Discover the Chilling Argentinian Horror Tale: Our Share of Night

The spooky narrative in Marion Enriquez's novel delves into themes of family anguish, societal violence, and the manipulation of disadvantaged communities through the lens of the supernatural.

An Unforgettable Epic

During the two years I've spent immersed in the world of horror literature, Mariana Enriquez's enthralling work has risen to the top of my list. Released in its original form in Argentina back in 2019, it wasn’t until 2023 that the English translation managed to capture a wider audience. While it doesn’t quite rival the extensive length of a Stephen King novel, the nearly 600-page tome certainly earns its place among great epics.

Amidst spectral entities and chilling rituals lies a narrative where the otherworldly serves as a metaphor for genuine fears. Enriquez harnesses the arcane to delve deeply into Argentina's turbulent past, tackling autocratic brutality, deep-seated familial scars, and the exploitative nature of the affluent elite.

A Tale Spanning Eras

Set across multiple time periods, the plot traverses from the 1980s to the tumultuous '60s and '70s, and then leaps ahead to the late '90s. Central to the storyline are the lives of Juan, a grieving husband, and his son Gaspar, as they struggle to elude an affluent cult known as the Order. A medium by fate, Juan is utilized by this secretive group to connect with a shadowy entity reminiscent of Lovecraft’s cosmic horrors—a being they believe holds the secrets to unending life.

Despite my general resolve against fear, certain haunting images from Enriquez's pages linger, leaving an indelible mark on my psyche.

Complex Relationships and Human Flaws

Born into an immigrant background lacking financial security, Juan’s abilities soon draw the Order's attention. They tear him away from his roots, morphing him into a cog in their sinister machinations at the expense of his well-being. Determined to prevent his son from enduring a similar fate, Juan navigates the fraught parent-child bond, portrayed with nuanced proficiency by Enriquez. She masterfully sketches the tender, yet tumultuous nature of their relationship, reflecting both care and cruelty.

The narrative doesn't shy away from stark depictions of anger and neglect. Even as Juan goes to extraordinary lengths to shield Gaspar from external threats, his internal demons sometimes overflow, causing strain and conflict. He, like many within the book, oscillates between being a victim and a perpetrator, trapped within society’s harsh realities that often disregard human value.

A World Enriched with Depth and Darkness

Brimming with weighty themes, the novel paints a somber picture, exposing readers to intense scenes of child maltreatment, household aggression, sexual misconduct, despotism, and addictive behaviors. While the English adaptation occasionally stumbles over awkward phrasing, it remains a compelling narrative I plan to revisit.

Enriquez crafts multi-dimensional figures; none fit neatly into the mold of a hero, often acting on blurred motivations. Her immersive gothic universe is deeply intertwined with Argentina’s dark history, particularly during the unsettling years of the 1970s when thousands met their deaths or vanished. The tale of the Order is both elaborate and eerie.

Immersive Storytelling

Though rarely unnerved by the written word, specific sections within Enriquez’s tale grip the imagination, leaving a lasting impression. One particularly vivid episode, where Juan connects with the sinister entity in a graveyard, lingered with me—not due to graphic description, but rather the tension articulated through her masterful prose.

The novel balances its macabre elements with moments of sensuousness. Unlike many horror tales where romance is an afterthought, Enriquez deliberately weaves intimacy within the story, adding layers to the hedonistic lifestyle depicted within the Order. Juan is portrayed as a striking figure, his physical allure contrasting his fragile health—a strategic juxtaposition Enriquez explores with deft creativity, inclusive of diverse sexual identities.

A Must-Read for Horror Enthusiasts

Skyrocketing to a preferred author status, Mariana Enriquez captivates with enthralling stories and nuanced characters. While her other short stories showcase her talent, it's “Our Share of Night” that continues to captivate my thoughts.

Available across various platforms, I urge readers to seek out their own physical copy at local bookshops or support small independent stores.