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A review by wanderlust_romance
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I was thoroughly engaged and creeped out by this eerie haunted house tale. I love a story with high stakes, and what could be more high stakes than a house haunted by the ghost of your new husband's first wife who's out to get you. Or is she? Is Beatriz imagining the danger? Who can she trust on the hacienda as the new doña? Just who is the man she married? What does she really know about him?
I found the historical context richly illustrated. Having just finished Vampires of El Norte, I enjoyed how The Hacienda also explored the rancho/hacienda system, with it's commitment to the land at the expense of the workers who sustain it - effectively creating classes of generational indentured servants. At the same time, The Hacienda also didn't shy away from it's commentary on the casta (caste) system implemented by the Spanish, the manner in which it impacted those within it, but especially those designated as mestizo or indigenous. The story also makes reference to a religious inquisition within the church, in conjunction with the Mexican War for Independence. And how can you overlook just how both religion and the caste system play into the colonizing forces still looming over the country? The background of civil discord between insurgents and monarchists was always looming in the background and casting a shadow over the central plotline. I also found it interesting how, once the haunting had been resolved, Beatriz questioned all that she gave up in the name of safety, financial security, and class standing in light of what she's just experienced. Was what I endured worth living through this nightmare? Would I make different choices if given the chance?
There is a very light romantic plot thread between the main characters, Beatriz and Padre Andres (yes, he's a priest - and yes there is a very light touch of Fleabag vibes here), but don't go into this book expecting the same level of pining and tension as Vampires of El Norte.
Loved this!
I found the historical context richly illustrated. Having just finished Vampires of El Norte, I enjoyed how The Hacienda also explored the rancho/hacienda system, with it's commitment to the land at the expense of the workers who sustain it - effectively creating classes of generational indentured servants. At the same time, The Hacienda also didn't shy away from it's commentary on the casta (caste) system implemented by the Spanish, the manner in which it impacted those within it, but especially those designated as mestizo or indigenous. The story also makes reference to a religious inquisition within the church, in conjunction with the Mexican War for Independence. And how can you overlook just how both religion and the caste system play into the colonizing forces still looming over the country? The background of civil discord between insurgents and monarchists was always looming in the background and casting a shadow over the central plotline. I also found it interesting how, once the haunting had been resolved, Beatriz questioned all that she gave up in the name of safety, financial security, and class standing in light of what she's just experienced. Was what I endured worth living through this nightmare? Would I make different choices if given the chance?
There is a very light romantic plot thread between the main characters, Beatriz and Padre Andres (yes, he's a priest - and yes there is a very light touch of Fleabag vibes here), but don't go into this book expecting the same level of pining and tension as Vampires of El Norte.
Loved this!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, and War