Mariana Enriquez’s novel Our Share of Night was initially published in Argentina in 2019 and received its English translation in 2023. The book spans nearly 600 pages, focusing on horror themes that intertwine the supernatural with significant aspects of real-world trauma. Enriquez explores Argentina’s political violence, familial trauma, and social disparities through a narrative involving ancient gods and a powerful cult.
The plot unfolds across several decades, primarily following Juan, a widower, and his son Gaspar. Their story revolves around their attempts to escape the influence of a wealthy cult known as the Order, which exploits Juan’s abilities as a medium to communicate with a deity referred to as the Darkness. This organization believes that this entity can provide them with immortality.
The relationship between Juan and Gaspar is central to the narrative, capturing the complexities of fatherhood despite its often fraught nature. Juan was taken from his poor immigrant family by the Order and used for their rituals, which ultimately threaten his well-being. Despite his desire to protect his son, he occasionally exhibits cruelty toward Gaspar, revealing the layered dynamics of victimhood and perpetration in abusive environments.
Our Share of Night addresses serious topics, including child abuse, domestic violence, and addiction. The writing contains moments of horror that resonate deeply, reflecting on the psychological impacts of trauma. The story also features elements of sexual exploration, illustrated through multiple intimate scenes that enhance the narrative’s themes of hedonism and juxtaposition, particularly in Juan’s character, who is both physically appealing and suffering from a chronic illness.
The novel’s landscape is deeply rooted in Argentina’s historical context, particularly relating to the Dirty War of the late 1970s, when many individuals were killed or disappeared. With its complex characters and unsettling atmosphere, Our Share of Night has garnered attention as a significant work in contemporary literature. It is available widely in both digital and print formats.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/802340/you-need-to-read-the-epic-argentinian-horror-novel-our-share-of-night