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A review by happiestwhenreading
The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
5.0
(Thanks to @simonbooks for the #gifted copy of this book.)
THE BULLET SWALLOWER by Elizabeth Gonzalez James is a book with much to discuss as Susie from @novelvisits and I found last week when text messages were flying back and forth! Today we’re going to try a joint review from the two of us! This one gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 from us!
At first, this seems like the most unlikely story to love: a western that involves a touch of magical realism, two things that don’t have any sort of obvious connection and often scare readers off. But, within this magical western there is so much more. From two different times, 1895 and 1964, we get the story of the Sonoro family, a family of men both feared and haunted.
Carla 1895: The first timeline gives the background story of the Sonoro family and how they came to carry a generational curse. It’s a complicated past that Antonio keeps trying to outrun, and while seeking revenge, he also comes to realize the importance of his family and home. He vows to be a better person, but when he returns home, all he’s fought for is now gone. Antonio’s transformation was my favorite part of the book; his development captured my heart, along with his witty and quirky demeanor.
Susie 1964: The second timeline features Jaime, a “singing actor” much beloved in Mexico. Into Jaime’s possession comes a book that tells a dark history of his family, a history Jaime knew nothing of. He’s terrified, ashamed and haunted by what he reads, and he can’t let it go. Jaime needs to know if somehow he’s inherited the sins of his forefathers. I loved Jaime’s quest to understand the evils of his family and his determination to bring their story into the light.
The Bullet Swallower explores generational curses, racism, and colonialism. Through powerful storytelling, and characters with memorable growth, this fairly short novel provides much to discuss! Set against the brilliant Southwestern backdrop of the Mexico/Texas border, this book was a true delight!
THE BULLET SWALLOWER by Elizabeth Gonzalez James is a book with much to discuss as Susie from @novelvisits and I found last week when text messages were flying back and forth! Today we’re going to try a joint review from the two of us! This one gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 from us!
At first, this seems like the most unlikely story to love: a western that involves a touch of magical realism, two things that don’t have any sort of obvious connection and often scare readers off. But, within this magical western there is so much more. From two different times, 1895 and 1964, we get the story of the Sonoro family, a family of men both feared and haunted.
Carla 1895: The first timeline gives the background story of the Sonoro family and how they came to carry a generational curse. It’s a complicated past that Antonio keeps trying to outrun, and while seeking revenge, he also comes to realize the importance of his family and home. He vows to be a better person, but when he returns home, all he’s fought for is now gone. Antonio’s transformation was my favorite part of the book; his development captured my heart, along with his witty and quirky demeanor.
Susie 1964: The second timeline features Jaime, a “singing actor” much beloved in Mexico. Into Jaime’s possession comes a book that tells a dark history of his family, a history Jaime knew nothing of. He’s terrified, ashamed and haunted by what he reads, and he can’t let it go. Jaime needs to know if somehow he’s inherited the sins of his forefathers. I loved Jaime’s quest to understand the evils of his family and his determination to bring their story into the light.
The Bullet Swallower explores generational curses, racism, and colonialism. Through powerful storytelling, and characters with memorable growth, this fairly short novel provides much to discuss! Set against the brilliant Southwestern backdrop of the Mexico/Texas border, this book was a true delight!