Mexico by james a. michener

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I was truly anticipating reading this work as I had heard numerous positive things regarding Michener's books. However, I was extremely disappointed to discover that he had crafted a character who was the most dreadful sort of "explainer." This character never trusts the audience and perpetually requires an ignorant follower to elucidate the concepts within the book.

Just like in "The Paris Wife," this is a non-character who has secretly been at the core of all matters - yet also has to assert legitimacy by at various times claiming heritage from proud Spaniards of a noble lineage, to being a descendant of one of the princesses. He also happens to be related to a distinguished general from the civil war... and was present when General Gursa... Anyway, you get the gist.

I would not recommend this book. It fails to live up to the expectations set by the praise I had heard. The character's flaws and the convoluted nature of his backstory detract from the overall reading experience.

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IsaacAcotas

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I must admit that after reading this book, I don't truly believe I have gained a profound understanding of the history or origins of Mexico.

While I did find the storytelling quite engaging, I was rather disappointed to notice that the way the story was presented seemed to have a somewhat ethnocentric perspective. It failed to comprehensively capture the essence of what it means to understand Mexico.

The ancient native cultures and civilizations that thrived in Mexico for countless centuries were merely a minor aspect of the narrative.

However, on a positive note, I did feel that I learned a great deal about bullfighting in the comprehensive manner that I had initially hoped for from this book.

Overall, the book had its strengths and weaknesses, but it left me longing for a more in-depth exploration of Mexico's rich history and diverse cultures.

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Hyperpanda_10

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Disappointing

After delving into a plethora of truly outstanding books, commencing with my very first, "Hawaii," and progressing through "Centennial" and "The Tales of the South Pacific," this particular work was a major letdown. It failed to captivate my attention to the same extent as its predecessors. I had anticipated a more in-depth exploration of history, rather than the predominant focus on bullfighting, which I have never regarded as a "noble" sport. The matador confronts an animal that has endured multiple stabbings by two distinct groups and is already debilitated by significant blood loss. It would be far more interesting to witness a confrontation with a truly healthy bull that has not been bled. This lackluster portrayal left me longing for a more engaging and informative narrative.

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GHhost

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Finally, I have completed this book.

At the beginning, it was really great, but then it got stuck in the middle with the bullfighting saga. He really needed to rewrite the middle part of this book and condense it.

However, at page 400, the story picked up again and became a good read after that dull middle section.

The history of Mexico is a long and detailed epic, and it's not easy to cover because there are so many factions involved in the fight for control of Mexico.

Michener has done a relatively good job of describing all the cares and concerns of all the factions involved, including the Indigenous people, the Spaniards, the French and Germans, the North Americans, the priests and nuns, and the political power, as well as where and how that power was used.

Even though this book is about fictional places, I still recognized some themes, events, and places in it.

Overall, it was an interesting read despite its flaws in the middle.

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mangasIwantoread

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This book is not about Hawaii.

The story takes place in a fictional town in Mexico, with characters who haven't even been born yet.

Just like Hawaii, the story and characters are fictional, and very few people in this world know the early history of Hawaii.

Regarding Mexico, many of us have some knowledge of its history.

However, this book wasn't even good historical fiction.

Michener is a talented writer, and I have read several of his books, but this particular one failed to excite me.

If someone enjoys teen silliness and bullfighting, then this might be the book for them.

Happy reading!

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JustDread

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Extremely dark and gory, this work fails to provide a good overview or a favorable portrait of Mexico. If Michener's characterizations of the populace are accurate, it leaves one with a sickening feeling about Mexicans. The book consists of 646 pages filled with depictions of human sacrifice and torture, and then half of it is dedicated to the torture and sacrifice of bulls. Michener appears to take pleasure in the bloodshed of both, presenting them as essential to the history and life of Mexico. It's truly revolting.

One wonders if this is an accurate representation or if Michener has exaggerated these aspects for the sake of drama. The continuous focus on such gruesome and violent acts makes it difficult to see any redeeming qualities in the portrayal of Mexico. It makes one question whether there is more to the country and its people than what is presented here.

Perhaps a more balanced and nuanced view would have been beneficial, highlighting not only the darker aspects of Mexican history but also the rich culture, traditions, and the many positive contributions of the Mexican people. As it stands, this work leaves a rather negative impression and may deter some from further exploring the real Mexico.

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Guissauro

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

We have heard about the famous bullfighting festival Ixmiq in the city of Toledo, Mexico. There, the local newspapers soar in the sky, regarding it as a potential culmination duel between two matadors. This duel could result in only one survivor, as one will strive to defeat the other with increasingly dangerous tricks. The journalist Norman Clay's superiors sent him to cover it and present it to the New York public.

The Ixmiq festival is not just an ordinary event. It is a display of courage, skill, and a test of wills. The matadors, with their red capes and sharp swords, enter the arena, ready to face the powerful bulls. The crowd holds its breath, eagerly anticipating the thrilling moments that are about to unfold.

Norman Clay, with his敏锐的观察力 and excellent writing skills, is determined to capture every detail of this exciting festival. He will document the intense battles, the emotions of the matadors and the crowd, and bring the essence of Ixmiq to the readers in New York. Through his reporting, people will be able to experience the excitement and drama of the bullfighting festival from afar.

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Demonul123

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

What a b---S--t book!

I can understand the characters being fictitious, but the whole book is made up.

The historic native Indians are made up, and the city it all revolves around is completely made up.

The General Gurza character, who is so central to the action, is also completely made up.

Worse yet, this book is not about Mexico; it's about bullfighting.

On top of that, it's all about the made-up history of the fictitious central figure and his family history, which is so contrived as to be ridiculous.

There is no reason he could not have built his story around real history and given us something at least educational about Mexico.

I was so disgusted that I threw this book in the trash when I was finished.

This book fails to deliver on any level. It lacks authenticity and fails to provide any real value or insight.

It's a waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

Authors should strive to create works that are both entertaining and educational, and this book falls far short of that mark.

Hopefully, future books will do a better job of engaging readers and providing them with a worthwhile reading experience.

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Mexico

james a. michener

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