I spent 4 months in Mexico, had some incredible and harrowing experiences (and ate more tacos al pastor than I could count), yet always felt like I barely even scratched the surface. I also had some dark days in Mexico, which was apt because it’s a place that doesn’t shy away from the dark.
With this in mind, the following collection of books set in Mexico provides a deep dive into the heart of the nation, from the tumultuous aftermath of the Mexican Revolution to the complexities of modern-day life in the megalopolis that is the capital.
I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book, but you can also see my post on where to get e-books and audiobooks for free. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for digital versions.)
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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
Books on the History of Mexico
1. Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo
Rulfo’s masterpiece, Pedro Páramo, blends myth and reality to paint a powerful portrait of a post-revolutionary wasteland. This desolate and dreamlike novel explores the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution through a fragmented narrative. It is considered one of the most influential books in Latin American literature.
The plot follows the titular Pedro on his quest to find his lost father in the town of Comala.
“Comala is everyone and no one. It is wherever there is no water.”
2. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
The Power and the Glory is a story of faith and disillusionment set during the Cristero War, a religious conflict in 1920s Mexico. The book often appears in lists of the best novels of the 20th century and is considered to be Graham Greene’s masterpiece (you may recognize Greene as the author of The Quiet American, among other famous titles).
Set in the late 1930s, when a paramilitary group has outlawed the Catholic Church, the last priest is on the run to escape execution. The gripping narrative explores themes of persecution, martyrdom, and the nature of belief.
“There is a hunger for God even among those who deny Him.”
Beyond the Revolution
3. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Like Water for Chocolate is a magical realist novel that weaves together a love story, family secrets, and traditional Mexican recipes. Esquivel’s lyrical language and fantastical elements create a captivating tale that celebrates the power of food and female passion.
Originally published in monthly installments, this book reflects the importance of food in Mexican culture and its role in storytelling.
“Each mouthful is a story.”
4. The Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz
In this thought-provoking essay collection exploring the concept of Mexican identity, Octavio Paz delves into themes of loneliness, machismo, and the search for national character, offering a profound analysis of the Mexican psyche.
Paz is considered Mexico’s foremost writer and critic, and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1990. El laberinto de la soledad (“The Labyrinth of Solitude”, 1950) is his best known work.
“Mexicans are obsessed with death.” – This famous quote reflects Paz’s exploration of Mexico’s complex relationship with mortality.
5. The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
A historical novel set against the backdrop of the Mexican Drug War, The Hummingbird’s Daughter is the first in a multi-generational duology that explores themes of violence, family loyalty, and the enduring spirit of the Mexican people.
The plot is inspired by the life of Urrea’s great-aunt Teresita, who was said to possess healing powers. The sequel, Queen of America, continues Teresita’s journey as she travels turn-of-the-century America.
“We are a people who have learned to live with shadows.”
Books about Mexico City
Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture (and a penchant for earthquakes), is a world unto itself. I’ve previously covered the best bookstores in CDMX and now here are some books that capture the essence of the city:
6. First Stop in the New World: Mexico City, the Capital of the 21st Century by David Lida
This comprehensive and insightful book explores the diverse neighborhoods, historical sites, and cultural offerings of Mexico City. Lida is a knowledgeable guide, offering a literary-journalist perspective and a street-level view of the ever-evolving metropolis.
Considered the definitive book on Mexico, First Stop in the New World explores the significance of Mexico City as a microcosm of the nation and the wider world.
“Mexico City…a prism through which all of Mexico, and perhaps the larger world, can be viewed.”
7. The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli
This quirky novel explores themes of migration, class, and the power of storytelling. The story follows a late-blooming world traveler named Highway and his most treasured possessions; the teeth of infamous people.
Although Luiselli was born in Mexico City, she wrote The Story of My Teeth in collaboration with workers at a Jumex juice factory, which provides a uniquely authentic perspective on the lives of ordinary people in the industrial suburbs the capital.
“The city is a story that never stops being told.”
8. Down & Delirious in Mexico City: The Aztec Metropolis in the 21st Century by Daniel Hernandez
Down & Delirious in Mexico City is a wild and irreverent exploration of the capital’s underground music scene, art world, and counterculture. Hernandez takes readers on a whirlwind tour of Mexico City’s hidden corners and introduces them to its most creative and rebellious inhabitants.
“Mexico City is a city that devours you whole.”
9. Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros
Caramelo is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that follows the life of Lala, who travels with her family from Chicago to her Awful Grandmother’s home in Mexico City, every year. However, as she starts to find clues as why her grandmother is so awful, she pieces together the tangled stories of her family.
“Same story becomes a different story depending on who is telling it.” – a central theme of the novel, which explores the subjectivity of memory and the importance of perspective.
Contemporary Voices
Mexico boasts a vibrant literary scene with a diverse range of contemporary voices. Switching pace from classic books about Mexico, here are some contemporary reads to take note of:
10. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor
A dark and disturbing murder mystery novel that explores violence and corruption in a small Mexican town, Hurricane Season was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020. The narration switches between different seedy characters, each as unreliable and unredeemable as the last.
Melchor’s unflinching portrayal of contemporary Mexico challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the harsh realities of life in some parts of Mexico.
“Violence is the air we breathe.”
11. Balada de adioses y perjury (Ballad of Farewells and Perjury) by Sergio Pitol
A witty and insightful novel that explores themes of exile, memory, and the cultural clash between Mexico and the United States. Pitol’s masterful storytelling is a delight for readers who appreciate a touch of humor alongside their social commentary.
“The problem with Mexico is that everyone wants to be a bullfighter, but nobody wants to raise the bulls.” – This quote, with its dark humor, reflects Pitol’s critique of Mexican society.
More Books Set in Mexico
I hope that as you explore these narratives, you’ll find yourself immersed in the diverse experiences that shape Mexico, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for its profound and multifaceted identity.
If you have any recommendations for other books set in Mexico for me, please leave them in the comment section below.
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