Government

Rating:
Summary: Traven's Jungle Book 1: Government
Review: Government by B. Traven felt more like an introduction into an epic rather than a stand alone product. Treasure of the Sierra Madre by Traven earns 5 stars, but Government seemed to be setting the stage for a larger landscape of characters and events. Yet, he carefully lays down a description of the parallel cultures and values of the Mexican central government under the dictatorship of Diaz, and the culture of the native indigenous population. Sometimes Traven gets too preachy with his anti-capitalism and anti-Catholicism. The native folks are pictured as too innocent and ideal, much like the philosophy of Rousseau. The two brothers Don Gabriel and Don Mateo are contrasted well, showing that true theft and deception must be slowly and carefully developed as shown by Don Gabriel, as compared to the over reaching, over greedy actions of Don Mateo.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ
Review: GOVERNMENT should be required reading in every High School civics class. Beyond its relevance to actual Mexican history, and its introduction to Traven's amazing Jungle series, it does an expert and entertaining job of describing the prevelant corruption that most, if not all, modern goverments eventually (often rapidly) employ. Also a must read also for all voters and elected officials.

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Summary: Traven sees thru all the muck & mire and let's you in on it!
Review: This was my first B. Traven book, and I am hooked. His satirical wit and narrative prose are well constructed. A simple story about early 20th century Mexico. Traven follows characters through the story and makes reading easy. The interesting thing is how true some of the same bureacracy and logic of those times is still with us in this modern day. After having traveled extensively in Mexico, it also gives me a better understanding of the plight of the indigenous people and the history behind their current governmental structure. The insight garnered is not country specific, however, as the same systems can be found in all walks of life, countries, and governments. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Traven sees thru all the muck & mire and let's you in on it!
Review: This was my first B. Traven book, and I am hooked. His satirical wit and narrative prose are well constructed. A simple story about early 20th century Mexico. Traven follows characters through the story and makes reading easy. The interesting thing is how true some of the same bureacracy and logic of those times is still with us in this modern day. After having traveled extensively in Mexico, it also gives me a better understanding of the plight of the indigenous people and the history behind their current governmental structure. The insight garnered is not country specific, however, as the same systems can be found in all walks of life, countries, and governments. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: another fine Traven book
Review: Traven continues to strike a balance between despair and hope with this story set in rural Mexico.