THE TEXICANS

In the mid-nineteenth century, Joseph, a Polish-born Jew, travels from Missouri to the wilds of Texas. On the way, he reluctantly acquires an Alsatian wife, a Mexican witch and her two children, an escaped slave, and a one-legged former slave and his family. How Joseph and company fare on the lawless frontier over the next dozen years consumes the rest of this absorbing, finely written novel. The author provides plenty of adventure, strong characterizations, and convincing historical detail. Narrator George Guidall gives this book a fittingly unsentimental, understated reading. He knows the text needs no push from him, only clarity and pace, which he expertly delivers. By staying in the background, he lets the writing enjoy the spotlight, as it deserves. Y.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]