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Description
Alejandra no longer knows who she is. To her husband, she is a wife, and to her children, a mother. To her own adoptive mother, she is a daughter. But they cannot see who Alejandra has become: a woman struggling with a darkness that threatens to consume her.
Nor can they see what Alejandra sees. In times of despair, a ghostly vision appears to her, the apparition of a crying woman in a ragged white gown.
When Alejandra visits a therapist, she begins exploring her family’s history, starting with the biological mother she never knew. As she goes deeper into the lives of the women in her family, she learns that heartbreak and tragedy are not the only things she has in common with her ancestors.
Because the crying woman was with them, too. She is La Llorona, the vengeful and murderous mother of Mexican legend. And she will not leave until Alejandra follows her mother, her grandmother, and all the women who came before her into the darkness.
But Alejandra has inherited more than just pain. She has inherited the strength and the courage of her foremothers—and she will have to summon everything they have given her to banish La Llorona forever.
Summary
One of my favourite reads was The Haunting of Alejandra by US Mexican author V. Castro.
Review
There are some sensitive warnings inherent to this novel including suicide attempts, self harm intent and intent to harm children – all which Castro conveys with great respect and sensitivity.
The Haunting of Alejandra blends supernatural horror with poignant social commentary in a stark representation of the societal silence around struggles in motherhood, mental health and the impact of generational trauma.
Castro’s portrayal of Alejandra’s internal conflict is both authentic and relatable, shedding light on the isolation many mothers face. The infusion of Mexican folklore, particularly the tale of La Llorona, adds depth and cultural richness to the story, transforming a traditional legend into a contemporary metaphor for inherited pain. While the horror elements are compelling, some readers might find certain plot transitions abrupt. Nonetheless, the novel’s strength lies in its ability to intertwine personal struggle with cultural history, offering a narrative that is both haunting and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
A strong horror work that blends dark fiction with Mexican folklore and poignant social commentary. Not for the faint hearted, this is a compelling and powerful read. Highly recommended!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 