On Mexican Time: A New Life in San Miguel

This author has a wonderful style that made me feel like I was there with him, experiencing his zen-like transformation from fast-lane city dweller to truly connected human being. His luxurious use of prose and vivid descriptions, combined with his sincere love for Mexico, made reading this book a most enjoyable vicarious adventure.

I think he nails it. It is the Mexico of those 15 years, and it is the gringo and gringa he brought to it. It was no paradise, but it was a great place to stare at the walls and the sky to draw closer to one's real wants. His discovery of the altiplano and its various cultures was for him like the end of Candide's philosophical journey. This was it for Cohan, a place to tend to his humanity, perhaps to finally understand it. In the end he and his wife only fear too much "progress". The status quo works well for them, both place and age appropriately. Obviously, it is a work for those of us who have experienced Colonial Mexico, contemplated living there, but decided not. However, it is also a book for those who have looked beyond their own accident of place of birth, for those who have wondered what might have been, or could be. His characters might just help with the answers. They are varied hybrids, interesting all, of that singular experience called San Miguel de Allende. And the house on Calle Flor? Well, it's the story within the story---all you ever need to know about Mexico revealed as the story of a house.

Having just read "On Mexican Time" for the fourth time, I felt compelled to add my comments here. If the fact that I've read this book four times since 2001 doesn't fully express how I feel for it, allow me to continue. I was captivated by the very first pages and found that I couldn't put this book down. I usually read it during the long, cold Kentucky winters to bring a little warmth. Tony Cohan's style of writing speaks to me. He has a way of bringing San Miguel to life right there on the pages. This book evokes a deep need that I have to live an adventure. Each time, I read the last page with mixed emotions: happy to have finished the book, sad that I can't go on "living" at the house on Calle Flor. Tony and Masako seem the perfect couple with whom to enjoy a five hour dinner!

Finally! A book that depicts an accurate picture of a Mexican town... And not just any, but San Miguel de Allende, a true Mexican colonial jewel.Cohan's writing style and taste for anecdotes and cultural tidbits make this book my favorite. For once, I am happy to see Mexico and its people depicted with such gusto. We are very far from these daily acounts of violence perpetrated against American tourists visiting Mexico that can be found daily in the American papers, and that promote an inaccurate idea about our neighbor country. It's about time!

I'm not normally an armchair traveler, but the colors on the book jacket lured me in. Once inside, Cohan's words took over, and I've been dreaming of Mexico ever since. Who wouldn't want to move to a small town, learn from the artists and expats there, and rebuild a house into your very own dream home? I've never physically been to San Miguel, but if I ever go, I'm sure I will instantly feel right at home thanks to this beautiful and exciting book book.