Mexico

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Alexander Adams

Pulitzer Prize–winning author James A. Michener, whose novels hurtle from the far reaches of history to the dark corners of the world, paints an intoxicating portrait of a land whose past and present are as turbulent, fascinating, and colorful as any other on Earth. When an American journalist travels to report on the upcoming duel between two great matadors, he is ultimately swept up in the dramatic story of his own Mexican ancestry—from the brilliance and brutality of the ancients, to the iron fist of the invading Spaniards, to modern Mexico, fighting through dust and bloodshed to build a nation upon the ashes of revolution. Architectural splendors, frenzied bullfights, horrific human sacrifice: Michener weaves them all into an epic human story that ranks with the best of his beloved bestselling novels.

Praise for Mexico

“Michener the storyteller at his finest . . . There are splendid and authentic scenes in the plaza de toros that are as dramatic as any written by Ernest Hemingway or Barnaby Conrad.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Astounding . . . fast-moving, intriguing . . . Michener is back in huge, familiar form with Mexico.”—Los Angeles Daily News

“An enthralling story . . . Michener artfully combines the history of Mexico with the art of bullfighting, teaching the reader about both and telling a grand story at the same time.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“A novel of epic proportions, abounding in visual and historical detail.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch

Critic reviews

“Michener the storyteller at his finest . . . There are splendid and authentic scenes in the plaza de toros that are as dramatic as any written by Ernest Hemingway or Barnaby Conrad.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Astounding . . . fast-moving, intriguing . . . Michener is back in huge, familiar form with Mexico.”—Los Angeles Daily News

“An enthralling story . . . Michener artfully combines the history of Mexico with the art of bullfighting, teaching the reader about both and telling a grand story at the same time.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“A novel of epic proportions, abounding in visual and historical detail.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch

Must read

For all of us in North America to better understand our neighbors to the south.

What a neatly woven story!

Any additional comments?

Smartly engineered story to showcase the 3 influences of Mexico, in the most romantic, and passionate ways. It does give many insights from unexpected angles.

Mexico's Past time

This book seemed mostly about Mexico's bull fighting. I did struggle through parts of it.

Enjoyed it and recommend

I will admit it was difficult to get into at first and I got a little confused when the author jumped around in history and characters. However, after a few rewinds, since my confusion was likely more because of my lack of focus, I loved it. Great tale of a family and their history by a family member reflecting his past, sent home by his employers. Loved the choice of interacting characters from different backgrounds who converge over the weekend within the story's present time. Really enjoyed it.

Outstanding, moving story of old Mexico

Michener tells a beautiful history in this historical fiction master piece. I found myself reflecting on what it must have been like to be an Olmec in ancient Mexico, a conquistador traveling to the coast of Spain, and a Confederate army colonel exiled to the South. The story revolves around just a few days of a bull fighting festival, but tells a collective history of the nation. Masterfully done! Currently living in Mexico as an American expat, I regularly felt a familiar rush of excitement when places that I’ve known are mentioned. Adams does a great job as narrator. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to have their image of Mexico be painted in brilliant color.

I wanted to learn more about Mexican history and culture...

This fit the bill very well. Reader is excellent. Great historical facts presented in a vivid narrative. Characters are a bit trite but fitting fit the time period.

Good

My husband loved all the history but not so much the back anf forth story line. I simply endured it. Not my type of listening or reading.

Mexican bullfighting

The majority of this story is about bullfighting in Mexico. It doesn’t really delve into Mexican history like most of the other Michener stories. It is not the most memorable Michener novel.

Every sentence is luscious.

I could NOT STOP
LISTENING. Is it not silly I have to write 15 more awkward words about an author’s greatness with my humble review?

Wonderful History and Art

As one of my favorite books ( I’m from San Diego and grew up going to bullfights in Tijuana) I absolutely treasure this book and now this wonderful audiobook. It’s telling of the bullfights set against the history of Mexico make it a compelling story. It’s information will hopefully, like me, drive one to want to know the real historical events and characters.