The title was appropriate for the story, from what I read. The main character doesn't have a place to bury her dead boys, that dies after contracting a plague that has affected the city.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for fans of Pink Slime by Fernanda Trías. I absolutely loved It Would Be Night in Caracas, and expected to love this, but unfortunately it didn't do it for me. I know this book has its audience; it seems to be a "love it or hate it" kind of novel. I wish I had loved it, but after the protagonist buried her children (which happens very early on - I had actually expected this book to end with that), I found myself losing interest in her and any of the characters. The beginning was very captivating, though, and I loved the premise - very topical after COVID.

Expectations vs Reality
Based on the cover art, I anticipated a dark, spooky horror novel set in the 80s, perhaps with supernatural or fantasy horror elements. However, the story delivered something entirely different. For most of the book, there was no suspense or buildup to match my expectations. It wasn’t until the very end (around 95%) that something unexpected happened—but by then, the story was over.

What the Book Actually Is
Once I adjusted my expectations, I began to appreciate what the book truly offered: a poignant and harrowing journey of a mother who has lost almost everything but her spirit. The author portrays a realistic dystopian society, with excellent character development. The story seems to carry themes of female empowerment and overcoming systemic patriarchy, possibly drawing from personal experiences or emotions. Interestingly, the book reveals that the dystopian plague occurred in 2019—possibly a retelling of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Pros
Strong character development.
A vivid depiction of a dystopian world.
Themes of resilience and empowerment.
Cons
Misleading cover art and expectations.
Pacing felt overly drawn out, with minimal action in the middle.
Violence seemed excessive and unnecessary in places.

Final Thoughts
This may not be my preferred genre, as the heavy dialogue and sparse action didn’t quite resonate with me. However, it’s worth noting that the translator’s note provides helpful context for the plot. If you go in with an open mind, there’s depth to be appreciated, but know that this isn’t a traditional horror novel.
I recommend reading the translator's note, as it provides additional insights into the plot.

***Warning: This book does contain mentions of death and sexual abuse.

#dystopian #adultfiction #spainshliterture #realisticfiction #

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the translated book.