Book Club Discussion Questions for 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In 1950’s Mexico, Noemi Taboada is a socialite who divides her time between parties, pretty dresses, her studies, and boys. One day, a strange and disturbing letter arrives from her cousin, Catalina. Noemi is dispatched to High Place, the Doyle family home, to see if Catalina’s new husband is taking care of her. This decaying and depressing old house is filled with Catalina’s English husband and his family, and Noemi is suspicious of them from the moment she arrives. Noemi is gradually drawn into a web of horror, betrayal, and shocking family secrets that threatens them all. The family’s youngest son may be her only way out, but can she really trust him?
Discussion Guide
What are the differences between Noemi’s world and the Doyles’ world?
Noemi says that High Place is "like a gothic novel" and references Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Does this awareness foreshadow future events?
What do you think is the significance of gold and nature in Noemi's dreams?
The ouroboros snake is the Doyle family symbol. This snake is constantly eating its own tail and being reborn from itself. Why does this represent the Doyles?
What do you think about the origin of the gloom? Is it believable that certain species of mushrooms could fuse with our bodies?
Women participate in and experience a shocking amount of violence under the control of men. What does this say about the roles of women at this time?
Why do you think Francis is so different from Virgil? Do you think he can survive on his own in the modern world?
How have the characters changed at the end of the book after their ordeal?
What are you reading next?
Becky Holder is a content contributor for JUGs and works in education. In her free time she looks for the next best cup of coffee and great food. Follow along @rebeccalizholder on Instagram.
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