Reviews

A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande

alexibarra's review

5.0

Definitely struggled at the beginning, as the style is not something that I'm used to, but the relatability of the character's insight and the down-to-earth approach to historical events, as well as the thorough historical research of events that I've learned in school but was never in their shoes hooked me and then I couldn't let go. I'll be recommending this book to a lot of people.

annindo_underthesun's review

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

josephinelena's review

4.0

This book told the story of an Irish man fighting in the Mexican army and a Mexican soldadera. The two characters stories intertwine as they face hardship after hardship during the Mexican American war that led to the U.S. taking possession of half of Mexico’s territory. It was so heavy but worth reading, especially to learn more about Irish involvement in the war, something overlooked in U.S. history books. This book intertwined fact and fiction to tell a story of love, loss, honor, and hope.

ngreader's review

4.0

3.5 rounded up to 4
Loved the historical knowledge I gained and just all of the details I learned about the Mexican-American war - which really set up the relationship that the US has with Mexico even to today.
Overall, I didn't really by the relationship that is supposed to be the leading part of this story, especially since Riley was married (:/).
It's a great historical fiction but also not the best romance.

annasg's review

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

shereads_theworld's review

2.0

Though the writing was excellent, this was a book that I really struggled to get into and just couldn't pose myself in

liza315's review

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

aleggr's review

4.0

This is a great historical fiction books, she tells the story of a fight that was never thought with this detail back in school in Mexico. Lots of historical details of my country, a love story and well written novel. Love the book!!

madmatilda's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

sci_mom's review

5.0

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. I know very little about the Mexican-American war and learned a lot from this story. I believe that a truly good historical fiction novel leads the reader to learning more about the subject and I soon found myself reading online articles about John Reilly and this period in our history. The author is a wonderful writer and did a fantastic job of bringing these events to life. I highly recommend this book and will read more books by Reyna Grande.