The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James (2024): Review
Author: Elizabeth Gonzalez James
Publication Year: 2024
Pages: 272 pages
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical fiction, Magic realism, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Western
Source: Audiobook @everand_us
I read “The Bullet Swallower” last year, and I still vividly remember the narrator’s voice! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as it adds different layers to the story of Antonio Sonoro and his family, both before and after him. The narrative spans generations, beginning with the biblical figures Abel and Cain and continuing through to Jaime Sonoro in 1964, who is the grandson of the legendary Antonio Sonoro, known as the bandido El Tragabalas.
Antonio Sonoro crosses the river separating Mexico and the United States to commit a crime in an effort to save his family from poverty. However, he ends up on a long journey seeking revenge for the death of his companion. Along this journey, we are introduced to the harsh realities of life for this ruthless criminal and the people he meets.
This story is based on historical truth, drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Gonzalez James's own great-grandfather. The author skillfully incorporates elements of magical realism, fantasy, and western themes to vividly portray intergenerational trauma, struggles, and the journey from sin to redemption—or at least the effort to break the family's generational curse.
You might find the text a bit challenging to follow at first, but if you persevere, you'll be amazed by the writing and the story, especially if you enjoy tales featuring an angel of death coming to collect what he owns!
#TheBulletSwallower
#ElizabethGonzalezJames
#BookReview
Comments
Post a Comment