Mexico

While this book is not for everyone, it is for people who have an interest in learning about the history of a great nation. From the Mayan and Aztec battles to the Spanish insurrection, to the war with America the author takes you on a ride. This book is not about bullfighting it is about the clash of cultures, people, and history that formed a nation. This is a great read and is highly recommended.

I live in Mexico and a friend just recently loaned me the book to read. I found it captivating. Especially since I can see the mixed influence of cultures when I look outside my window. I live in a city where a giant pyramid once stood built by the Aztecs, it is now covered with dirt, trees, and most importantly an imposing church built by Cortez in the 1500's. Until I read this book I didn't think much about the infusion of Spanish and Indian in the lives of people I daily interact with, but the history major in me now is enthralled with the history of my new culture. The bullfighting sections were intriguing, especially since I have attended several bullfights in my time here, now I understand things so much more clearly and see how even a "national passtime" is a mixture of both cultures that defines Mexico. Maybe I just loved this book so much because I love Mexico, its my new home, being an expatriate here, and I think Michener vividly describes and captures the world I see around me everyday. It has caused me to look deeper into the faces and buildings I see when I stroll downtown. I think "Mexico" gives a very insighful glimpse into the heart of the country.

This is actually my first experience with Michener, who I've always been curious about. I am so impressed that I can't wait to begin another one of his fabulous tales. He's a wonderful writer, one who can balance the details of bullfighting with history with rich characters and an enjoyable story. The writer uses bullfighting to tell the story and there may be more details on the sport than you care to read, but they take up a small space in the whole novel. To Michener fans, it may not be the best, but I definitely think it's worth a read.

This was my very first Michener book. From other reviews I gather it contained less history than his other novels. After reading it I couldn't care less. I have now read this book three times and enjoy it just as much every time. I love bullfight stories and have read all of Hemingway's works on the subject. I found this more enjoyable than them all. It was more of a story, while very knowledgeably written, than a text book. I also work with many Mexicans and greatly enjoy there culture, food, and festivities. I greatly enjoyed every part of this book. The history from all three nations was very well done and interesting, as was the goings on in the present at the Festival of Ixmiq. I could never have believed a person could tie all of these stories into one well-knit novel, but Michener handles expertly.I am sure in a year or two I will be reading it again.

As a 1st time Michener reader, I loved Mexico. Michener weaves a story that is at once a tour-de-force of bullfighting, a sweeping panarama of Mexican history, an apologetic of the Mexican psyche for (typically) arrogant North Americans, and an exploration of the purpose of life for a middle aged Mexican-American journalist. It is a credit to Michener's art that he can pull off all that in a seemless and gripping read.