The Lost Souls of Guayaquil by Brian Gibb

Spectacularly creative and emotionally gripping, The Lost Souls of Guayaquil by Brian Gibb is an original and thought-provoking novel about life, death, and what defines us in between.

In a clash of beliefs, destinies, and capitalist ambitions, a young woman is torn between fighting beside her oppressed people and staying loyal to her supernatural calling as a healer. An intrepid journalist pushes back against the Ecuadorian government’s sinister manipulation of the press, even if that means landing a target on his back. The reluctant souls of the dead, frustrated at the fate of their still-living loved ones, and unwilling to fully pass into the afterlife, share dire warnings to those alive who are still able to listen.

A brilliantly written book, this masterful piece of magical realism is closely tied to class struggle, political violence, and societal inequity, so despite the genre, the themes feel timely and relatable for contemporary readers, regardless of their belief systems. The narration, while often straightforward, is visceral, personal, and richly layered with cultural detail, bringing scenes and characters to believable life. The depth of detail related to Ecuadorian spiritual and healing practices is immersive and fascinating, while the author’s intensely journalistic tone, at times, will leave jaws dropped with the sheer power of the prose.

Though occasional passages and dialogic exchanges fall flat in their tone or authenticity, this surreal plunge into the past and beyond is difficult to put down, or forget.