"Aztec" recounts the Catholic Church's attempts to convert the conquered Indians of South America, revealing the priests and the conquistadors' ethnocentricism regarding a noble society of high culture and a proud history. At the same time, this novel takes an unsparing look at the Aztec society, finding a good amount of ruthlessness among the leaders, priests, and warriors of the Indian nation as well. Jennings has done extensive research, and he brings to life the characters, settings, themes, and conflicts of which he, in great, painstaking, and loving detail, writes. "Aztec" was followed by an absorbing sequel.
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The review of this Book prepared by Gary L. Pullman
Based on extensive research, Gary Jennings' "Aztec" recreates the ancient Mexican empire. The narrator is Mixtil, who has more trouble understanding the Spanish conquerors' Catholic religion than they claim to have in comprehending the Aztec faith. The Spanish, including the clergy, are shown to be cruel, arrogant invaders of a noble civilization and its people. Mixtil is trained as a scribe, or writer. Later, he fights as a soldier. Finally, he becomes a wealthy merchant who travels throughout the empire. Through his experiences and dealings, the reader is acquainted with the rich history and traditions of the Aztec civilization and the ideas and talents of his people. The novel is action-packed, with plenty of sex and violence, as well as accounts of military battles, torture, and death. Recently, Jennings' sequel, "Aztec Autumn," was published.
The review of this Book prepared by Gary L. Pullman
