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This book may have taken me longer to read than any I can remember. It got to the point where people who know me would see me with it and say, “Wow, you’re STILL reading that?”
Admittedly, it’s over 1000 pages… but still!
After such a time-investment, one might like to feel a sense of literary accomplishment (or something) – but no. This was definitely the trashiest 1000+ pages I have ever read.
I got the distinct impression that before sitting down to write the book, Jennings made a list of all the taboo topics, assorted acts of violence, and sexual perversions he could think of and said, “OK, we’re gonna get all these into the book, somehow.” And he did.
The book is framed as the story of the life of Mixtli, an aged member of the Mexica tribe, which he tells to the Spanish Inquisition, on the order of the King of Spain. This of course, gives plenty of opportunity for the Spanish priests to comment on how shocking Mixtli’s doings are – in case the reader hadn’t noticed. From humble origins (and a forbidden sexual relationship with his sister), Mixtli rises to a significant position in the Aztec empire (and wanders about having all sorts of adventures), before the arrival of Cortez, and his people’s subsequent fall. (which is actually portrayed quite well, I thought.) My main issue with the book is that all the “shocking” content is not portrayed in the interest of describing (or even exploiting) different cultural mores… most of the stuff (although not all) is described as taboo in Mixtli’s society too. And it’s all done from the point of view of things that would be shocking to a Westerner, not shocking to an Aztec. Jennings was playing with his readers – not his story.
That said, I cannot deny that the book was entertaining all the way through….

This is a great book if you are looking for a historical type novel. It is one in a series but this particular one is still my favorite. Endearing characters and memorable writing.