Reviews

The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela

coris's review against another edition

2.0

Read at Project Gutenberg, though I'm not convinced of the PDness of the translation.

Honestly not sure why I chose to read this one, and because I'm very ignorant of Mexican history and literature, I couldn't put it in context and didn't enjoy it.

Synopsis (from Wikipedia): The book tells the story of Demetrio Macías, a peasant who after having an misunderstanding with a local cacique (land owner) is hunted by the government soldiers (Federales) and decides to flee when they arrive at his home and kill his dog Palomo (dove), prompting him to abandon his family and take revenge. He escapes to the mountains and forms a group of rebels who support the Mexican Revolution.

CW: Camilla, deceived into joining the group by Luis and courted by Demetrio, is 14.

mollynelsonregan's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Spirited and chilling fictional account of the Mexican revolution through the eyes of a group of men seeing the horrors of battle and deciding where their morals lie. 

mapatchli's review against another edition

informative reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

fernando_rgc's review against another edition

adventurous informative tense medium-paced

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

2.75

enorojo96's review against another edition

4.0

Jamás imagine el desastre de ser revolucionario así, donde pierden el objetivo y ya sólo se dedican a pelear sin importarles el bando ni los ideales que defienden

enorojo's review against another edition

4.0

Jamás imagine el desastre de ser revolucionario así, donde pierden el objetivo y ya sólo se dedican a pelear sin importarles el bando ni los ideales que defienden

lenriquegheredia's review against another edition

3.0

Una breve lectura que trata sobre el recorrido de un grupo paramilitar liderado por Demetrio Macías en la revolución Mexicana. La ambientación de la novela describe la menguante excitación política por conseguir la revolución y termina en puntos suspensivos.

omaciel's review against another edition

3.0

Though the translation for this book was at many times too literal, causing many sentences to make absolute no sense (unless you're familiar with the Mexican culture), one can still appreciate the hardships, despair and the few simple happiness that were part of the lives of those who, intentionally or not, played a role during this turbulent time in the history of Mexico.

eirarangel's review against another edition

adventurous reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.0

ripthepage's review against another edition

4.0

This was a really fun read. I love when I finish a book and I want to see a movie adaptation of it after!

Would love to read more of Azuela’s work.