Dark Tales, Bright Voices: Women Shaping Latin-American Gothic

As the spooky season arrives, it’s the perfect time to explore the works of women authors from Mexico and South America who stand at the front of a growing wave of Gothic literature. Their unique perspectives bring a fresh and captivating dimension to horror literature.

Gothic literature is renowned for its mysterious narratives, often featuring elements like the supernatural, gloomy settings, and emotional intensity. What sets Gothic literature apart in Latin America is how it’s intricately woven into the region’s history and culture. In distinctive and unconventional ways, Latin- American women writers unveil a world where horror find its roots in inequality and the normalization of violence. Their stories transcend the boundaries of the supernatural: they are haunting reflections of the very real horrors that afflict society.

Latin-American Gothic literature frequently explores classic horror themes, such as witchcraft and ghost which still have a strong presence in areas like the Andes and the Caribbean. By utilizing these familiar elements, these authors go through our deepest fears and insecurities, making the Gothic tradition a meaningful way to address complex issues, faced predominantly by women. This unique blend gives birth to stories that are not only spine-tingling but also offer a powerful commentary on the region’s past and future.

Discover the list of standout Latin-American women authors that we have curated for Día de los muertos (Day of the Dead) and Halloween. These stories show us that even in the darkest narratives, there’s an opportunity for understanding and transformation.

• Hurricane season by Melchor, Fernanda
• The dangers of smoking in bed: stories by Enriquez, Mariana
• The hacienda by Cañas, Isabel
• Fever dream: a novel by Schweblin, Samanta
• Labyrinth lost by Córdova, Zoraida
• Tender is the flesh by Bazterrica, Agustina María
• Certain dark things by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
• Mexican gothic by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia

• El huésped by Nettel, Guadalupe
• Tierra fresca de su tumba by Rivero, Giovanna
• Brujas by Lozano, Brenda