Subject
Mexico -- Fiction Books
Best books
B. Traven
Die Brücke im Dschungel
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D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
The Plumed Serpent
"The Plumed Serpent" by D. H. Lawrence is a political, mythological, and romance novel published in 1926. Set in post-revolutionary Mexico, it follows Kate Leslie, an Irish tourist who becomes entangled with two charismatic men leading a radical religious movement. Don Ramón and General Don Cipriano seek to abolish Christianity and restore ancient Aztec gods to power. As Kate is drawn deeper into their world, she faces a fateful choice about marriage and her role in their dangerous vision for Mexico's spiritual transformation.
Herman Whitaker
Over the Border: A Novel
"Over the Border: A Novel" by Herman Whitaker is a work of fiction likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a rugged and romantic landscape of Mexico near the American border, focusing on a trio of outlaws known as the "Three Bad Men." The narrative captures their adventures and confrontations in a land marked by revolution, rustling, and crossing borders, while exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the Three Bad Men—Sliver Smith, Bull Perrin, and Jake Evers—who have established their hideout in a desolate region of the Mexican desert. The narrative vividly illustrates their characters and lifestyle against the harsh backdrop of the environment, where they face both internal conflicts and external threats. The relationships between the men, along with the tensions that arise from their interactions with local inhabitants and the ongoing revolutionary chaos, set the stage for the unfolding events. As the opening progresses, their misadventures lead them to the Mexican town of Las Bocas, emphasizing the camaraderie and complications inherent in their outlaw existence.
Ritter Brown
When dreams come true
"When Dreams Come True" by Ritter Brown is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the deep connections between its characters and the rich setting of the Southwestern United States, particularly during a time steeped in cultural traditions. The main character, Captain Forest, embarks on a journey through the evocative landscapes of Chihuahua, facing challenges that intertwine with themes of destiny, identity, and the contrasts between civilized and primitive life. At the start of the novel, Captain Forest and his Indian companion, José, pause during their travels to rest in the enchanting yet harsh desert landscape. Surrounded by natural beauty, the Captain reflects on his past experiences and the contrasts between the primitive lifestyles he encounters and the complexities of civilized life. Their conversation hints at a deep bond forged through shared trials, including a near-death experience in the desert. As they prepare to continue their journey to a local festival, the stage is set for character introductions that will challenge and enrich Forest's understanding of life, particularly after his encounter with a mysterious and captivating woman named Chiquita, who evokes feelings of longing and a sense of discovery within him. The opening captures the essence of adventure and the quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Gustave Aimard
Cardenio: Scènes de la Vie Mexicaine
"Cardenio: Scènes de la Vie Mexicaine" by Gustave Aimard is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in the Texas region, portraying the lives of its inhabitants through the lens of various characters, primarily focusing on a young priest, Father Paul-Michel Lamy, and a boy named Cardenio Bartas. The story delves into themes of faith, bravery, and the interactions between different cultures in a post-Mexican-American war setting. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the desolate town of Castroville, Texas, where the young priest, Father Paul-Michel, resides and fulfills his duties despite the challenging conditions. As he shares a meager meal with his sacristan, Frasquito, it becomes clear that tensions are brewing in the area, particularly with the arrival of a hostile commandant. In the midst of this growing turmoil, Cardenio arrives at the presbytery, drenched and in distress, seeking help for his ailing sister who has been bitten by a venomous snake. The priest's willingness to assist sets the stage for a series of events influenced by faith, bravery, and socio-political conflicts within the turbulent landscape of 19th-century Texas.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
The Scarlet Shoulders; or, The Miner Rangers
"The Scarlet Shoulders; or, The Miner Rangers" by Jos. E. Badger is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a tumultuous setting filled with conflicts between various factions, focusing on themes of duty, survival, and loyalty intertwined with personal relationships. One major character is Christobal Canelo, the haciendado, who faces a brutal assault on his homeland, revealing a complex interplay between personal sacrifice and the wider struggles of his community. At the start of the narrative, readers are thrust into a chaotic and violent scene in a hacienda under siege by hostile forces. The haciendado, Christobal Canelo, is seen rallying his frightened people, and despite the danger, he insists on remaining with his wife, Luzecita, to protect their home. As the battle unfolds, emotions run high, leading to distressing moments of sacrifice, death, and apart from the expected violence, the text explores themes of love and familial bonds amidst the turmoil, setting the stage for deeper character explorations as the plot progresses. The foregoing conflict hints at broader complexities that shape the characters' lives and decisions, promising both action and emotional depth in the unfolding story.
Jack Williamson
The second shell
"The Second Shell" by Jack Williamson is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the late 1920s. The story delves into themes of adventure and extraterrestrial intrigue, exploring the impact of advanced technologies on humanity. It revolves around the mysterious Heaviside Layer and introduces readers to a myriad of imaginative scientific concepts, suggesting that some of the fantastic ideas within its pages may one day become reality. The narrative follows Robert "Tiger Bob" Barrett, a journalist who, after getting embroiled in a secretive investigation alongside a former agent named Bill Johnson, uncovers a conspiracy tied to a scientist's invention—a powerful death ray. Amidst a series of thrilling events, including a daring raid by mysterious red airplanes, Barrett reunites with Ellen Vernon and her father, Dr. Vernon, whose groundbreaking research into thorium plays a pivotal role in the ensuing conflict against a formidable enemy. As they battle against Herman Vars and alien-like beings from a hidden world above the Earth, the story culminates in a climactic showdown that questions the future of humanity and its place in the universe. Ultimately, the characters' determined spirit keeps the narrative charged with excitement, adventure, and a reflection on the potential consequences of unrestrained scientific advancement.
Frederick H. Dewey
The phantom tracker; or, The prisoner of the hill cave
"The Phantom Tracker; or, The Prisoner of the Hill Cave" by Frederick H. Dewey is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story appears to unfold across a rugged, desolate wilderness known as the Land of Silence, involving themes of adventure, treasure hunting, and conflict in the face of danger. Central to the narrative is Pedro Felipe, a Mexican scout, who embarks on a quest to find treasure hidden in a notorious cave after a thrilling rescue of his master's daughter from a band of robbers. At the start of the novel, the oppressive atmosphere of the scorching Gila River setting envelops the reader, showcasing nature's lethargy through the eyes of animal life observed in the heat. The narrative introduces Pedro Felipe, an experienced and cunning scout determined to seek a hidden treasure believed to be in a ghostly landscape, while his backstory reveals both admiration and ambition. As the opening chapters progress, another key character surfaces, Christina Wheeler, a spirited girl who becomes lost during an encounter with pursuing Apaches. The plot quickly escalates as a group of horsemen, along with Pedro, embark on perilous paths that intertwine their fates against the backdrop of a vast, unforgiving landscape, setting the stage for an exhilarating adventure rife with suspense and challenges.
Gustave Aimard
De graaf de Lhorailles
"De Graaf de Lhorailles" by Gustave Aimard is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the tumultuous and adventurous era of the exploration of America, focusing on adventurers, gold seekers, and the complex social dynamics of Mexican society. The narrative begins to weave the lives of several characters, including the bold don Martial and the troubled Anita, as they navigate a world filled with greed, ambition, and romantic entanglements. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the city of Guaymas amid a gold rush, where a vibrant fiesta named "feria de plata" is unfolding. Amidst the gambling excitement, we meet don Martial, a well-dressed, charismatic man, who becomes a central figure due to his involvement in a high-stakes card game. Meanwhile, we are introduced to the haciendero don Sylva and his daughter Anita, highlighting the societal pressures and familial expectations surrounding their arranged marriage to a foreign nobleman, the titular Graaf de Lhorailles. As the festivities escalate, tension builds around personal desires versus societal obligations, setting the stage for a story rich in adventure, romance, and conflict.
Gustave Aimard
The Red Track: A Story of Social Life in Mexico
"The Red Track: A Story of Social Life in Mexico" by Gustave Aimard is a novel written in the mid-19th century. This work showcases Aimard’s storytelling prowess as it delves into themes associated with adventure, survival, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of Mexico’s diverse social landscape. The narrative likely revolves around the lives of various characters navigating this environment, highlighting both the struggles and the interconnections that define their experiences. At the start of the novel, the scene is set in the rugged Rocky Mountains, introducing a lone traveler named Valentine Guillois, who is depicted as a seasoned wanderer accustomed to the harshness of desert life. Emerging from the cold, he encounters a mysterious stranger, later revealed to be Don Martial el Tigrero, a man of significant background who believes himself to be dead to the world due to the fallout of a particular incident in his past. This unexpected meeting between the two men leads to a budding camaraderie rooted in a shared understanding of life’s trials and a desire for vengeance against those who have wronged them. The opening establishes both a physical and emotional landscape that sets the tone for an exploration of themes such as friendship, betrayal, and the quest for justice in the alien yet familiar terrain of Mexico.
Jules Verne
Ein Drama in Mexico.
"Ein Drama in Mexico" by Jules Verne is a short story written by 1851 and marks his first published prose work. Set in 1825, the tale follows two Spanish warships whose crew mutinies, planning to sell the vessels to newly independent Mexico. When the mutineers murder their captain, officer cadet Pablo swears revenge for his homeland and superior. As the conspirators journey to Mexico's capital with their treacherous prize, Pablo pursues them toward a fateful confrontation at a swaying vine bridge over a wild river gorge.
Gustave Aimard
The Tiger-Slayer: A Tale of the Indian Desert
"The Tiger-Slayer: A Tale of the Indian Desert" by Gustave Aimard is a novel set in the mid-19th century. This adventurous narrative introduces readers to daring exploits in the tumultuous backdrop of the Mexican frontier, where gold fever tempts thousands, and the conflicts between European settlers and native tribes are ever-present. Central to the story is the character Martial, known as El Tigrero, a skilled horseman whose captivating presence amidst a gambling scene hints at thrilling developments to come. The opening of the novel plunges us into the bustling town of Guaymas during a silver fair, where gambling and chaotic energy dominate the streets. The narrative starts with a description of the atmosphere, setting the stage for a chaotic encounter involving El Tigrero who quickly engages with the local gambler, Tío Lucas. As he stakes an impressive sum, he gets drawn into an intrigue wrapped around the beautiful Anita, the daughter of a wealthy hacendero. This sets up tensions not just with local gamblers but also implies future conflicts between love and duty, foreshadowing the complexities of relationships and vengeance that will likely unfold in the thrilling desert setting.
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