My anticipation for this book was low-key at first. I was a sucker for the cover though. I knew I would get to it eventually. But, it kept popping up on my Goodreads feed. It almost felt subliminal. Looked it up on Libby and sure enough, the book was there. Seriously, I'm glad my library had copies of it. I was instantly swept off my feet! I forgot about my other books and just fell into world that is Hacienda San Isidro. I'm still reveling in the aftermath. A book hangover, if you will.
In the overthrow of the Mexican government, Beatriz’s father is executed and her home destroyed. When handsome Don Rodolfo Solórzano proposes, Beatriz ignores the rumors surrounding his first wife’s sudden demise, choosing instead to seize the security his estate in the countryside provides. She will have her own home again, no matter the cost.
But Hacienda San Isidro is not the sanctuary she imagined.
When Rodolfo returns to work in the capital, visions and voices invade Beatriz’s sleep. The weight of invisible eyes follows her every move. Rodolfo’s sister, Juana, scoffs at Beatriz’s fears—but why does she refuse to enter the house at night? Why does the cook burn copal incense at the edge of the kitchen and mark its doorway with strange symbols? What really happened to the first Doña Solórzano?
Beatriz only knows two things for certain: Something is wrong with the hacienda. And no one there will help her.
Desperate for help, she clings to the young priest, Padre Andrés, as an ally. No ordinary priest, Andrés will have to rely on his skills as a witch to fight off the malevolent presence haunting the hacienda and protect the woman for whom he feels a powerful, forbidden attraction. But even he might not be enough to battle the darkness.
Far from a refuge, San Isidro may be Beatriz’s doom.
Let me start off with saying that The Hacienda had my WHOLE attention from the very beginning. I can say with much certainty that it's been a long time since an audiobook pulled me into its clutches that quickly. I'm usually apprehensive with most audiobooks because I don't know how the narrators will be. Most of the time, it takes a couple of chapters for me to get use to narrator's voice and then connect with the story. But not this book, these narrators held my attention from start to finish.
From the VERY start, it enveloped me an unforgettable way. The first chapter starts from the end of the book and works backwards. I absolutely loved that beginning. Not only was I intrigued with the direction but I was instantly curious about these characters. We are first introduce to Andres and know nothing about him or his purpose in the book. It flashbacks to Beatriz before arriving to Sin Isidro and introducing us to her. I actually liked having different perspectives in books. I enjoyed going between Beatriz and Andres' thoughts and experiences.
The relationship and dynamic built between Beatriz and Andres was probably my favorite thing about this whole book. Their forbidden love that grows so delicately and lovely throughout the book. I don't want to say anymore. But, I will forever ship those two! PARA SIEMPRE!
This story takes place during a few timelines: after the Spanish Inquisition, a little before the overthrow of the Mexican government and present day 1800s. You could tell the author really did her researching during that time period. Discussing the Casta system and the constant question of linage and skin color. Casting a light on how the Spanish used their systems to maintain their power and superiority over other racial groups. Their total lack and blatant disregard for mestizos and indigenous life. It's not for the faint-hearted. There was also heavy themes of Catholicism and how it ruled during that time.
The Hacienda also gets very atmospheric. Each chapter brings on that eeriness of being watched. Being hunted and teased by the evil that resides in the house. It almost feels like you stepped into the house and are experiencing it yourself. That's what happened to me. Like the hands of the Hacienda pulled me into its darkness. That my book buddies, is a sign of good writing. I know I could keep writing about it but I have to stop...
In all honesty, I wasn't sure what to expect from this story but this is exactly what I wanted out of a gothic story. I mean, a creepy and eerie haunted house story set in Mexico with intriguing, complex and layered characters? What more can you ask for? But my biggest reason and connection to the story was the culture and heritage. I come from a Guatemalan family. Much of my bloodline is indigenous and Spanish. I was able to understand these topics so well because I heard my own families' stories. I knew the hardships and I know how bad indigenous communities still have it in Guatemala, Mexico and other Central & South American countries. Unfortunately, the fight is far from over. I hope it will end one day. I applaud and appreciate the author for her research and shining lights on topics that still need to be discuss. That need to be changed.
The Hacienda is definitely worth a read. I highly recommend and I can't wait to put it in my collection!
