condemned by the main character and isn't praised or promoted as something good, which is why it didn't bother me from a spiritual perspective (though it is unsettling).

Would I Recommend?

If you don't like horror, this book is definitely not for you. If you're looking for something that jumps off the pages or keeps you up at night, it's also not for you. However, if you just want something eerie and a little mysterious, this may interest you.

This Year 2020

PSALMS to God · This Year 2020

¹⁹For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. ²⁰And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days. ²¹“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. ²²For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²³But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand. Mark 13:19-23 NKJV

What has been happening this year?

• The US almost ended up in a war with Iran over the death of General Qasem Soleimani[1]
• The entire world shut down over COVID-19
• Murder Hornets[2]
• Earthquakes[3]
• Fire Tornadoes[4]
• Hurricanes Galore[5]
• Stock Market Crash[6]
• It is election season in multiple countries (U.S., Venezula, and New Zeland)

That's only a partial list, and it's overwhelming!

We live in a time where we could actually implement a "mark" that controls buying and selling (previous generations did not have world wide access and cooperation).

It is important that we don't let fear make decisions for us! When people are afraid, we make decisions we ordinarily wouldn't. Our decisions should come from a rational (and Spiritual) place, even in times of uncertainty.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NASB

There are lots of things that we could be worried about right now, and with good reason. However, now is the time to focus on the good, focus on our relationship with God, and not cling to the world.

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Matthew 10:28 NASB

Bible Verses to Combat Fear

• Luke 14:27
• Psalm 115:11
• Isaiah 35:4
• Jeremiah 42:11

References & Footnotes

1. Natasha Turak. "‘The puppet master is dead’: Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani’s power, and why his death is such a big deal". CNBC News. January 3, 2020
2. Mike Baker. "‘Murder Hornets’ in the U.S.: The Rush to Stop the Asian Giant Hornet". NY Times. May 2, 2020
3. "Significant Earthquakes - 2020". U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program; visited August 25, 2020
4. Matthew Cappucci. "A freak fire tornado warning was issued in California Saturday amid swarm of spinning blazes". The Washington Post. August 16, 2020
5. Jonathan Erdman. "Laura and Marco Likely to Deliver Back-to-Back Landfalls on U.S. Gulf Coast; Here's How Rare That Is". The Weather Channel. August 20, 2020
6. "2020 Stock Market Crash". Wikipedia; visited August 25, 2020