When the American Dream Becomes a Nightmare
You know that feeling when you move into a new neighborhood and something just feels… off? Like maybe the neighbors are a little too friendly, or the HOA rules are just a tad too strict? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Vincent Tirado’s “We Came to Welcome You” takes that unease and cranks it up to eleven.
This psychological horror novel digs its roots deep into the soil of suburban anxiety, unearthing a tangled mess of racism, homophobia, and the pressure to conform. It’s like if “Stepford Wives” had a lovechild with “Get Out” and raised it on a steady diet of true crime podcasts. Tirado’s sophomore adult novel proves they’ve got chops when it comes to serving up scares with a side of social commentary.
Plot: A House of Cards (and Corpses)
So, here’s the deal: Sol Reyes and her wife Alice Song have just snagged their slice of the American Dream—a shiny new house in the gated community of Maneless Grove. Sounds great, right? Except Sol’s got more baggage than a Kardashian on vacay. She’s on thin ice at her lab job, drowning her sorrows in wine, and her homophobic dad is a constant thorn in her side.
But hey, at least the neighbors are friendly! Maybe a little too friendly. Like, “we’re definitely not a cult, but please sign this 50-page HOA agreement” friendly. As Sol starts noticing weird stuff around the house (disappearing stairs, anyone?), she begins to wonder if her paranoia is justified or if she’s just losing her marbles.
Oh, and did I mention the journal she finds from a previous resident who went missing? Yeah, because that’s totally not ominous at all. As Sol digs deeper, she uncovers a sinister force at work in Maneless Grove—one that threatens not just her sanity, but her very identity.
The Good, the Bad, and the Deeply Unsettling
Let’s break this bad boy down:
What Works:
- Atmosphere for days: Tirado nails the creeping dread of suburban horror. You’ll be side-eyeing your neighbors for weeks.
- Queer representation: Sol and Alice’s relationship feels authentic and adds depth to the story.
- Social commentary: The book tackles racism and assimilation in thought-provoking ways.
- Unique horror elements: The blend of body horror and psychological terror is genuinely unsettling.
What Needs Work:
- Pacing issues: The middle section drags a bit, and some plot threads feel underdeveloped.
- Character consistency: Sol’s actions sometimes feel out of character, especially towards the end.
- Exposition overload: There are moments where the worldbuilding feels a bit info-dumpy.
- Resolution: The ending might leave some readers wanting more closure.
Characters: A Mixed Bag of Nuts (Some More Cracked Than Others)
Sol Reyes: Our Unreliable Narrator Extraordinaire
Sol’s our main girl, and boy, is she a mess. A Dominican lesbian scientist with a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas, Sol’s got more baggage than an airport carousel. Tirado does a great job capturing Sol’s anxiety and paranoia, making her a relatable (if not always likable) protagonist. Her snarky internal monologue provides some much-needed levity in the face of mounting horror.
However, Sol’s character arc feels a bit wobbly at times. Her descent into… well, no spoilers, but let’s just say her choices towards the end might have you scratching your head.
Alice Song: The Better Half?
Alice starts off as Sol’s supportive wife and voice of reason, but as the story progresses, her character takes some interesting turns. Tirado explores the pressure to assimilate through Alice’s journey, raising uncomfortable questions about identity and belonging.
The Neighbors from Hell (Literally?)
From the overly perky Nadine to the creepy-as-hell Finnian(s), the residents of Maneless Grove are a masterclass in passive-aggressive horror. Tirado excels at creating characters that are simultaneously welcoming and deeply unsettling.
Themes: Digging Up the Roots of Evil
“We Came to Welcome You” isn’t just about things that go bump in the night. Tirado uses horror as a lens to examine some heavy themes:
- Assimilation vs. Identity: The pressure to conform in Maneless Grove mirrors real-world expectations placed on marginalized communities.
- Systemic Racism: The novel explores how racism can be insidious and “polite” while still being deeply harmful.
- Queer Experience: Sol and Alice’s relationship adds depth to discussions of acceptance and family.
- Mental Health: Sol’s struggles with anxiety and alcoholism are portrayed with nuance.
A Forest of Symbolism
Tirado weaves in some clever symbolism throughout the We Came to Welcome You:
- Trees and Roots: The imagery of interconnected roots serves as a metaphor for community, but also for loss of individuality.
- The Disappearing House: As Sol loses her sense of self, her physical environment becomes unstable.
- Food and Drink: The restrictions placed on community meals highlight the control exerted over residents.
Writing Style: A Rollercoaster of Tension (with a Few Rickety Tracks)
Tirado’s prose is sharp and often darkly humorous. They excel at building tension, making even mundane interactions feel loaded with menace. The use of Sol’s first-person perspective keeps us firmly in her increasingly unstable headspace.
That said, there are moments where the pacing falters. Some scenes, particularly in the middle section, feel repetitive. The worldbuilding, while intriguing, occasionally veers into info-dump territory.
Dialogue: Snappy with a Side of Cringe
The dialogue is generally strong, especially Sol’s internal monologue. However, some of the neighbor’s lines can feel a bit on-the-nose in their creepiness. It’s like, we get it, you’re in a cult. No need to be so obvious about it, Karen.
Comparisons: In Good Company (The Spooky Kind)
“We Came to Welcome You” sits comfortably alongside other social horror heavy-hitters:
- “Get Out” by Jordan Peele: Both explore racism in seemingly “progressive” spaces.
- “The Stepford Wives” by Ira Levin: Suburban conformity taken to extremes.
- “Midsommar” by Ari Aster: The slow-burn descent into cult-like mentality.
- “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Blending of cultural identity and horror.
Fans of Tirado’s YA work (“Burn Down, Rise Up” and “We Don’t Swim Here”) will find familiar themes here, but with a more mature, psychological edge.
The Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Fright Fest
“We Came to Welcome You” is a bold, unsettling novel that will stick with you long after you turn the last page. Tirado’s unique voice and willingness to tackle difficult subjects through the lens of horror is commendable. While the execution isn’t always perfect, the ambition and creativity on display make this a worthwhile read for fans of socially conscious horror.
Who Should Read This?
- Horror fans looking for something beyond typical jump scares
- Readers interested in diverse voices in genre fiction
- Anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in their own community
- People who secretly suspect their HOA might be a front for an ancient evil (hey, you never know)
Who Should Skip It?
- Those looking for a straightforward, plot-driven horror story
- Readers sensitive to discussions of racism and homophobia
- Anyone who just signed a lease in a too-good-to-be-true gated community (maybe wait a bit on this one)
Final Thoughts: Planting Seeds of Unease
“We Came to Welcome You” isn’t a perfect novel, but it’s a damn interesting one. Tirado has crafted a story that will make you question the very notion of “fitting in” and the price we pay for acceptance. It’s a book that lingers, like the unsettling smile of a too-friendly neighbor or the faint whisper of leaves in a still forest.
So, grab a copy, lock your doors (maybe check on your neighbors while you’re at it), and prepare to be welcomed into the twisted world of Maneless Grove. Just don’t blame me if you start eyeing your HOA agreement with suspicion afterward. After all, you never know what might be lurking beneath those perfectly manicured lawns…
