Woodworm

Mariana Enriquez's Our Share of Night explores intergenerational horror, feminine rage, and the reclaiming of power. The house is visited by ghosts, angels, and saints, and was built by a small-time hustler to control his wife. When a young boy disappears, the two isolated women combine forces with the spirits that haunt them in pursuit of justice. Layla Martínez's debut novel Woodworm is a class-conscious horror that drags generations of monsters into the sun. Readers love it, calling it "monstrous," "biting," and "extraordinary."

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Mariana Enriquez, the author of the gripping novel "Our Share of Night," delves into the realm of intergenerational horror, unbridled feminine rage, and the reclaiming of power. The Financial Times praises her work as "stylist" and "incredible."

Within the confines of this mysterious house, a sinister presence lurks. Bodies and secrets are hidden within its walls, and it is visited by a host of supernatural beings. Ghosts haunt the corners, angels crawl along the roof like insects, and saints burn the bedsheets with their haloes. This house, once constructed by a small-time hustler as a means of controlling his wife, remains a prison for generations. Even after countless years, their daughter and granddaughter are unable to escape its grasp.

They may be labeled as witches, or simply consumed by anger, but when the enigmatic disappearance of a young boy attracts unwanted attention, the two isolated women, already subjects of public scorn, join forces with the spirits that haunt them. Together, they embark on a quest for justice, seeking to unravel the truth behind the boy's disappearance.

Layla Martínez's debut novel, "Woodworm," is a haunting exploration of class consciousness and the horrors that lurk within society. Through the lens of this eerie tale, Enriquez brings forth a lineage of monsters, exposing them to the light of day. Translated by Sophie Hughes and Annie McDermott, "Woodworm" captivates readers with its vivid prose and poetic language.

One reviewer describes it as "a monstrous debut," noting that it "draws you in and slams the door behind you." Another reader expresses their desire to read the book again and again, praising its "biting and inventive" nature. Comparisons to Shirley Jackson and Lina Wolff are made, highlighting the author's ability to evoke horrific imagery with a poetic, gnashing tongue. "Woodworm" is described as "deeply, and wonderfully, unsettling," leaving readers in a state of unease long after they have turned the last page.

In conclusion, Mariana Enriquez's "Our Share of Night" and Layla Martínez's "Woodworm" are must-read novels that delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche. With their captivating storytelling and poetic language, these books offer a unique and unsettling perspective on intergenerational trauma, feminine rage, and the pursuit of justice. Prepare to be transported to a world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs, and where the supernatural reigns supreme.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 205 x 135 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787303973