Spoiler-Free Blog
The Hacienda is a slower-paced gothic / horror / historical fiction novel that is lush with atmosphere and creep value. When they say it’s for those who love Mexican Gothic and Rebecca – they are absolutely correct!
What’s it about?
When Beatriz marries Don Rodolfo Solórzano, she really only knows two things about him: his politics, and that his first wife is dead. But in the name of security, she latches on.
Beatriz moves to his hacienda in the country in the hopes of creating a sanctuary, only to find something disturbing lurking within its walls. And the only person who might be able to help is Padre Andrés, a man who is no ordinary priest.
Set in rural Mexico after the war for independence, we follow Beatriz as she struggles with both the living and the dead.
This is a well-written and chilling debut.
The Hacienda is not just full of suspense, horror, and all of the trappings of the gothic genre, it also tackles colonialism, colorism, privilege, and religious oppression. This book successfully accomplishes what I feel every good horror novel should: telling us what’s scary about our real world by tackling those themes with ghosts, devils, demons, and other viscerally terrifying things.
Atmosphere is another thing this book does well. The location, food, language, and people all coalesced into a really clear picture of the time and place.
Also, I’m a sucker for a hot priest.
I only had two critiques:
- There were places throughout were the plot slowed (but I think that’s just the nature of the gothic genre, so don’t take that to heart)
- I felt Beatriz lost some agency by the end. I can’t elaborate more on that without spoiling it, but I just felt she could’ve been a larger part of her own solution
Should you read it?
All in all, this was a very enjoyable and engrossing read! I highly recommend.
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2 responses to “The Hacienda: Gothic horror done right”
Definitely need to read. I think the high ranking for “mysterious” overcomes a lot, keeps you engrossed. I’m sure thats because I love mysteries, I need books that make me think that I “know” who did what & then some how I love it when I’m shocked I was wrong 😉 Its really devastating because….who me get it wrong? LOL! I will figure out the ending one day & I will brag to the world!!!!!
Yes — I think you’d like this one!