Broken Bones and Shattered Spears: Book Three in the Tenochtitlan Trilogy by Edward RickfordMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second story by Edward Rickford that I have read about Cortes and the Mexica. It was no less interesting and exciting, despite the very many complex characters with their complicated names. Once again, after a short period of time trying, I gave up speaking the names out loud. It slowed down my reading time too much. If I had a criticism about the writing it was the uncomfortable over-use in the narrative of various idioms. In particular the expression ‘truth be told’ occurred so often it did become a little irritating. Whether such a phrase was appropriate in the conversations of the various 16th century populace is another point, and it could have been replaced I am sure with other phrases.
This book had much more violence in it and some of the bloody descriptions may affect some readers, but it was appropriate and lent the story authenticity in my opinion. It is not quite a rip-roaring adventure yarn but exciting enough in its own way. There can be no doubt at all about the considerable research that Rickford has done in order to maintain the accuracy of the events that take place in his historical novel, which I found fascinating and often compelling. As mentioned previously some of the idiomatic phrases felt out of place in the historical context of the tale. It was often very difficult to continuously follow the plot when so many similar and complicated names were involved. The author did attempt to simplify things by giving some original characters plain names, like ‘Father’ or ‘Elder’ and it did help. However, I did think that so many minor characters around the periphery of the major plotline could have been drastically ‘pruned’ from the story. But the inclusion of Malintze, Estrada and their behaviour towards Pozon, a slave boy, was delightful and refreshing in some ways. Although realistically portrayed no doubt, the earlier events involving Pozon and his older sister, Yaotl, when he was captured, I found very distressing and incredibly poignant.
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical novels or is interested in the ‘real story’ behind the birth of Mexico.
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