A review by emilyinherhead
A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Historical fiction with a healthy dash of romance, A Ballad of Love and Glory takes place in the mid-1840s during the Mexican-American War. It follows Ximena Salomé, a Mexican healer and soldadera, and John Riley, an Irish soldier in the American army. Both have spouses when the fighting begins, but circumstances bring them together, and soon their lovefor each other becomes a driving force in the decisions they make as the story unfolds.
The Mexican-American conflict is not usually represented very widely in educational materials or mainstream fiction, but Grande fleshes it out in detail, battle by battle; many readers will find some gaps in their childhood schooling filled. And while Ximena and John’s relationship is the lens through which the story is told, there are only a few spicy scenes, of moderate heat at most, and they are brief. The classically sweeping love story adds some interest and personal perspective to the novel, but it does not dominate.
This book wasn’t my personal jam, but it would be a great choice for the historical fiction fan who enjoys reading about war. If battles and political machinations are your thing, but you’re burned out on Civil War and World War II tales, give this one a try.
The Mexican-American conflict is not usually represented very widely in educational materials or mainstream fiction, but Grande fleshes it out in detail, battle by battle; many readers will find some gaps in their childhood schooling filled. And while Ximena and John’s relationship is the lens through which the story is told, there are only a few spicy scenes, of moderate heat at most, and they are brief. The classically sweeping love story adds some interest and personal perspective to the novel, but it does not dominate.
This book wasn’t my personal jam, but it would be a great choice for the historical fiction fan who enjoys reading about war. If battles and political machinations are your thing, but you’re burned out on Civil War and World War II tales, give this one a try.