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The Breach
"The Breach" is the fictional account of General Manuel Fernandez Castrillon, Aid de Camp for Santa Anna as the Mexican president and his army marches on Texas and the Alamo (Spring 1836). Written as the General's personal journal, rich in cultural and historical detail, "The Breach" creates a vibrant and insightful view of the Mexican Army and Santa Anna himself. Castrillon is a soldier, bound by honor and duty, to support his friend and mentor, Santa Anna, for better or worse.
216 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2002
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May 6, 2010
I'm no literary critic, but I know what I like. I'm a voracious reader and read Mr. Kaufman's book, The Breach, since he is a local author. Layered connotations and parallel concepts are appetizers and entree in this historical fiction. The setting is during a war, but this is not a war oriented book. The characters were real people, and his story reminds you of this fact. Personal motivations, political posturing, patriotic jingoism - all common traits now in the U.S., just as they were common traits in Mexico back then. Heros and attitudes were on both sides of the conflict and that is all portrayed without having to slight the "other side" in the process.
He also uses the fictional journal as source material for The Breach, just as two of my favorite authors have (E. A. Poe and M. Crichton !), and Kaufman does it seamlessly.
He commented, at a book signing, on how this novel was once rejected by judges of an historical fiction contest because they were duped into thinking the "journal" in the story was real!
This is America and I'm sure you won't take my word for it. Good. Don't. Read it yourself. I'm betting you'll be motivated enough to write a review just like me. You might even contact the author (just as I have) with questions and comments. I've learned he is very approachable.
Does it get any better than this? Maybe, but only in toxin-induced dreams. I'm ready to lick the toad again, and I can't wait for him to publish more.
He also uses the fictional journal as source material for The Breach, just as two of my favorite authors have (E. A. Poe and M. Crichton !), and Kaufman does it seamlessly.
He commented, at a book signing, on how this novel was once rejected by judges of an historical fiction contest because they were duped into thinking the "journal" in the story was real!
This is America and I'm sure you won't take my word for it. Good. Don't. Read it yourself. I'm betting you'll be motivated enough to write a review just like me. You might even contact the author (just as I have) with questions and comments. I've learned he is very approachable.
Does it get any better than this? Maybe, but only in toxin-induced dreams. I'm ready to lick the toad again, and I can't wait for him to publish more.
Displaying 1 of 1 review