“Our Dreams Are Not To Be Trusted”: A Journey into Colombian Terror

“Our Dreams Are Not To Be Trusted,” a chilling masterpiece of Colombian horror fiction by author Juan José Flores, plunges readers deep into a labyrinth of psychological torment and supernatural dread.

Flores masterfully weaves together the mundane with the macabre, creating a haunting tale that lingers long after the final page is turned. Set against the backdrop of a remote Colombian village steeped in ancient legends and superstitious fears, the novel explores the fragile line between reality and nightmare, leaving readers questioning the very nature of their own perceptions.

The story revolves around a young man named Mateo, who returns to his ancestral home after years away. Haunted by vivid and disturbing dreams, Mateo struggles to differentiate between waking life and the chilling visions that plague him. As he delves deeper into his family’s dark history, he uncovers a terrifying secret that threatens to unravel the fabric of his sanity.

Themes and Motifs: The Tapestry of Terror

Flores’s “Our Dreams Are Not To Be Trusted” is not merely a horror novel; it’s a complex exploration of human psychology, societal taboos, and the destructive power of secrets. The following thematic threads run through the narrative, contributing to its chilling impact:

• The Unreliable Narrator: Mateo’s fractured psyche and his inability to distinguish dream from reality cast doubt on his perceptions, forcing readers to question the veracity of his experiences and adding a layer of unsettling ambiguity to the story.

• Generational Trauma: The novel delves into the lasting effects of past events on future generations, highlighting how unresolved trauma can manifest in terrifying ways.

• The Supernatural: While not explicitly grotesque, the supernatural elements in the novel are deeply unnerving. Flores masterfully employs suggestion and atmosphere to create a palpable sense of dread, leaving much to the reader’s imagination.

Production Features: A Haunting Aesthetic

“Our Dreams Are Not To Be Trusted,” originally published in Spanish in 2018, has gained international acclaim for its distinctive style and evocative prose. Flores’s writing is both lyrical and visceral, capable of capturing the subtle nuances of fear and despair while also painting vivid pictures of the Colombian landscape.

The novel’s cover art, a haunting image of a distorted face obscured by shadows, perfectly encapsulates the unsettling nature of the story within.

Flores’s meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the prose, encompassing the novel’s structure and pacing. He masterfully employs suspense-building techniques, gradually ratcheting up the tension until the climax leaves readers breathless.

The use of foreshadowing and symbolism adds another layer of depth to the narrative, encouraging readers to analyze the underlying meanings and decipher the hidden clues embedded within the text. Flores doesn’t shy away from exploring complex themes, such as grief, guilt, and the search for identity, adding a psychological richness that elevates “Our Dreams Are Not To Be Trusted” beyond a simple horror tale.

A Legacy of Fear:

Flores’s “Our Dreams Are Not To Be Trusted” stands as a testament to the power of Colombian literature to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, prompting reflection on the nature of reality and the chilling secrets that may lurk within our own dreams.

For readers seeking a truly immersive and unsettling horror experience, “Our Dreams Are Not To Be Trusted” is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Colombian terror. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about fear – and yourself.