Review: The Daughter of Doctor Moreau

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book.
This was definitely a Silvia Moreno-Garcia book! Which is in itself perhaps a strange thing to say, because all of her books are very unique. I can only describe this as a lush historical literary gothic tale with science-fiction overtones set in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is immersive, poignant, and thought-provoking.
Carlota Moreau has been raised in an isolated manner deep in the jungles of Mexico, and her only companions are 'hybrids"--the results of her father's experiments to combine humans and animals--and Mr. Laughton, the overseer of her father's ramshackle compound. When outside forces come crashing onto Dr. Moreau's enclave, including Mayan rebels and wealthy landowners, the precarious balance that has existed there for so many years is suddenly teetering on the edge of chaos and nothing can ever be the same again. But then, is that a bad thing...?
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is such a fascinating author and she has yet again crafted a thoroughly compelling tale that also sheds light on cultural and historical events and beliefs. While this book was, to me, not as overtly sinister or "gothic" as Mexican Gothic, it had a dreamy, turgid tone that fit in extremely well with the hot and humid jungle setting of the book.
If you have enjoyed any of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books in the past, I would definitely pick this book up--because you know what you will be getting into! But if you enjoy literary fiction with a speculative sci-fi twist and well-drawn historical setting, you will also want to check this book out.

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