Recently, I have been reading a lot of books, if you couldn’t tell by the many reviews I’ve been doing recently. But there are still so many I have yet to discuss on here. “The Haunting of Alejandra” by V. Castro is a book that I started late last year and finished just this week. I originally started the book while working at the service desk over Winter Break but never finished it as I soon left for my GO Long trip in the Netherlands, and then was the very lengthy waitlist for a copy on Libby. But finally, I finished this book and just have to review it, so without further ado, I bring you this wonderful novel.
About the Book:
V. Castro is a Mexican-American author known for her work in horror and speculative fiction, often incorporating elements of folklore, history, and feminist themes. Her stories frequently explore the experiences of Latinx women, blending supernatural horror with real-world struggles. “The Haunting of Alejandra”, published in 2023, continues this tradition, offering an eerie and deeply personal take on generational trauma, motherhood, and the weight of cultural expectations. The novel reimagines the legend of La Llorona, the weeping woman from Mexican folklore, and intertwines it with the narrative. By fusing psychological horror with historical and cultural elements, Castro creates a haunting narrative that delves into the struggles of identity, mental health, and inherited pain.
Alejandra is a wife and mother who feels trapped in a life that seems devoid of joy or meaning. She is haunted, not only by her depression but also by an eerie, spectral figure that seems to prey on her sorrow. As the presence of this dark entity intensifies, Alejandra begins to uncover a terrifying truth, the entity is connected to the legend of La Llorona who has the women in her family for generations. Through visions, ancestral memories, and the guidance of a therapist with Indigenous roots, Alejandra starts to piece together her lineage, and the traumas passed down to her. She learns that the entity is not just a ghost, but a manifestation of the pain and oppression endured by the women in her family. As she fights to break free from the cycle, she must confront both supernatural and internal demons to reclaim her own identity and future.
Review of the Book:
I absolutely loved this novel in all its glory. It’s such a powerful novel that perfectly blends horror with a deeply introspective narrative. V. Castro’s writing is immersive, drawing the reader into Alejandra’s internal struggle with poetic and unsettling prose. One of my favorite parts of the book is how it reinterprets the La Llorona myth, turning the weeping woman from a mere ghost story into a symbol of inherited suffering. By doing so, Castro gives voice to the struggles of countless women who have been silenced by societal and cultural pressures. The novel also shines in its depiction of therapy and healing, portraying mental health care as an essential tool in breaking cycles of trauma.
One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard about the book is that it’s not “scary enough,” but I completely disagree. Instead of relying on shock value, V. Castro masters the art of creating an eerie atmosphere through slow-burning dread and psychological horror. Additionally, the “horror” of the story is not only within the terror of La Llorona but is also brought out by the feeling that many women have of being trapped in a relationship where they have no identity. I’ve also heard people say they struggled with the non-linear storytelling and shifting perspectives, and while I do admit it was difficult to grasp at first, ultimately, they add immense depth to the narrative.
In truth, I don’t have many complaints at all when it comes to “The Haunting of Alejandra.” It is a hauntingly beautiful and thought-provoking novel that redefines horror by intertwining the supernatural with deeply personal and cultural themes. V. Castro crafts a narrative that is as unsettling as it is empowering, making it a standout in modern horror fiction. I highly recommend it for readers who appreciate psychological horror, feminist themes, and folklore-infused storytelling will find this book both chilling and deeply resonant. It is not just a ghost story, it is a tale of survival, resilience, and the power of reclaiming one’s identity from the shadows of the past.
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