The Gates of the Alamo : A Novel

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Summary: The Alamo from both sides of the fence
Review: Although not an in depth look at the historical characters, the author's use of fictional characters shows not only the emotions of anglo Texas, but of Mexican soldiers and officers as well. Descriptions of harsh circumstances on both sides tell a story by itself. I have never read any better description of how conditions must have been for the Alamo defenders. Very easy book to read, recommended for anyone interested in Texas history.

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Summary: Historical Novel at its Best
Review: The Gates of the Alamo represents the telling of a period of history known only for the bravery of the men associated with their death at the Alamo. This book puts a human dimension to that bravery as well as the bravery and hardships of the Mexican troops under the ever political Santa Anna. It brings to life the conflicts of the time as well as documented facts about the battle itself that normally escapes the average person who focuses only on the glory and the sanitized John Wayne version. I for one learned more than I had anticipated by reading the book.

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Summary: Gates of the Alamo
Review: The gates of the Alamo is one of the finest examples of historical fiction I have read. Stephen Harrington matches Larry McMurty's characterizations with a historian's sense of fact. The multicultural approach of the battle gives the reader many new perspectives. When the Mexican sharpshooter lost his life at San Jacinto, I felt pain for loosing such a fine character and soldier in the bloodbath that came in the battle. Mary Mott is one of the best heroines I've met in years. Bravo to Stephen Harrington.

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Summary: OUTSTANDING READ
Review: Without a doubt this has to be the best fictional book on Texas and this period I've read with very detailed historical mixing of real people and fictional folks. In fact this book would make a great movie or mini series. There's an Alamo in Brackettville Texas just waiting for the cast to arrive.

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Summary: Great book!
Review: The Gates of the Alamo is one of the best books I've ever read. Although it is based on historical fact, (I suggest you read the Author's Note in the back before you start. It should have been in the front.) it is told by 4 or 5 fictional characters. By the time you get to know Travis, Crockett, and Bowie, you agonize over the fact that you know they are going to die. The main female character (fictional) is no great beauty. She is a woman who has already suffered much by the time the story starts, and her love and trials with her son and the man she is attracted to will keep your emotions on edge. If you like historical novels, you will love this book.

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Summary: Give me more
Review: I thought I knew almost all there was to know about the Alamo until now. I really enjoyed hearing the story from both the Texas and Mexican side and learned a great deal about the battle and the reasons for it. Very exciting.

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Summary: Still worth listening to
Review: I hope you enjoy this title. The book is very good.

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Summary: Honest, believable, gripping
Review: Harrigan provides a gripping account of this near-mythical battle. His characters have substance, and offer a believable spectrum of opinions on why "the Alamo" happened in the first place. The battle itself unfolds in a totally authentic way, quickly taking on a life of its own that in the end hardly meets the aims of any of the participants. Historical fiction at its best.

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Summary: Harrigan's Gates of the Alamo is a Wham Bam Good Read!
Review: Will dispel some of your favorite myths. Excellently researched. Highly recommended by reviewer as great toilet reading. Highly recommended by Brooks & Kromer book reviewers from the urban jungle of Europe.

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Summary: You'll Remember the Alamo
Review: Although a native Texan, I confess that I never really understood or valued the mystique of the Alamo. In fact, I was a teenager before I realized that the Texans were defeated in San Antonio. But after reading Harrigan's powerful account my imagination has been captured by the power, the horror, and the beauty of the epic struggle. Surprisingly the account of the siege and ensuing battle consume only a small part of Harrigan's book. All that preceeds and follows gives the reader an understanding of the complex relationship between the Mexican government and the settlers from the north. Harrigan's characters, even the heroes of the Alamo like Crockett, Bowie, and Travis, are depicted as men and women of both human frailty and heroic courage. Mary Mott's character was especially powerful, and as a woman I could identify with her overpowering need to find her son and the despair and grief that the hardships of pioneer life held for women. After Harrigan's book, I now understand why Texans should remember the Alamo.