Digest

This podcast delves into the themes and inspirations behind Gabino Iglesias' novel "House of Bone and Rain." The episode begins with a gripping scene from the book, setting the stage for a discussion about brotherhood, vengeance, and the complexities of male friendships. The author explores the destructive aspects of toxic masculinity, but also acknowledges the positive elements of Latino macho culture. The conversation then shifts to the significance of Hurricane Maria, both as a literal event and a symbolic representation of the devastation and failure of the U.S. government in Puerto Rico. Iglesias discusses his inspiration for the supernatural elements in the novel, drawing parallels between the storm's impact and the characters' emotional turmoil. He explains how he created a new dark god associated with storms, drawing inspiration from Taino mythology and his desire to add a supernatural dimension to the real-world devastation. The podcast also explores the role of horror fiction as a mirror to society, with Iglesias arguing that horror and crime fiction effectively reflect societal issues and provide a platform for exploring complex themes like death, violence, and the human condition. The author shares the personal story that inspired the novel, revealing that a similar incident occurred in his own life during his youth. He discusses the impact of the event on his friends and how it shaped his perspective on friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of seeking revenge. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the author's decision to include Spanish in the novel, highlighting his desire to authentically represent the language and culture of Puerto Rico. Iglesias explains how this creates a unique reading experience for monolingual readers, forcing them to confront the challenges of navigating a world with multiple languages and cultures.

Outlines

00:00:00

Exploring the Themes of "House of Bone and Rain"

This episode delves into the themes and inspirations behind Gabino Iglesias' novel "House of Bone and Rain," exploring the complexities of brotherhood, vengeance, and toxic masculinity within a group of male friends seeking revenge. The author discusses the significance of Hurricane Maria as a central element in the story, both as a literal event and a symbolic representation of the devastation and failure of the U.S. government in Puerto Rico.

00:07:57

Supernatural Elements and Cultural Representation

The conversation explores the author's inspiration for the supernatural elements in the novel, particularly the myths surrounding hurricanes. Iglesias explains how he created a new dark god associated with storms, drawing inspiration from Taino mythology and his desire to add a supernatural dimension to the real-world devastation. The podcast also focuses on the author's decision to include Spanish in the novel, highlighting his desire to authentically represent the language and culture of Puerto Rico.

00:14:11

Personal Inspiration and the Power of Storytelling

Iglesias shares the personal story that inspired the novel, revealing that a similar incident occurred in his own life during his youth. He discusses the impact of the event on his friends and how it shaped his perspective on friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of seeking revenge. The conversation explores the role of horror fiction as a mirror to society, with Iglesias arguing that horror and crime fiction effectively reflect societal issues and provide a platform for examining the complexities of the human condition.

Keywords

Q&A

• How does the novel "House of Bone and Rain" explore the complexities of male friendships and the consequences of seeking revenge?

  The novel delves into the powerful bond of brotherhood, highlighting how it can both empower and lead to destructive choices. The characters' pursuit of vengeance is driven by grief, fear, and a sense of loyalty, ultimately revealing the dark side of their friendship.

• What is the significance of Hurricane Maria in the novel, both literally and symbolically?

  Hurricane Maria serves as a central element in the story, representing the devastation and failure of the U.S. government in Puerto Rico. The storm's impact mirrors the characters' emotional turmoil, highlighting the resilience of the Puerto Rican people in the face of adversity.

• How does the author use supernatural elements to enhance the horror and explore the themes of the novel?

  Iglesias creates a unique supernatural mythos surrounding hurricanes, drawing inspiration from Taino mythology. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story, allowing him to explore themes of death, violence, and the dark side of human nature in a more profound way.

• Why did the author choose to include Spanish in the novel, and what impact does it have on the reading experience?

  The author's decision to include Spanish reflects his own bilingual experience and his desire to authentically represent the language and culture of Puerto Rico. This creates a unique reading experience for monolingual readers, forcing them to confront the challenges of navigating a world with multiple languages and cultures.

• What drew the author to the horror genre, and how does he see it as a tool for exploring societal issues?

  Iglesias has been fascinated by horror since childhood, finding it a powerful tool for exploring dark and unsettling themes. He believes that horror fiction effectively reflects societal issues and provides a platform for examining the complexities of the human condition.

Show Notes