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“The Hacienda” by Isabel Cañas

About Blog Post Oct 11, 2024 by SCLSNJ Staff
“The Hacienda” by Isabel Cañas Review by Alicia Bloch-Chen, adult services library assistant “The Hacienda” by Isabel Cañas is set in Mexico after the end of the Mexican Revolution. The heroine of the novel Beatriz marries the young widower Don Rodolfo Solórzano to secure her future after her father’s murder. Beatriz moves to Rodolfo’s estate San Isidro which is in disrepair. After Rodolfo returns to the city, Beatriz finds herself isolated in the hacienda and haunted by a menacing, supernatural force. Roldolfo’s sister Juana and his head of staff Ana Luisa refuse to enter the house but dismiss Beatriz’s experiences with the haunting. After some harrowing nights, Beatriz turns to the church and finds help with Padre Andres who is also a witch. Together the two must battle this evil, but it is no easy feat. “The Hacienda” is described as a cross between “Rebecca” and “Mexican Gothic,” but the novel definitely stands on its own achievements. It is captivating and well-written and accomplishes the moody atmosphere of a Gothic setting. Cañas weaves an intricate tale and hits on various themes from colonialism to the pervading Mexican caste system. She also depicts the struggles of indigenous Mexicans within Spanish rule. Additionally, the novel has many twists and turns keeping the reader poised for a nail-biting and fun ride.
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