The Bewitching

Silvia Moreno-Garcia, known for blending historical settings with supernatural elements, presents a narrative that intertwines academic research with generational trauma. The story follows Minerva, a graduate student in Massachusetts during the 1990s, who investigates the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author of macabre tales. Minerva discovers that Tremblay’s novel The Vanishing was inspired by true events from the Great Depression era, specifically the mysterious disappearance of Tremblay’s beautiful roommate at their university. As Minerva examines Tremblay’s manuscript, she senses a malign force still present on campus. This supernatural threat mirrors her great-grandmother Nana Alba’s terrifying encounter with a witch in 1900s Mexico. The narrative structure shifts between these timelines, connecting the past obsessions of Tremblay and Alba to Minerva’s current peril. The book examines how historical horror literature can reflect real dangers and how family secrets persist across generations. It suits readers interested in gothic fiction, academic mysteries, and intergenerational storytelling. Those preferring fast-paced action or contemporary urban fantasy may find the slow-burn atmosphere less engaging.