Silvia Moreno-Garcia is an author who has quickly made her name in the world of storytelling with her genre-bending works. There is no genre or sub-genre that evades her scope, and there are many she’s excelled at. If you are yet to discover any work by her, may I recommend Gods of Jade and Shadow, a book based in Aztec mythology and contemporary Mexico. Another great title to get a sense of her writing is Velvet was the Night, which is a work of noir set in 1970s Mexico that showcases her skill at bringing to life a setting. Here is a reading pathway to serve as your guide. I think a reason she has continued to be a success is that she takes fantastical topics and makes them accessible, whether it be a take on Rebecca, or Dr. Moreau’s Island of wild creatures. Her works are characterized by fierce protagonists, usually female, a bunch of gaslighting characters and what seem like unsurmountable obstacles. There is sharp dialogue, vivid locations, and memorable characters. And, with all these elements working for it, naturally you want more. But, what do you do when you run out of all of Moreno’s books? You seek out authors like her, and let this list be your guide, of course. What you will find here are authors like Moreno-Garcia who capture some or all of what makes her work so great, and hopefully a list long enough to get you through the waiting of another one of her books. As readers and writers, it is natural to influence and be influenced by works of your fellow writers. The real magic that keeps us readers coming back is the ability to take a similar story or trope and inject it with your distinct voice, which is exactly what the authors like Silvia Moreno-Garcia do.
Laura Purcell
Telling stories of empowered women navigating extremely tricky situations is another one of Moreno-Garcia’s strengths. Laura Purcell is another author who executes this plot point in her writing. In her book, The Silent Companions, we follow Elsie, recently widowed and pregnant with her first child, who arrives in a remote village. Due to her husband’s wealth, and his sudden death so soon after their marriage, rumors and scandal are breathing down Elsie’s neck. The villagers and her limited staff are quite superstitious about her and the house. Little does she know that there are more secrets waiting for her once she gets in. And in Purcell’s book The Poison Thread, we follow Dorothea, who wants to help women in prison and who stumbles upon a prisoner who claims to have supernatural power in her stitches. With writing full of gothic feels and vivid writing, she is another author to keep your stacks full.
Karen Russell
One thing you will notice in Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books is that she is not afraid to go into the dark places of your mind. Karen Russell is another such author that does just that. In her short story collections, such as Vampires in the Lemon Grove and Orange World, strange happenings abound: deals with the devil are struck, love stories happen with 1,000-year-old gaps, and the darkness underlying so many of our daily going-on are exposed. Truly not one to miss if you enjoy the eerie with a side of reality. Looking for more authors that will immediately land on your must-read list? Check out TBR! Our book recommendation service pairs you with made-for-you books for your best reading experiences!
