This book truly had every element of a classic gothic novel, set in the countryside of Mexico in the 1950s. The gloom really did embody the atmosphere of this book. You have the damsel in distress, heightened emotions, and the age old order to the house. I'd highly recommend this to people who love gothic literature. It is dark, mysterious, and entrancing in a sense lol There are content warnings with every gothic tale and this one is no different. I really liked this book, it was slow at first to introduce the characters and setting of the story, but the ending made up for it to me at least. Also, every time Howard Doyle was mentioned and the more I got through the story- I pictured him looking like Grandpa Sawyer from Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The only likable Doyle is Francis and Catalina since she was married in. Also, Silvia Moreno-Garcia wove in colonialism, eugenics, racism, and even faith into this 300 page book. This book scratched my itch for a Gothic story.

CW: sexual assault, violence, incest, suicidal thoughts