‘There is magic everywhere, if you look carefully.’
Mexico City, 1988: Fifteen year old Meche is an awkward, unpopular girl in school who loves music and math. She spends most of her time with her two best friends Sebastian and Daniela. Life is not ideal for the three friends with each of them dealing with different struggles, from family problems to unfulfilled desires. They learn they can use music to cast spells and set out to better their circumstances, attempting to use magic to turn things around in their favour.
Mexico City, 2009: Meche is a successful computer programmer in Oslo, Norway. She has returned to Mexico City after twenty years away to attend her estranged father’s funeral, and is faced with the past and everything she had long left behind, including her two friends.
Signal to Noise is a wonderfully charming and engaging debut novel from author Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It alternates between 1988 and 2009 and does so seamlessly. Both time periods are equally compelling and complement each other very well, moving the narrative forward. It is a story about friendship, hope, love, the magic of music, and dreams of youth. The challenges and disappointments of adulthood and recapturing what has been lost. It is a touching story that will make you smile and tear up in the best way. Moreno-Garcia presents a beautifully written novel with memorable characters that is captivating from beginning to end.
Playlist for “Signal to Noise” created by the author.
Favourite quote: “They folded and kept their dreams in the same drawer, spun fantasies side by side, lived in the easy harmony of youth which did not know the need for tall walls and sturdy defenses.”
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