Mexico

by James A. Michener

Hardcover, 1992

Status

Available

Call number

813.54

Genres

General Fiction

Collection

Your library

Publication

Random House (1992), Edition: 1st, 625 pages

Description

The story of an American journalist who travels to Mexico to report on the upcoming duel between two great matadors, but who is ultimately swept up in the dramatic story of his Mexican ancestors. From the brutality and brilliance of the ancients, to the iron fist of the invading Spaniards, to the modern-day Mexicans battling through dust and bloodshed to build a nation upon the ashes of revolution, James Michener weaves it all into an epic human story that ranks with the best of his beloved, bestselling novels.

User reviews

LibraryThing member jpsnow

I read most of this book during my first week in Mexico. It explains the unique culture of Mexico through the combined histories of its native and Spanish peoples. It relies heavily on the art of bullfighting as a metaphor. It's more captivating than others of his works I've read. I especially

appreciate that, for once, the moral that always comes in the last 50 pages was more personal (involving the narrator, who resembles Michener, acting on his own inspiration). Now I just need to catch myself before referencing his city of Toledo and other fictional elements as historical realities.

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LibraryThing member griggit

Michener is always good, but this novel is sub par when compared to great books like Alaska, The Source, Caravans, and Centenial. I was hoping for more history and the detailed description of bullfighting became tedious at times.

LibraryThing member santhony

Typical Michener historical fiction novel, with Mexico as the subject.

LibraryThing member BugsyBoog

I would call this one a historical epic! This is my first Michener epic, and I am sure I will read others. This novel was very long, but still a great story with great characters. Seems to me you need to have a decent amount of patience and time to devote to a book like this. It is centered on

Mexico, specifically, the narrator’s family history from ancient times to present. It shows a grand view of Mexico and its people and gives you many sides to the story of this very intriguing place. The narrator, Norman Clay, comes from a Mexican family with very important ancestry. Indeed this story could not be told from an average person’s viewpoint. Norman’s family line goes all the way back to important Indians who lived and worked to build the giant pyramid and on the other side, the Spanish settlers who came to bring Christianity and to see what they could take. Norman is an important journalist, back in Mexico after many years away to cover an important bullfight, mano y mano—two matadors (one Spanish, one Indian) who are going to fight it out. Mexico is an amazing history of bullfighting, a well constructed novel with subplots that are all tied together. An epic, definitely a learning experience.

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LibraryThing member BryanThomasS

I loved this. Another of my favorite Michener books. As usual, rich characterization and plotting mix with history and historical figures. Certainly a good look at upper class Mexican life and culture. Helpful to me in understanding Mexico better and a very worthwhile read.

LibraryThing member bookwoman247

This is about generations of the Clay/Palafox family extending back to the Altomec indians and beyond.

The nucleus of the story revolves around bullfighting, and I learned more about bullfighting than I ever wanted to know, but the descriptiveness of the author drew me in, and I was captivated by

the history; especially the ancient history.

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LibraryThing member mslourens

Great book, especially the way Michener describes the bullfights. He uses the festival of Ixmiq as the thread of the story, to give a historical view of Mexico (the first inhabitants, the colonization by Spain, the wars with America) and a vivid account of the current bullfights. Fantastic!

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