I am enthralled with this book! The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire by C. M. Mayo is a historical novel of the best kind -- a tale based on history, not merely set in historic times -- about how Maximilian, the Hapsburg Emperor of Mexico, "adopted" the grandson of the first Mexican Emperor. There are so many characters telling the tale from their own point of view -- everyone from the Emperor to the scullery maid to the toddler prince himself -- and such a complicated plot! It has me hanging on every page. Lots of adventure and detail; great, clean writing that doesn't get in the way of the story. And all about a sliver of European/New World history that I know nothing about and am intrigued by.
This is the kind of novel to get lost in. I only wish I had some kind of winter get-away like a mountain weekend or Spring Break so I could hunker down with this and read it straight through. As it is, I have to get in ten or 15 minutes am and pm and it is barley enough to keep me going.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Book Notes: The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire
I am enthralled with this book! The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire by C. M. Mayo is a historical novel of the best kind -- a tale based on history, not merely set in historic times -- about how Maximilian, the Hapsburg Emperor of Mexico, "adopted" the grandson of the first Mexican Emperor. There are so many characters telling the tale from their own point of view -- everyone from the Emperor to the scullery maid to the toddler prince himself -- and such a complicated plot! It has me hanging on every page. Lots of adventure and detail; great, clean writing that doesn't get in the way of the story. And all about a sliver of European/New World history that I know nothing about and am intrigued by.
This is the kind of novel to get lost in. I only wish I had some kind of winter get-away like a mountain weekend or Spring Break so I could hunker down with this and read it straight through. As it is, I have to get in ten or 15 minutes am and pm and it is barley enough to keep me going.
This is definitely going on my TBR list! I haven't been able to hunker down with anything lately either. I get frustrated when things are like that, but hopefully some reading time will miraculously materialize.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad, I just got this last week and, although I was excited about it, it looked a little intimidating. Now I can go in un-intimidated.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to have a book to get lost in, but it's so frustrating when you don't have the time.
ReplyDeleteA miracle indeed! My hubby had an unexpected work trip pop up, so I get two evenings alone. Not that I don't love spending evenings with my hubby, but now I have the chance for a little quality time with my Mexican prince!
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