Rating: 
Summary: A comprehensive look at a fascinating country
Review: Michener does a fine job of reviewing the timeline of Mexican history in this novel, while at the same time tracing the narrator's family roots. I would have preferred more emphasis on the ancients and less on the American tourist experience in Mexico, so I took away 1 star. Michener examines bullfighting in this novel even more thoroughly than Hemingway ever did, touches upon the Spanish Inquisition, the US Civil War, and the revolution in Mexico, making this an enjoyable and informative novel to read.
Rating: 
Summary: MORE THAN I EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BULLFIGHTING
Review: Michener says it himself in the closing pages of MEXICO: There has to be more to Mexico than bullfighting. But in reading this novel about the country, you would hardly know it. Set around a journalist, Norman Clay, who is covering a bullfight, the reader is offered only tempting tidbits of what Mexico has to offer. I read JM's TEXAS, last year, which contained large portions that included descriptions and events in Mexico. I assumed MEXICO would be more in depth and touch upon the rich culture of the Aztecs. I was somewhat disappointed.Though MEXICO did provide glimpses into the past of the Indians living in Mexico before the Spaniards came, the clashes with Cortez and the Conquistadors was sorely missing. The Spanish rape of Mexico was barely tapped and I really wanted to read more about the politics that shaped today's nation of Mexico. JM shortchanged the Mexican and Mexico with this book. TEXAS was so brilliantly written, I guess lightening couldn't strike twice. On the up side, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about bullfighting. Though brief, the sections on the early Indians and the building of the pyramids was vivid and informative.
Rating:
Summary: MORE THAN I EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BULLFIGHTING
Review: Michener says it himself in the closing pages of MEXICO: There has to be more to Mexico than bullfighting. But in reading this novel about the country, you would hardly know it. Set around a journalist, Norman Clay, who is covering a bullfight, the reader is offered only tempting tidbits of what Mexico has to offer. I read JM's TEXAS, last year, which contained large portions that included descriptions and events in Mexico. I assumed MEXICO would be more in depth and touch upon the rich culture of the Aztecs. I was somewhat disappointed. Though MEXICO did provide glimpses into the past of the Indians living in Mexico before the Spaniards came, the clashes with Cortez and the Conquistadors was sorely missing. The Spanish rape of Mexico was barely tapped and I really wanted to read more about the politics that shaped today's nation of Mexico. JM shortchanged the Mexican and Mexico with this book. TEXAS was so brilliantly written, I guess lightening couldn't strike twice. On the up side, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about bullfighting. Though brief, the sections on the early Indians and the building of the pyramids was vivid and informative.
Rating: 
Summary: A dull&boring read
Review: One of the most pathetic books I have managed to fight until page 80 or so until sleep and anger overcame me. The author isn't capable of concentrating on his (should be, if any) subject and instead lets the central "character" trying to entertain the bored reader with the fame and glory of the characters family every tiring second paragraph. The menu for rating this book is not appropriate. A three tomato would do a better job.
Rating:
Summary: Somewhat Dissapointing
Review: Since I have read two of Michener's other works- The Source and Poland- and found them fascinating and riveting and found Michener to be a fine writer , , I had expected something similar with Mexico.
And he certainly shows his talent for fine historical narrative in parts of the book.
Taking us through a journey into the history of Toledo, in Mexico, through the decline of a great nation of builders, through their discovery the drug, pulque found in the Maguey plant, the rebellion by a brave Altomec Queen against the diabolic human sacrifice rites to a strange and terrible deity, the story of conquistadors and robust émigrés in Mexico from the defeated Confederacy after the American Civil War, and the reign of terror of the blood thirsty revolutionary leader General Gurza, all add to a rich tapestry. Alas, this part of the book is far too short, and Michener spends most of the novel with an endless saga about a bullfighting tournament.
I find absolutely nothing inspiring about this unfair and cruel sport, and do not find anything in bullfighting which reminds me ' of the principles by which life should be led' as remarked by one of the characters. The characterization in these chapters, was glossed over, and only the bullfighting tournament itself was detailed, leading to huge gaps in the book which where not interesting to read, and only read to get to the shorter more interesting ride into history. A pity because there was rich material with which to work. Although , to be fair he does artfully put it together again , in the last chapter.
Rating:
Summary: Worthwhile Read
Review: The only other book by Michener that I've read is Alaska, and Mexico, while similar in style, has fewer characters to keep track of, and less complexity in the historical background. That works well here, as the focus is on the intersection of two worlds--the Spanish and the Indian-- and the resulting culture. Filled with dynamic characters that are representations of the Mexican culture, yet not flat stereotypes, this novel is a rich, rewarding read. Recommended for the beginning historical fiction reader because of its simplicity.
Rating:
Summary: Lots of Bullfighting Some Mexican History
Review: This book was certainly different than most Michener historical fiction books. For one thing it's a tiny bit shorter which is a welcome relief. Secondly there was more stuff on bullfighting than there was on the history. I really wasn't that interested to begin with, but found that I did get more interested as time went on. The story was a good one, but I like to see more history and that's why I've read each of his historical fiction books. This is my last book in his list and it was a fun one.
Rating: 
Summary: Master storyteller, fascinating history
Review: This is actually my first experience with Michener, who I've always been curious about. I am so impressed that I can't wait to begin another one of his fabulous tales. He's a wonderful writer, one who can balance the details of bullfighting with history with rich characters and an enjoyable story. The writer uses bullfighting to tell the story and there may be more details on the sport than you care to read, but they take up a small space in the whole novel. To Michener fans, it may not be the best, but I definitely think it's worth a read.
Rating:
Summary: a review from mango
Review: this was a very interesting book about bullfighting and the history of a man's family. it got kinda slow at some parts but after you survive them the book becomes real exciting.
Rating:
Summary: A must read
Review: This was my very first Michener book. From other reviews I gather it contained less history than his other novels. After reading it I couldn't care less. I have now read this book three times and enjoy it just as much every time. I love bullfight stories and have read all of Hemingway's works on the subject. I found this more enjoyable than them all. It was more of a story, while very knowledgeably written, than a text book. I also work with many Mexicans and greatly enjoy there culture, food, and festivities. I greatly enjoyed every part of this book. The history from all three nations was very well done and interesting, as was the goings on in the present at the Festival of Ixmiq. I could never have believed a person could tie all of these stories into one well-knit novel, but Michener handles expertly. I am sure in a year or two I will be reading it again.
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