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Summary: More than a book
Review: Yes, Aztec is more than a book. It is an experience that will stay with you the rest of your life (even as I write this, I am remembering some parts of the book and a chill is going down my spine). Just like so many other reviwers, I have given away copies of this book to grateful friends, my whole life revolved around the book when I was reading it, I dreamed (and still do) about the Aztecs, etc. The narrative and characters are perfect and the book is perfect, putting you thru the entire range of human emotions; you will feel mentally drained by certain passages (in particular, there is one episode about 2/3 of the way thru, right around the time Cortez comes on the scene, that is the most chilling thing I have ever read, and I have read a lot in 50+ years. You'll know it when you read it). In case you haven't gotten the message yet, read this book; it is just marvelous.
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Summary: LAVISH
Review: Why has no one made a movie of this book? I thought this at least 50 times while reading "Aztec", then stopped myself, realizing no director could bring to life the minute detail and beautiful imagery that Gary Jennings put into simple words. This novel transports the reader into "The One World" so completely that it is easy to lose track of time (and place). After a month with Mixtli, when I finished this remarkable book, I suffered withdrawal for at least a few days. Like any person's life, Mixtli's was enriched with joy, pain, struggle, fear, passion and reflection. "I pick my teeth" at anyone who does not think this is an outstanding novel.
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Summary: YOU WON'T BELIEVE HOW GOOD THIS BOOK IS!
Review: WHEW! i just finished this tome of historical fiction and I was completely blown away. I've probably read thousands of books but this one was incredible! It was a more accessible and personal narrative than Jenning's Spangle,(which I likewise enjoyed, however this massive read was at times nearly offensive, stirring, uncomfortable, and always entertaining. Whatever you have to do, scour all the used bookstores or buy it off the shelf get this book!
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Summary: An amazing journey through the life of an Aztec
Review: Mixtli is a fortunate character in this novel. He rises from the lowest class to that of nobility. Mixtli has many name changes throughout the book and each name fits the particular stage of his life. Aztec puts you into the head of Mixtli, so one can explore the reality of the Aztec culture. I now have a better understanding of the rise and fall of such a magnificent civilization. If only there could be more historical novels so enchanting and informative.
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Summary: Highly recommend!
Review: This is an epic that I couldn't put down. When I finished the book I didn't quite know what to do with myself - for the first time I found myself missing the characters and their exploits in a book. (This slight separation anziety was only temporarily quenched by Aztec Autumn, the sequel - not nearly as good as Aztec.) This is a fantastic story which uses the story of one man to explore the saga of the collapse of one of the greatest civilizations in our history. But it is also the story of the life of a (fictional) man, and an exploration of human nature. The irony which Jennings cleverly points out is the fine line between barbarism and civilization - a subtlety based soley on perception. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
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Summary: Masterful!!!
Review: In Aztec, Mr. Jennings ingeniously weaves not just major events but also various smaller details that complement his recreation of the "Aztec world." One example of this is when the main character sits in a courtyard with a few members of the nobility. The author mentions the characters sitting around conversing while having a sort of chocolate drink which is sprinkled with cinammon. The author's imagery is so lifelike, you can almost taste the chocolate and see the immense courtyard and feel a slight stirring breeze....This book has everything: deceit, war, humor, sex, death, sadness, violence, tragedy, and even humor. Read this book!
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Summary: Great read but . . . one flaw
Review: I was in love with this book from page one. The one flaw was one of the things that also made it so great of a read - the main character recalls details of his life from 50 years prior and up to the day of his narration in such detail, it is hard to believe him. Sometimes I can't remember what shirt I wore last week, never mind 20 years ago! This just made the book a bit questionable - perhaps Jennings should have made accomodations for this. Other than that, still a five star kick-butt in-your-face historical read.
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Summary: !
Review: When I first read Aztec, I was 14 years old. Almost six yearslater, I'm on my third paperback copy. Not bad considering i re-read itabout once a month! It is the absolute best book I have ever read in my life so far, and I have no doubt that it will be for the rest of my life. Aztec quite literally makes every other epic/historical, or even 1000pp+, novel I've read pale in comparison (i.e. Gone With the Wind, Heaven and Hell, Les Miserables, etc.). It's also the only one that I hope never makes it to the Big Screen, because it would be a mockery of Jennings' talent for vividly describing what that era was like so that the reader may see it in their mind. "It would be a sullying" of how I feel about this book. Well, I must get back to my reading...
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Summary: Re: Review Titled "Minor Errors"
Review: Regarding the review titled "Minor Errors" found below. The reviewer cites tha Aztec use of seconds and minutes as a flaw that ruined his appreciation of this book. The passage the reviewer is referring to quotes the Spanish conquerers citing of minutes and seconds, not the "main character" as he states.Secondly the reference was made as part of a calculation to the measurements of time which the europeans of that time were certainly familiar. All in all great book! Don't let the previous misinformed review discourage you! This is an epic tale that pulls you into the Aztec (pre-conquistidor) world. One of the greatest early civilizations in history.
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Summary: Vivid, Sprawling, Wonderful!
Review: This is an excellent fictional account of life before the conquistadors. I am typically wary of 1,000+ page books, but I was not disappointed with the story, and had a tough time putting it down. Quite a tapestry is woven by the narrator Mixtli of the 15th century Mexican "One World", and what makes the book captivating are his travelogues including adventures, sexual diversions, and different ancient cultures. All this without the attention to detail and accuracy that Jennings injects would have been lost. All in all, this is an excellent book!
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