In this week of Bookstr’s world series, we will now vent into Mexico City! Filled with incredible history and rich culture, Mexico City is special for good reason. It is one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, and its origins trace back to the ancient Aztec Empire. Today, it is a vibrant, energetic landmark with beautiful architecture and world-class museums. We’ll explore some novels that highlight this aspect, ranging from children’s literature and folklore to contemporary settings. Check out these incredible stories!
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia, born in Mexico, is known for her diverse novels, such as Mexican Gothic, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, and Gods of Jade and Shadow. She has received numerous outstanding honors, including Locus, British Fantasy, and World Fantasy awards. Raised in Baja, California, and now residing in Canada, Moreno-Garcia has edited several anthologies and holds a master’s in Science Technology Studies from the University of British Columbia.
Inspired by Mexican folklore, Gods of Jade and Shadow shares about Casiopea Tun as she unknowingly releases the spirit of the Mayan god of death. Wanting her help in recovering the throne from his traitorous brother, Casiopea accompanies the spirit and begins her journey on a cross-country odyssey through Mexico City and the underworld of Mayan. Featuring a slow-burn romance, this sensational fairy tale will make you feel as if you are walking under the city lights of 1920s Mexico in the midst of the Jazz Age.
For the Spanish book edition, click here.
Juan Villoro
Recognized for his works in fiction, theater, journalism, and screenwriting, Juan Villoro is a highly acclaimed Mexican writer. His books have been translated into numerous languages and a vast amount have been published in English. Known for his keen insight and versatility, Villoro has also received multiple awards. Alongside his writing, as he lives in Mexico City, Villoro teaches as a visiting lecturer for Yale and Princeton.
13-year-old Juan is sent to spend the summer with his Uncle Tito, who lives in a mysterious library where books seem to have a life of their own. From this, Juan discovers he has a rare ability where he can interact with books in extraordinary ways. With the help of his new friend, Catalina, the two join together on a quest to locate the Wild Book, a legendary story that has never been read; they must find it before the sinister Pirates steal it! A captivating adventure, The Wild Book portrays the magical feeling of books and the special essence of libraries.
Katie Gutierrez
Katie Gutierrez is an emerging Mexican-American author born and raised in Laredo, Texas, and is known for her compelling narratives with themes relating to identity, love, and deception. Gutierrez’s writing often highlights the emotional elements of her characters, offering readers an insight into their secrets and struggles.
For fans of true crime, More Than You’ll Ever Know follows Lore, Rivera, a woman who is leading a double life with two husbands, one residing in Mexico City, and the other in Laredo, Texas. However, things start to become complicated when one of her husbands is murdered and the truth is revealed. In 2017, Cassie Bowman, a struggling true-crime writer, becomes obsessed with Lore’s story and uncovering the details behind it. As she sets out on a mission to track her down, Cassie begins to unravel hidden secrets regarding the murder and the woman’s life. Told from alternating timelines, the novel illustrates portrayals of marriage and the complexities of knowing those we love.
Roberto Bolaño
Born in Chile and raised in Mexico City, Roberto Bolaño is a novelist, poet, and short story writer who is seen as a significant Latin-American author of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Known for his work that uncovers themes of existentialism and the desperate meaning of a chaotic world, his writing highlights elements of literary fiction and noir as he delves into an expansive narrative style.
This otherworldly novel intertwines several different narratives revolving around the unsolved murders of women in a fictional Mexican border town called Santa Teresa. Divided into five parts, 2666 focuses on different characters in each one, including a group of scholars researching a German author, a reporter investigating the murders, and a detective who is drawn into the dark mystery behind it. As the novel searches for meaning, it uncovers topics of obsession and highlights a dark portrayal of human nature.
For the Spanish book edition, click here.
Whether through folklore, emotional exploration, or childhood adventure, each writer provides a stunning insight into Mexican literature and offers a unique perspective on the subject of love, identity, and the human condition. Their works continue to inspire readers, portraying Mexico’s rich culture, history, and societal issues, allowing them to see the country’s diverse landscapes through emotional illustrations.
Interested in reading more from our world series? Read our article here.
If you’re interested in seeing more stunning Hispanic/Latinx novels, check out our bookshelf here!
