THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

There is just something magical about every book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and this one is no exception. Just by flipping through the pages, I felt like I was there, in the heat and dust of the jungle and longing for the cool waters of the cenote. The book reimagines H.G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau with a dramatic setting in nineteenth century Mexico, stubborn yet dynamic characters, and layered social commentary.

The narrative alternates between two main characters. Carlota Moreau lives a life of moderate luxury on a remote estate. Her father, a scientist, strives to create perfect human-animal hybrids, and Carlota helps care for them, even regarding them as family. Montgomery Laughton, an alcoholic who wishes to stay away from larger society, works for the doctor. His labor and the doctor’s research are paid for by the Lizalde family. Peaceful life on the estate is interrupted by the Lizalde son, and secrets are forced into the light.

As always, the strength of Moreno-Garcia’s writing can be seen in the air of mystery throughout the novel, brushed over with her unique lyricism. I enjoyed the way her writing style immersed me in the setting. Although the political and social climate of nineteenth century Mexico is a clear inspiration, it is not the main focus but instead adds subtle context to the story, particularly in the interactions between the residents of the estate and the Lizaldes. The characters too are exceptionally well written. Moreno-Garcia hits that perfect balance of plainly showcasing a character’s thoughts and emotions while demonstrating motivations and values through their actions and dialogue. Carlota’s desire to do the right thing, out of affection for the hybrids, her father, and Montgomery, is not hindered by her initial naivete, and she truly grows and develops a keen sense of intuition.

As for the horror in this book, I would not say it is traditional horror. It is more like a toned down version of what we see in Mexican Gothic. This book may not frighten the reader, but it may provoke slight feelings of repulsion, especially in the way that the doctor and the Lizaldes regard the hybrids. Despite not usually enjoying traditional horror, what I like about Moreno-Garcia’s books is that she directs the reader’s feelings toward specific characters rather than simply aiming to create an atmosphere of fear. It is a very skillful way of incorporating social commentary into the genre. As a result, I highly recommend The Daughter of Doctor Moreau to readers new to horror, or even those who want to branch out into more genres within speculative fiction.