Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande

1 review

bookdragon217's review

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.5

"But wasn't life just like that? A powerful nation will always hunger for more power. And they will always find men like himself- starving wretches, so far from home and country and desperate to do right by their families- to do the dirty work." 

Everytime I read a BIPOC historical fiction book I fall more in love with the genre. A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande was no exception. This was one of my most anticipated releases this year and it did not disappoint. 
Grande gives you lush storytelling seeped with Mexican history and culture, curanderismo and a love story  that simmers slowly. Ximena is a fearless, determined and relentless protagonist. She is a force of nature and a dedicated advocate for her people. I loved Ximena's transformation and she grew her strength from helping to heal her people using her family's traditional medicinal practices. She is the heart and soul of the novel and serves as a gentle reminder that your country lives in your heart and traditions are carried with you regardless of geography. The novel shows us the dangers of trusting the U.S. over your own people and how throughout history U.S. land possessions being called war victories over certain lands were really acts of brute force against innocent people motivated by greed. We see the repercussions all over the Americas even today. 

Through her POV you get an in depth look at Mexican history and the unfolding of certain events that transpired during the Mexican American War. I learned so much from viewing the story through her eyes. So mush has been omitted and white washed in history. I found myself underlining so many lines to cross-reference and research. I had never heard of the Irish Battalion that ended up fighting for Mexico after leaving due to being tortured by the U.S. soldiers. It makes me wonder how different Irish-Mexican relations would like if the whole truth had been taught long ago. What would it look like if racism had not severed that relationship as well? 

I loved this book and found the storytelling compelling and captivating from the start. I appreciated that the love story wasn't the main focus and that it grew slowly out of heartbreak, loneliness, commonalities and circumstances. There are never winners in war but the biggest victims are the poor and working people who's only wish is to live a peaceful life with their families. There are moments that will make your heart race and then break. Some of my favorite moments were the tender ones between Ximena and her grandmother. I highly recommend this one if you are interested in learning more about Mexican history and you appreciate enthralling storytelling. Thanks to @atriabooks for the gifted copy. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...