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Wild Steps of Heaven
In his critically acclaimed bestseller Rain of Gold, Victor Villase-or brought his mother's family vividly to life. In Wild Steps Of Heaven, he turns to his father's family, the Villase-ors. Against a vivid backdrop of love and war, magic and heroism, the author breathes life into his father's people--and in particular, the Villase-or women*Margarita, the indomitable matriarch who was swept away by Don Juan Jesus Villase-or on the eve of the Mexican revolution*their beautiful daughters, who find strength and endurance in their mother's faith, and searing passion amidst the turmoil of war. But it is little Juan, the youngest son, through whose eyes this tumultuous saga unfolds. Juan would learn from his brother Jose, a hero of the revolution, how to be a man; and from his beloved mother, how to live and love con gusto y amor.
A story of madness and miracles, rage and redemption, In Wild Steps Of Heaven creates a riveting portrait of an extraordinary family and the country whose earth gave them roots.
A story of madness and miracles, rage and redemption, In Wild Steps Of Heaven creates a riveting portrait of an extraordinary family and the country whose earth gave them roots.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1996
About the author
Victor Villaseñor
46 books435 followersVictor Villaseñor is an acclaimed Mexican-American writer, best known for the New York Times bestseller novel Rain of Gold. Villaseñor's works are often taught in American schools. He went on to write Thirteen Senses: A Memoir (2001), a continuation of Rain of Gold. His book Burro Genius: A Memoir (2004) describes his life. The author has received awards and endorsements, including an appointment to serve as the founding Steinbeck Chair at Hartnell College and the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, from February 2003 to March 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 17, 2017
This is a violent, crude, loving, dramatic, funny, horrifying, sad, surprising, and ultimately glorious family history.
I've been trying to think of how to describe my reactions to this book since I finished reading. Over the top for violence? Perhaps, but during the Revolution many savage things happened to the people, so each incident here is entirely plausible, if not exactly pleasant for the reader.
There are a lot of clashes here: male power against female, destroying the earth against cherishing it, European mentality against Native thinking. It would be easy to say the author had used his father's youth and the events of it to tell the history of Mexico itself, not just his own family. There is a great deal to absorb and think about in these pages.
This book reads quickly, but it is quite graphic and violent, as life in Mexico was during the Revolution, and still is today in many areas. But the author captured the spirit of the people, I mean the ones who are still connected to the earth, those who know that the true power of life comes from that connection between human being, planet Earth, and the skies. There are, thank goodness, still such people left here in Mexico. I hope they are able to pass on their wisdom before it, the country, and the planet are lost.
Sorry, I know this review is not telling much about the actual story, but this is the best I can do. I am a little overwhelmed by it all.
I've been trying to think of how to describe my reactions to this book since I finished reading. Over the top for violence? Perhaps, but during the Revolution many savage things happened to the people, so each incident here is entirely plausible, if not exactly pleasant for the reader.
There are a lot of clashes here: male power against female, destroying the earth against cherishing it, European mentality against Native thinking. It would be easy to say the author had used his father's youth and the events of it to tell the history of Mexico itself, not just his own family. There is a great deal to absorb and think about in these pages.
This book reads quickly, but it is quite graphic and violent, as life in Mexico was during the Revolution, and still is today in many areas. But the author captured the spirit of the people, I mean the ones who are still connected to the earth, those who know that the true power of life comes from that connection between human being, planet Earth, and the skies. There are, thank goodness, still such people left here in Mexico. I hope they are able to pass on their wisdom before it, the country, and the planet are lost.
Sorry, I know this review is not telling much about the actual story, but this is the best I can do. I am a little overwhelmed by it all.
June 27, 2012
Violent. If I had to describe this book in one word, that is what I would choose. The book brims with raw emotion, detailed descriptions of corporal functions, sex and defecation, rape and sexual ecstasy/exaltation too, aspects of earthiness and heavenly beliefs. The author clearly wants to tie these qualities to how people relate to their fate and God. This was over the top for me. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Dick Hill. He put his soul into every word spoken. A book that is emotionally raw and gripping can become almost intolerable to listen to with such a talented reader. His voice is one minute soft and gentle and then harsh and screaming. At the end it was dispassionate, when the story itself was over.
This is a story about the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. It is about the Mexican culture. It is about the conflict between earth and heaven, Catholicism and ancient Mexican beliefs, Native Indians and Spaniards. It is about love. All of these conflicting forces play out against each other. I sat back in horror and observed. To put it bluntly, everybody did exactly what they wished and exclaimed how God was on their side. But I do believe it accurately depicts Mexican history and culture as it played out in one family, the family of the author’s ancestors. This is a book of historical fiction with magical realism thrown in. What is magical and what is real is all a matter of interpretation….and your own beliefs.
I am glad I read the book, so I give it three stars. Some parts I liked; some I hated. It was not an easy read. I think the presentation is accurate and thus not enjoyable to follow. What happens is gritty and crude. Much violence is committed with the belief that such is almost inevitable. I would recommend it to those of you who are curious about the Mexican Revolution and culture, not the historical details, but how the people perceived it and lived through it.
ETA: the author clearly is saying we should not use violence, but the book is filled with it. Is it our fate?
This is a story about the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. It is about the Mexican culture. It is about the conflict between earth and heaven, Catholicism and ancient Mexican beliefs, Native Indians and Spaniards. It is about love. All of these conflicting forces play out against each other. I sat back in horror and observed. To put it bluntly, everybody did exactly what they wished and exclaimed how God was on their side. But I do believe it accurately depicts Mexican history and culture as it played out in one family, the family of the author’s ancestors. This is a book of historical fiction with magical realism thrown in. What is magical and what is real is all a matter of interpretation….and your own beliefs.
I am glad I read the book, so I give it three stars. Some parts I liked; some I hated. It was not an easy read. I think the presentation is accurate and thus not enjoyable to follow. What happens is gritty and crude. Much violence is committed with the belief that such is almost inevitable. I would recommend it to those of you who are curious about the Mexican Revolution and culture, not the historical details, but how the people perceived it and lived through it.
ETA: the author clearly is saying we should not use violence, but the book is filled with it. Is it our fate?
January 4, 2009
A very simply told fictionalized account of the author's father's family in Northern Mexico around the time of the Mexican Revolution. You can always tell when an author comes from a rich oral tradition, because their writing comes across similar to what an oral telling would sound like.
I especially liked Part 2 of the book, which focused on the strength and wisdom of the women in the village. The men are just full of that annoying Mexican machismo and violence, but the women are the ones with the true power. The author really gives respect to las viejas, that crone wisdom that combines their ancient Indian animist religion with the Catholic faith brought by the Spaniards.
I especially liked Part 2 of the book, which focused on the strength and wisdom of the women in the village. The men are just full of that annoying Mexican machismo and violence, but the women are the ones with the true power. The author really gives respect to las viejas, that crone wisdom that combines their ancient Indian animist religion with the Catholic faith brought by the Spaniards.
August 3, 2022
Not a book I would typically read, but it was this month’s book for family book club.
In the end, I did enjoy the book more than I thought I would. The little details did seem to drag. And some of the descriptions were “Isaiah” like - some stories seemed fictionalized because of this. It was hard to tell what was real. I also felt like some parts were very repetitive.
However, I enjoyed the theme that love conquers all. I felt like it gave the book more purpose. This isn’t my favorite genre to read, but it was well-written for the most part.
In the end, I did enjoy the book more than I thought I would. The little details did seem to drag. And some of the descriptions were “Isaiah” like - some stories seemed fictionalized because of this. It was hard to tell what was real. I also felt like some parts were very repetitive.
However, I enjoyed the theme that love conquers all. I felt like it gave the book more purpose. This isn’t my favorite genre to read, but it was well-written for the most part.
September 23, 2022
One of my forever favorites. Villaseñor decided to write this novel, when he realized how rich the story of his father's childhood was during his work for his first book Rain of Gold. As a result, this novel is great addition/companion to Rain of Gold, but also stands alone extremely well.
The matriarch of the Villaseñor family, Doña Margarita, is the heart and soul of the entire novel. Her profound and unconditional love for her family, and the beautiful land they come from, is awe-inspiring. In the face of horrific acts of violence and oppression, she continues to ground her family in their love for each other and her unshakable faith in God. Although I do not consider myself a religious person, la Doña's spirituality is incredibly beautiful to bear witness to. Not to mention she is hilarious, as she cracks dirty jokes during her daily prayers with the Virgin Mary.
The matriarch of the Villaseñor family, Doña Margarita, is the heart and soul of the entire novel. Her profound and unconditional love for her family, and the beautiful land they come from, is awe-inspiring. In the face of horrific acts of violence and oppression, she continues to ground her family in their love for each other and her unshakable faith in God. Although I do not consider myself a religious person, la Doña's spirituality is incredibly beautiful to bear witness to. Not to mention she is hilarious, as she cracks dirty jokes during her daily prayers with the Virgin Mary.
November 12, 2007
I have not been able to stop reading this since Desiree recommended it to me. I never laughed and cried so much. A truly beautiful tale.
October 2, 2023
This is a big book, a wild book, with gigantic men, goddess women, Evil, God, Love, and a struggle for the Indigenous people of Mexico.
Tale after tale of men being big, strong, quick to anger, ready to fight. Women holding things together, and the love of God and the power of the Earth surrounding all as it has been and always will be.
So much laughter.
A family memoir/allegory/set of myths and legends too large, too wonderful for such a skinny book.
Tale after tale of men being big, strong, quick to anger, ready to fight. Women holding things together, and the love of God and the power of the Earth surrounding all as it has been and always will be.
So much laughter.
A family memoir/allegory/set of myths and legends too large, too wonderful for such a skinny book.
January 1, 2025
This is the first fiction book I have read in a long time. It’s is both fiction and nonfiction as the reader gains stories from his childhood and stories passed down the generations.
It is a bit chewy for me in some parts and jumps in and out of different characters points of views. But overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend to someone that would be interested in Mexican culture, history, oppression and spirituality.
It is a bit chewy for me in some parts and jumps in and out of different characters points of views. But overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend to someone that would be interested in Mexican culture, history, oppression and spirituality.
November 7, 2025
As a Latina, second generation American, I would like to imagine my ancestors being somewhere in this true story. They went through such hardships and yet survived by the power of faith, family unity, and most of all love. I feel this captures what life was like back then and the strength of the women. How beautiful that the author carries the stories his father shared for future generations to appreciate.
January 30, 2024
Victor is one of my favorite authors. He is a truly talented writer. This book should be read before Rain of Gold but I will say it is extremely violent and not for the faint of heart. In my opinion he does a good depiction of what the Mexican Revolution looked like. One of the best stories about a mothers love and the lengths a mother would go for their children.
July 28, 2022
Lovely narration by Dick Hill. I never would have chosen this book on my own, and so thankful for being introduced to it through book club. This is a family heritage story with every human foible and charitable character possible. I laughed, cried, and sat in awe more than once.
July 26, 2025
This was a well written book taking place in Mexico. The Mexican people suffered at the hands of the Colonel and his soldiers. The people were brave. It is a sad story about all their hardships and work to survive.
November 4, 2017
Story of the Villaseñor family in Los Altos de Jalisco during the Mexican Revolution, illustrating the joining of the Spanish and the native.
March 3, 2026
Victor Villasenor is one of my favorite authors. I loved this book and learning about his father’s history. Great to read after “Rain of Gold” and “Thirteen Senses”…..I liked reading this one last….great book!!
August 21, 2023
Violent and vulgar, but necessary. This book is a painful realization of colorism in Mexican society, corruption, and misogyny. Still, it is outstanding in its perception of eternal love and Mother Earth’s beauty.
March 25, 2026
This is one of my all time favorite books! I’ve read this book twice and these characters have a hold on me! My family is from Los Altos de Jalisco, so it’s interesting to hear these stories that are similar to some of the stories that have been passed down within our family.
May 23, 2014
This book is a brilliantly written book by Victor Villaseñor that I had the pleasure of reading. Villaseñor is an amazing storyteller and he flexes his abilities magnificently in this novel. Being of Mexican descent, I felt that I could relate to a lot of aspects of this book. Even if the reader is not, I feel that anyone could enjoy this book because it has a lot to offer. As other reviews have said, it does have violence and other things of that nature in it. Besides that, the book itself is comedic and humorous. The book is filled with a variety emotions that has the ability to make the readers laugh and cry.
I would highly recommend this book for two reasons. The first reason has to do with the length. Despite the book being under 300 pages, it still has the power to impact you greatly. If you are looking for a book that is short and fun to read, then this book is a good candidate. I feel that it's a book that contains a lot, but is easy to read. It doesn't take much time, but you still get a lot out of it. The second reason this book is a good book to read is because it has a lot of culture. I feel that this book gives the reader and audience insight about the authors family. Villaseñor writes this book about his family. He writes it as a combination between fiction and nonfiction. Villaseñor's writes this story as a true memoir about his descendants but weaves fiction into it to transform it into a true, impactful novel. "The Wild Steps of Heaven" influences it's readers by giving them the opportunity to experience true Mexican culture and history though a storyteller who has actually experienced it.
Villaseñor's unique blend of fiction, nonfiction, and mexican heritage. Victor Villaseñor uses his natural ability to tell stories through his writing. As previously stated, this novel provides a plethora of raw emotion. Readers will be taken on a vast journey through the story of Villaseñor's ancestors. This journey takes the reader through rise and fall, and through victory and defeat.
I would highly recommend this book for two reasons. The first reason has to do with the length. Despite the book being under 300 pages, it still has the power to impact you greatly. If you are looking for a book that is short and fun to read, then this book is a good candidate. I feel that it's a book that contains a lot, but is easy to read. It doesn't take much time, but you still get a lot out of it. The second reason this book is a good book to read is because it has a lot of culture. I feel that this book gives the reader and audience insight about the authors family. Villaseñor writes this book about his family. He writes it as a combination between fiction and nonfiction. Villaseñor's writes this story as a true memoir about his descendants but weaves fiction into it to transform it into a true, impactful novel. "The Wild Steps of Heaven" influences it's readers by giving them the opportunity to experience true Mexican culture and history though a storyteller who has actually experienced it.
Villaseñor's unique blend of fiction, nonfiction, and mexican heritage. Victor Villaseñor uses his natural ability to tell stories through his writing. As previously stated, this novel provides a plethora of raw emotion. Readers will be taken on a vast journey through the story of Villaseñor's ancestors. This journey takes the reader through rise and fall, and through victory and defeat.
May 9, 2011
Victor Villasenor is a brilliant story teller -- and he has a world of stories to tell about his familia who started in the highlands of the central Mexican state of Jalisco -- Los Altos, near Arandas. The story of this book is of the unbelievable hardships his family withstood during the time of the Mexico Revolution and the beginning of the Cristeros just after. His grandmother watched as her family of 14 children, who all grew to adulthood were killed, maimed, castrated, raped and murdered until by the time they leave their mountain home there are just 2 of her 7 sons and 2 of her 7 daughters left -- and the older son is killed during the first weeks of their escape.
This is the story of Mexico's dark history -- her civil war -- when her citizens didn't know from one day to the next who was coming down the road, which side represented the right and which leader to follow. In the lives of the regular people in Los Altos, it didn't seem to matter much, no matter who came up the mountain, it meant that more would suffer and die.
I love Victor Villasenor's books and stories. I laugh and I cry as I join the family for a bit...and during this book, I cringed and shuddered at the ruthless widespread suffering. What animo! What courage and what strength --
This is the story of Mexico's dark history -- her civil war -- when her citizens didn't know from one day to the next who was coming down the road, which side represented the right and which leader to follow. In the lives of the regular people in Los Altos, it didn't seem to matter much, no matter who came up the mountain, it meant that more would suffer and die.
I love Victor Villasenor's books and stories. I laugh and I cry as I join the family for a bit...and during this book, I cringed and shuddered at the ruthless widespread suffering. What animo! What courage and what strength --
August 23, 2014
I read this book with my Spanish students in Barrow last year. I had already read it several times myself but there is nothing like reading it with other people to make you aware of all of the things that are very adult about the book. I love this book. It's super interesting and easy to get into and could be the beginning of the "Rain of Gold" book as it's a part of the story that he didn't tell in that book. Just be forewarned that it's got some pretty intense parts and doesn't hold back details.
September 12, 2007
In the tradition of Mexican-American writers this novel weaves a fictionalized recount of Villasenor's family history through imagery that transports you to Mexico. I would definitely recommend this novel. However, I would warn potential readers that there is tendency in the novel to focus on magic, which occasionally may seem unrealistic.
October 11, 2011
I had read the book Rain of Gold by this author and enjoyed it so much I looked forward to reading this other book based on the life of the author's family. It was wonderful! Loved learning about this incredible family. I understand that there is or is going to be a movie based on Rain of Gold. Can't wait to see it!
November 23, 2008
A memoir of Mexico and a family history that reads like a novel. A great read, written with panache and tenderness, filled with over-the-top characters and drama. A fascinating introduction to Mexican culture and history through a true saga.
March 9, 2009
This is a memoir from one of my favorite authors. The story was good but I have to say that too many "little details" in the book were dragged on and on and on, not to mention repetitive. Otherwise, the story ended with me the reader wanting to know more.
July 6, 2009
Villasenor continues the sage of his family, this time focusing on his father's family. This book has LOTS more Mexican allegory and saints' stories than his earlier work. Not quite the same impact as "Rain of Gold."
April 8, 2013
I really did like the book. They only thing I would change are all the small details that make the book drag a little, but I guess that's the style of this author. Overall, I truly enjoyed reading this book, and I look foward to reading more material from this autor.
April 12, 2013
Great storyteller. This book was written after Rain of Gold and after 13 Senses, but is the story that takes place before both of them. (Juan's childhood) I am glad I read it 3rd because while it is a good story, it's not as good as the other two.
June 17, 2014
I LOVED Rain of Gold. I think I'd had such high hopes for Wild Steps that it couldn't live up to my expectations. So disappointed. Also, the audio reader was horrible. Maybe I'd like it better reading it myself.
February 22, 2020
It started out really great, but then it seemed more and more preachy, and "laughing with carcajadas" got really old. By the end I was tired of it, even though it is a great story. (companion to "Rain of Gold" which is a fantastic book).
July 20, 2007
possibly even better than it's partner: rain of gold.
November 10, 2007
A really enjoyed this tale of mystical realism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews