Identify Books In Favor Of The Gates of the Alamo
| Original Title: | The Gates of the Alamo |
| ISBN: | 0141000023 (ISBN13: 9780141000022) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Setting: | Texas(United States) |
| Literary Awards: | Spur Award for Best Novel of the West (2001), National Cowboy Hall of Fame Western Heritage Award for Western Novel (2001) |
Stephen Harrigan
Paperback | Pages: 592 pages Rating: 4.02 | 1347 Users | 184 Reviews
Explanation Concering Books The Gates of the Alamo
A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo in 1836--an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history--The Gates of the Alamo follows the lives of three people whose fates become bound to the now-fabled Texas fort: Edmund McGowan, a proud and gifted naturalist whose life's work is threatened by the war against Mexico; the resourceful, widowed innkeeper Mary Mott; and her sixteen-year-old son, Terrell, whose first shattering experience with love leads him instead to war, and into the crucible of the Alamo. The story unfolds with vivid immediacy and describes the pivotal battle from the perspective of the Mexican attackers as well as the American defenders. Filled with dramatic scenes, and abounding in fictional and historical personalities--among them James Bowie, David Crockett, William Travis, and General Santa Anna--The Gates of the Alamo enfolds us in history and, through its remarkable and passionate storytelling, allows us to participate at last in an American legend.
Details Containing Books The Gates of the Alamo
| Title | : | The Gates of the Alamo |
| Author | : | Stephen Harrigan |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Deluxe Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 592 pages |
| Published | : | March 1st 2001 by Penguin Books (first published 2000) |
| Categories | : | Historical. Historical Fiction. Fiction. Westerns |
Rating Containing Books The Gates of the Alamo
Ratings: 4.02 From 1347 Users | 184 ReviewsWrite-Up Containing Books The Gates of the Alamo
Once upon a time I briefly lived in Texas. I made good use of my time in the USA, visiting several states. Inevitably I also visited the lovely Texan town of San Antonio and of course the historic Alamo Mission. Alas, at that time my interest lay more in medieval European history, and so I just gave it the quick tourist look over before heading to the Riverwalk, margaritas and Mariachi bands. Fast forward several years, and here I am up to my eyebrows in American history, reading both fictionAn interesting take on a historical event which is very well known. This explores a little more of what happened in the build-up to the siege itself and the aftermath at the Goliad (the "other" Alamo) as well as offering a sympathetic look at a broad range of characters. Some other reviewers have pointed out that the last few chapters seem hurried- which they are, as if the author realized that he had got to a certain number of words and then needed to wrap it all up - and the framing device set
I did lots of complaining to anyone who would listen about this book club book. I said things like it has too many characters, it is a slow go, it needs editing, and there is too much fighting. And I was quite certain this was a 3 star book for me. But, after finishing it, I am saying that this is a 4 star book because of the courage, tenacity, and bravery of the men who fought at the Alamo. You know the ones I am talking about: Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, and William Travis. I am proud to be a
This was a loooong book. Not so much in terms of length (it was under 600 pages), but it just seemed incredibly dense. The setup of the novel -- which is more than half the book -- introduces three main characters and a panoply of others (some of whom I got confused all the way through) and the political situation in both Texas and Mexico. The pace picks up enormously once the siege of the Alamo actually begins. Don't get me wrong, the book is totally engrossing; frankly, I was surprised how
With the expectation to attend AWP in San Antonio this year, which sadly did not happen for me, I read this book. It was recommended by a Texas author, and it did not disappoint. This historical novel which has been carefully researched offers a more diverse view of this part of Texas history. The plot is gripping, but what lingers for me is the description of the land, the climate, plants and animals, pre-independence from Mexico, pre-establishment as a state of the US. The novel also explores
A new favorite. This book usually makes the list of must read books about Texas. I agree. I had put off reading it because of its length, but like another lengthy favorite, Lonesome Dove, it kept me interested all the way through. I enjoyed how such famous Texas heroes as Travis, Crockett, and Houston were brought to life in the book. Also interesting was reading about The Alamo from the Mexican and from Santa Annas perspective.
Such a richly written historical fiction novel!Even though I grew up in Texas, I never really cared for Texas history growing up. This novel made what I remember as tedious facts and timeliness into a human story. Stephen Harrigan has such a talent for engrossing the reader into the human drama without tainting the historical aspects.
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