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A review by bookslovejenna
The Underdogs: A Novel of the Mexican Revolution by Mariano Azuela
adventurous
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Five things about The Underdogs by Mariano Azuela. 3/5⭐️s
1. This is the kind of book I appreciate more than enjoy. Both in relation to its subject matter and its style of storytelling.
2. This is, at its most basic level, the story of a band of ordinary men fighting the corrupt Mexican government during the Mexican Revolution. More than that though it is a story of brotherhood, oppression, roses among thorns and the power of the ordinary.
3. This book is powerful but awkward. It reads as slow as molasses but at the same time enough happens within a few pages to make your head spin. Within the first ten pages I met most of the main characters, witnessed a near rape, a hanging, a pet being killed, a gunfight in a ravine, a near fatal injury, got the back story on the Revolutionaries and Federal Soldiers, as well as being treated to a Three Stooges-esque camping scene...and it still read slowly. 😱🤷🏻♀️😬😳
4. For all of that, I really appreciate this book. Mostly because the notes in my Modern Library Edition were extremely thorough and well-written. I’ve never read anything from Mexico before this and all I knew of the Mexican Revolution came from by way of my knowledge of Henry David Thoreau and a 1950s Poncho Villa movie my grandpa was pretty keen on. So you better believe I was using those notes like a lifeline!
5. Speaking of Poncho Villa - those larger than life figures are present in this book but they take a backseat to the real revolutionary heroes - the average people. I really did enjoy this book but it’s not one I’d pick up in future to read for fun or an escape. It is however one I’m very glad I’ve read.
1. This is the kind of book I appreciate more than enjoy. Both in relation to its subject matter and its style of storytelling.
2. This is, at its most basic level, the story of a band of ordinary men fighting the corrupt Mexican government during the Mexican Revolution. More than that though it is a story of brotherhood, oppression, roses among thorns and the power of the ordinary.
3. This book is powerful but awkward. It reads as slow as molasses but at the same time enough happens within a few pages to make your head spin. Within the first ten pages I met most of the main characters, witnessed a near rape, a hanging, a pet being killed, a gunfight in a ravine, a near fatal injury, got the back story on the Revolutionaries and Federal Soldiers, as well as being treated to a Three Stooges-esque camping scene...and it still read slowly. 😱🤷🏻♀️😬😳
4. For all of that, I really appreciate this book. Mostly because the notes in my Modern Library Edition were extremely thorough and well-written. I’ve never read anything from Mexico before this and all I knew of the Mexican Revolution came from by way of my knowledge of Henry David Thoreau and a 1950s Poncho Villa movie my grandpa was pretty keen on. So you better believe I was using those notes like a lifeline!
5. Speaking of Poncho Villa - those larger than life figures are present in this book but they take a backseat to the real revolutionary heroes - the average people. I really did enjoy this book but it’s not one I’d pick up in future to read for fun or an escape. It is however one I’m very glad I’ve read.