A review by isabelreads
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Blew through this text in a day. It's so rich, with plenty of thematic heft to sink your teeth into (pun intended). Uncomfortable at times, this book deals with issues of grief, family, queerness and belonging with nuance and grace. Magos in particular is a startling depiction of motherhood, not in a bad way, but in one that feels raw and honest. I only wish we had a chance to dive back in her head later in the text. That is honestly my biggest gripe with the narrative personally but Sámano Córdova made his choice and he sticks to the premise of hearing the four sides of this story, one at a time, over the course of many years. 

It's quite graphic at times, so if blood

and cannibalism

are not your thing, I'd probably skip this one. I know I'll be waiting for Sámano Córdova's next release with anticipation!