‘House of Bone and Rain’ by Gabino Iglesias. Mulholland, 352 pages, $29 Vengeance can be “the world’s most powerful motor,” says one of the five friends who are closer than brothers in Gabino Iglesias’ perceptive “House of Bone and Rain.” Vengeance drives the plot of Iglesias’ latest novel as each character wrestles with the effects and aftermath of revenge-seeking, how it can seep into your soul.
“Vengeance is like any other drug; it destroys your life while making you feel good for a useless moment.” “House of Bone and Rain” also works as a story about redemption, grief, coming of age and friendship. No matter the consequences, these young men, from diverse backgrounds — poverty to privilege and with different ambitions — start on this path.
Gabe, Bimbo, Paul, Tavo, and Xavier have become their chosen family, a deep friendship forged in childhood that filled “the holes” each had. Now young men, each contemplates a different future. Some will stay in Puerto Rico, attending college there or working, others consider going to Texas or Florida for school.
Tavo, who is gay, is looking for a boyfriend. Then Bimbo’s mother, Maria, is gunned down. Her grief-stricken son plans to find the killers who are tied to drug lord Papalote.
Bimbo’s quest for revenge leads his friends into a violent environment none are quite prepared for. Their plans are hampered when Hurricane Maria strikes, bringing more death and destruction to Puerto Rico. Iglesias weaves in Puerto Rican history, mythology and spiritualism with a bit of the supernatural.
The tenets of horror and thriller often intersect in “House of Bone and Rain.” Iglesias illustrates the beauty of Puerto Rico as it shows how the residents suffered in the aftermath of the hurricane. The novel skirts close to gratuitous violence, but Iglesias’ strong storytelling and beautiful prose elevate the story.
Gabino Iglesias will discuss “House of Bone and Rain” with Miami author Alejandro Nodarse (“Blood in the Cut”) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.
25, at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. The event is free, but reservations are requested.
Information: booksandbooks.com/event ; 305-442-4408..
