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A review by mahtzahgay
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Messiest collection of bisexuals I've ever seen. 10/10.
On a serious note, Monstrilio was a wonder to read. I'm glad I took my time with it. I was swept up in the relationship with Monstrilio each of his family members had; their unconditional and desperate love, and how failed him anyway. Joseph and Mago's intense grief for their son permeates each page – watching them scrabble to protect Monstrilio while simultaneously be unable to understand him was heartwrenching, and yet, so very, very human.
There's a lot more I could say about Monstrilio specifically, but this is ultimately a review & not an essay, so I'll leave it at this: Monstrilio's true nature being denied, or ignored, or misunderstood seemed so allegorically queer that it outshone the explicit queerness performanced by him and his family.
Occasionally I've read a book that instinctually I want to give it 5-stars, before pausing and wondering if handing out a 5-star rating cheapens it. This is not one of those books.
On a serious note, Monstrilio was a wonder to read. I'm glad I took my time with it. I was swept up in the relationship with Monstrilio each of his family members had; their unconditional and desperate love, and how failed him anyway. Joseph and Mago's intense grief for their son permeates each page – watching them scrabble to protect Monstrilio while simultaneously be unable to understand him was heartwrenching, and yet, so very, very human.
There's a lot more I could say about Monstrilio specifically, but this is ultimately a review & not an essay, so I'll leave it at this: Monstrilio's true nature being denied, or ignored, or misunderstood seemed so allegorically queer that it outshone the explicit queerness performanced by him and his family.
Occasionally I've read a book that instinctually I want to give it 5-stars, before pausing and wondering if handing out a 5-star rating cheapens it. This is not one of those books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Violence, and Cannibalism