Mexican Gothic and Vampires of El Norte

From Everyone Should Read by Everyone Should Read

October 15, 2025 · 44 min · Season 1 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode explores the dark beauty of Mexican Gothic literature through two novels, discussing themes of horror, colonial trauma, and identity.

In this episode of Everyone Should Read, hosts Kate Watters and Drew Sylva explore the dark beauty and haunting allure of Mexican Gothic literature through two standout novels — Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas. Join us as we discuss how these works blend Gothic horror, postcolonial themes, and feminist storytelling to challenge traditional narratives of power, race, and identity. From crumbling haciendas to blood-soaked battlefields, we unpack the symbolism, historical context, and modern resurgence of Latin American Gothic fiction. Perfect for fans of literary horror, cultural criticism, and dark romance, this episode delves into the enduring legacy of the Gothic tradition — reimagined through a distinctly Mexican lens. 🎧 Tune in for insights on: The cultural and historical roots of Mexican Gothic fiction How Moreno-Garcia and Cañas use horror to explore colonial trauma and gender The evolution of the Gothic heroine in contemporary literature **The artist Drew mentions is Paloma Contreras Lomas**

People in this episode

Hosts: Kate Watters, Drew Sylva

Topics covered

Mexican Gothic literature
Gothic horror
postcolonial themes
feminist storytelling
colonial trauma
Gothic heroine
Latin American Gothic fiction

Keywords

Mexican Gothic
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Vampires of El Norte
Isabel Cañas
Gothic horror
feminist storytelling
colonial trauma
Latin American literature

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Mexican Gothic, Vampires of El Norte