This book is a fascinating retelling of the fall of the Alamo as Texians strive to claim Texas for themselves or the US. Yes, they called themselves the Texians. The author researched and wrote about both the Mexican and Texian sides of the story, inserting several fictional characters including Mary Mott and her son, Terrell, and Edmund McGowan for the Texians, Blas and Telesforo for the Mexicans. Their stories blend so well into the historical aspects that one feels they were real.
Mary is a strong woman who lost her husband and survives an encounter with Indians during which she kills her attacker and loves her son unconditionally. Terrell grows up as the war develops and seeks the challenges of war by joining those who want to retrieve Texas from Mexico. Edmund is an idealistic and dedicated scientist who lives for his passion of documenting the plants of Texas. He has neither wife nor woman friend and, of course, no children. Blas is a Mexican soldier who endures the travails presented by this vast territory and participates in the battles. Telesforo is an ambitiously talented artist who becomes Santa Anna's map maker.
The reader also encounters the famous men who gave their lives during this seige. While we remember most of them from history the author describes them with their foibles as well as their determination and brilliance. Although lengthy, the tale unfolds seamlessly as time passes to describe many events unleashed by the defeat of those in the small mission known as the Alamo. "Remember the Alamo" became a rallying cry for the battles following the fall of the Alamo. This is a well researched and most informative read that blends with the lives of fictional characters like many who were affected by these events.
Mary is a strong woman who lost her husband and survives an encounter with Indians during which she kills her attacker and loves her son unconditionally. Terrell grows up as the war develops and seeks the challenges of war by joining those who want to retrieve Texas from Mexico. Edmund is an idealistic and dedicated scientist who lives for his passion of documenting the plants of Texas. He has neither wife nor woman friend and, of course, no children. Blas is a Mexican soldier who endures the travails presented by this vast territory and participates in the battles. Telesforo is an ambitiously talented artist who becomes Santa Anna's map maker.
The reader also encounters the famous men who gave their lives during this seige. While we remember most of them from history the author describes them with their foibles as well as their determination and brilliance. Although lengthy, the tale unfolds seamlessly as time passes to describe many events unleashed by the defeat of those in the small mission known as the Alamo. "Remember the Alamo" became a rallying cry for the battles following the fall of the Alamo. This is a well researched and most informative read that blends with the lives of fictional characters like many who were affected by these events.
This a great historical novel about the Battle of the Alamo.
A novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo, this book follows of three (fictional) people whose fates become bound to the fort: Edmund McGowan, a naturalist; Mary Mott, a widowed innkeeper; and Mary's teenage son Terrell. It tells the story from the perspective of both the Mexican and American armies.
I did enjoy the book. Since I grew up in Texas, I also grew up with the story of the Alamo. Although this is a work of fiction, the author tries to stick to the truth as much as possible. As he admits, the truth and myth of the Alamo are so entwined that it is impossible to be completely factual or to please everybody. I think he did a good job of writing an entertaining, engrossing book.
I did enjoy the book. Since I grew up in Texas, I also grew up with the story of the Alamo. Although this is a work of fiction, the author tries to stick to the truth as much as possible. As he admits, the truth and myth of the Alamo are so entwined that it is impossible to be completely factual or to please everybody. I think he did a good job of writing an entertaining, engrossing book.
Although the book depicts the violence of the time, it was a really good read.
Good read - I learned alot about the Alamo
