Hurricane Maria's Legacy Explored in Gabino Iglesias' "House of Bone and Rain"

In his latest novel, "House of Bone and Rain," Gabino Iglesias intertwines a supernatural revenge narrative with the looming threat of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The book emerges as a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of the catastrophic storm, which devastated the island in 2017. To commemorate the five-year anniversary of the hurricane, the Whitney Museum of American Art showcased contemporary Puerto Rican artists, emphasizing the ongoing repercussions of the disaster, encapsulated in the phrase “no existe un mundo poshuracán,” meaning “a post-hurricane world does not exist.” The story centers on Gabe and his close-knit group of friends—Bimbo, Paul, Tavo, and Xavier—who embody the complexities of contemporary Puerto Rican youth. Their lives take a dark turn when Bimbo’s mother, Maria, is murdered while working at a nightclub in Old San Juan. This tragedy propels the friends into a pact to seek vengeance against her killers, highlighting themes of loyalty and the quest for justice amidst chaos. As the narrative unfolds, the impending hurricane serves as a backdrop, intensifying the urgency of their mission. The storm not only threatens their physical safety but also symbolizes the broader turmoil faced by the island. Gabe poignantly describes the situation, stating, “The island became a playground for death,” illustrating the intersection of personal loss and natural disaster in their lives. Iglesias’ novel thus serves as a powerful commentary on resilience and the haunting legacy of Hurricane Maria.