Hello everyone,
It has been too long since my last post – the blog has taken a bit of a backseat recently because I have had a large writing project on the go which has taken up so much of my time lately. But now I *should* have much more time on my hands to devote to book reviews and other posts, which will help me get fully back into the habit again with it still being pretty soon after the relaunch.
Today I am looking at all the books I have read that have been set in Central and Latin America, which takes in anywhere from Mexico to Argentina, including the Caribbean.
The first thing I notice from doing this post is that I have not read very many and it is a part of the world that I would like to tap into a little more on my reading journey. In all of the ones I have read to date, the setting has played such a part in defining the atmosphere and feel of the story, with several offering rich, intimate explorations of culture.
So without further ado, let us get on with the list!
Elizabeth Acevedo
Elizabeth Acevedo’s family are from the Dominican Republic and her last two novels draw heavy inspiration from that. A young adult book told in verse, Clap When You Land focuses on the lives of two half-sisters that learn of each other’s existence following their father’s death in a plane crash. Camino is from the Dominican Republic and Yohaira in New York, and the connection the two have despite their contrasting lives makes it an emotional read. I loved it.
Family Lore focuses even more on Dominican culture and is certainly a powerful portrayal, but sadly I did not enjoy it at all. It was just not my kind of book, which was sad as I wanted very much to love it.
The Murmur Of Bees by Sofia Segovia
This is set in civil war era Mexico, yet is also pretty timeless because of the fantastical element that runs through it. This is an extraordinary book that is unlike anything else I have read before, so rich in its storytelling, full of captivating characters, and beautifully written with some awe-inspiring passages of prose. But perhaps nothing leaves its mark more than the rural Mexican setting.
The Confession by Jessie Burton
This is only partly set in Mexico, with other sections taking place in the UK and the United States, but what happens during that part of the story has major consequences in both the main timelines. The main character’s mother goes missing as a result of those events, setting up the entire basis for the story.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
I read Mexican Gothic in 2021 and it is full of atmosphere. The main focus is on the eerie atmosphere and unsettling vibes, but Silvia Moreno-Garcia is able to weave in some commentary on the setting and the dynamics of the time period.
Gods Of Jade And Shadow is actually my current read and only 30 pages in, I can see that it already has such a rich sense of place with detailed, engaging descriptions of the landscape and class divide.
Such A Good Liar by Sue Wallman
This one has very little to do with Central and Latin American culture, instead taking place on an island populated by rich British and American families. In another genre that would be an uncomfortable reality worth exploring in depth, but this is a young adult thriller that concentrates on plot. It features a girl who pretends to be someone else in order to get revenge on one of those rich families.
The Truth And Lies Of Ella Black by Emily Barr
Believe it or not, this is the only book I have read set on the continent of South America. Another young adult read, this one was disappointing overall but the Brazil setting was a major highlight. I will try and find more South America set books in the future, for sure!
Let’s Chat
Have you read many books set in this part of the world? Do any in particular stand out? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading :)
Stephen Reads Books 