Book Discussion: Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

Published in March 2023, Monstrilio is a genre-bending, queer horror novel by Mexican author Gerardo Sámano Córdova. The story follows Magos, a grieving mother who cuts a piece of her late son Santiago's lung and nurtures it into a living, shape-shifting creature named Monstrilio.

As Monstrilio grows and takes on Santiago's form, he moves to New York and falls in with a group of friends. The narrative ultimately explores the monstrous nature of grief, love, identity, and the lengths we go to hold onto those we lose.

Genre: Blends dark body horror with heartfelt, surreal coming-of-age storytelling.

Reception: It was widely praised by critics for its bizarre, profound, and unexpectedly humorous look at family dynamics and queer love.