Gabino Iglesias' 'House of Bone and Rain' is a tale of vengeance in Puerto Rico
Aug 22, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Bram Stoker Award-winning author Gabino Iglesias talks with NPR correspondent Ayesha Rascoe about his latest novel, which explores themes of grief, vengeance, and deep friendship in the backdrop of Puerto Rico's tumultuous past. They dive into how the tragic loss of a friend's mother compels a group to take drastic actions and the complexities of their emotional bonds. Iglesias also reflects on his personal journey into horror writing and the impact of Hurricane Maria on society and storytelling.
Gabino Iglesias' novel explores how deep friendships can lead to both supportive resilience and potentially reckless decisions in the face of trauma.
The backdrop of Hurricane Maria enhances the narrative, reflecting real-world grief and scarcity while intertwining community struggle with personal loss.
Deep dives
Exploring Friendship and Grief
The narrative of the novel revolves around a group of young boys who are profoundly affected by the loss of one of their mothers to a violent crime. This tragedy ignites discussions of revenge among the friends, showcasing how grief can warp their decision-making process. The book delves into the dual nature of their camaraderie, highlighting both the strength of their bond and the potential for misguided actions fueled by that connection. As they grapple with their emotions, the story emphasizes that while strong friendships can provide support, they can also lead to reckless choices when faced with trauma.
The Impact of Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria serves as a significant backdrop in the story, paralleling the personal chaos of the characters with the larger devastation experienced in Puerto Rico. The author reflects on the challenges faced by the community in the aftermath of the hurricane, including scarcity of essential resources and the governmental failures that left citizens desperate. This context deepens the exploration of grief and brotherhood, as the struggles for survival mirror the internal battles of the young men. By intertwining the fictional tragedy with real-world events, the narrative compels readers to remember those who suffered and honor their stories.
Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Gabino Iglesias, knows what it's like for grief and anger to turn deadly. That's what he explores in his new novel, House of Bone and Rain, which follows six close friends who vow to avenge the murder of one of their own mothers as a hurricane approaches. In today's episode, Iglesias, who's a frequent book critic for NPR, speaks with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe about what it's like to be part of a brotherhood so deep, you consider each other to be "ride or die" friends – but why maybe there really shouldn't be any need for the latter.
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