Reviews

The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James

dhasenkampf's review against another edition

4.25

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Historical fiction isn't usually my thing, and neither is magical realism, but here they just worked. I thought the writing was fantastic; it was compelling and really drew me into the story. The character work was also very well done. I don't think the 1960s timeline was as successful as the 1890s one. I just didn't connect with that story line as much. But overall, this was a really good book. 

kmsourada's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I might have just entered my Western Era of reads... Coming from someone that really has not been interested in reading a "Western" - this was a wonderful place to start.

Two timeframes - 1895 (Antonio, a bandit) and 1964 (Jaime, a performer/filmmaker). The story starts as a fable, cursed family name, while weaving in some magical realism (not heavy handed).

Like being thirsty in a dry desert I gulped in this book. I really enjoyed the focus on the "Western" aspects of the 1895 timeline. Antonio's escapades included: a train robbery, inhospitable landscape, a brothel, escape/run, love, revenge, death/death defying, good vs. evil, a bantering Englishman sidekick (not very Western), redemption, a wonderful horse companion, and even a sunset scene! And, for me, teary eyes. I might have entered my Western Era of reads...

v_anne's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

eabbott02's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sadpear's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I wasn't sure at first but I pretty quickly fell into this book and got immersed in the grim history of the Sonorros. It's a beautifully done magical realist tale of family inheritance and choices. I just absolutely loved it.

jmplante's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.75

ecl97's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

amandasheaw's review against another edition

I didn’t enjoy reading this at all. I felt the male characters were too obviously written by a woman as much as I hate to say it. The pace was all off, the characters were annoying, and it just felt pretentious.

la_ravenreader's review against another edition

5.0

A beautifully written story of life and death along the Texas and Mexico border. In 1865, Antonio sets out on a course that not only changes his destiny, but of that of his family. Atmospheric and profound, a wonderful story.

nicoleisalwaysreading's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Such a fun and engaging read. While this story does grapple with heavier topics such as capacity for evil, legacies of cruelty, responsibilties of love, and grief, most of the time it is an action-packed Western filled with gunfights, train robberies, and brushes with Death. I loved the tinge of magical realism and split narrative between 1895 and 1964.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Gore