Inez: a Tale of the Alamo

by Augusta J. Evans

Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Genres: American, Classics

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1855

Reviews

[Sheryl Stinchcum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes it's hard to know how to rate a book. For example, although I'm not a great fan of the plot or the outcome of "Inez," I was mesmerized by Augusta J. Evans' style of writing, especially considering her age. This was her first novel, and she was only 15 years old when she wrote it.

"Inez" was just the beginning. The experience of writing "Inez," prepared the author for writing greater and greater novels. Evans was a literary genius, who wrote 8 hand-written novels and dictated a ninth in her latter years when her eyesight was failing. "Macaria," her second novel, showcased her writing skills and her ability to create page-turners. Her third, "St. Elmo," is the jewel in the crown.

My late aunt was named "Inez" after the title of the book. I am proud to own several copies of the book, including a rare paperback.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical novel with a fair plot. From the Bard abd Banker library list.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

After discovering Augusta J. Evan's St. Elmo tucked in the shelves of a used bookstore, I was hooked! St. Elmo became a family favorite shared among my sister, mother, grandmother and me! We were delighted to read another of her novels Macaria as well. Her writing style is quaint, eloquent and a tribute to a bygone era, and her Christian faith is evident throughout her works. You can imagine my joy when I found a beautifully bound copy of her work Inez. The cover page was inscribed "Many happy returns of the day" July 6, 1906--Beulah. Holding a work published in 1850 and loved over 110 years ago felt like a treasure between my fingers! I couldn't wait to delve into the story. Much to my disappointment, there wasn't one--at least not much of one. The majority of the text was a theological homiletic on the author's views vilifying Catholicism. From a thinly veiled plot, Evans attacks prayer to the saints, confession, and indulgences. She asserts that miracles are solely found between the pages of the Bible and are not applicable today. The antagonist of the book is the Padre who lies, manipulates, and preys upon unsuspecting and desperate victims paralleled by the historical attack on the Alamo. The protagonist cousins Florence and Maria are delicate and frail, pale faced and writhing lipped, susceptible to sickness and deception. Only Inez, the Mexican heroine for whom the book is titled, is fearless. She is converted from Catholicism by Maria, falls in love unrequited by Maria's lover, rescuing the Americans from certain death only to lay herself down in the grave, while the white professor and remaining protagonist Florence live happily ever after. The only redeeming quality of this read was the author's linguistic style and love for her Savior.

[Vivian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone. Buuut it was fascinating in a rather boring way. So one star for that.