The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

5 stars

The histories of three young women from three different timelines converge to create one exquisite story: Minerva, a dedicated scholar struggling with her thesis; Alba, a young woman coping with the loss of her father and the limitations of farm life in Mexico; and Betty, who never recovered from the disappearance of her friend. A darkness attaches itself to each of their lives, changing the fate of each.

The Bewitching is fascinating on multiple levels, not least of which is nostalgia. Folklore runs in families, and the stories that Minerva was told as a child are a near echo of some told in my own family, despite our different cultural backgrounds. I also heard stories of glowing balls haunting people at night, slipping in through windows or under the cracks of doors, on the school playgrounds in Missouri. It always intrigues me how many cultures share folkloric roots or similarities.

Ms. Moreno-Garcia’s novel also has an inevitable quality to it. When certain characters are introduced, they immediately feel significant. I was able to intuit the direction the narrative was taking, and though I saw some things coming, I was still surprised.

Juggling three points of view across separate timelines is no small feat, but it felt effortless. The different lifestyles, technology, and motivations were utterly convincing. The worldbuilding is deeply immersive. The atmosphere is a living, breathing thing. The plot is marvelous, and the characters are quick to evoke loyalty. Tadeo, Valentin, Ginny, Edgar, and Hideo add so much texture and richness.

If I have a complaint, and it is a slight one, it would be that Minerva, Alba, and Betty all possess a similar degree of stoicism—though they do differ in other ways. A greater contrast in their voices and responses would have been welcome, but again, it did not damage the story.

This was the first book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia that I’ve read; it will not be the last. The Bewitching is an ambitious, well-crafted, and thought-provoking novel that rewards patient readers. If you enjoy a fusion of mystery, horror, and fantasy with a realistic setting, believable characters, and complex narratives, read this book. It was a delicious thrill!

Thank you to Random House/Del Rey for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am writing this review voluntarily.