The Magic Lantern: Having a Ball and Christmas Eve

by José Tomas de Cuellar

Jos� Tomas de Cu�llar (1830-1894) was a Mexican writer noted for his sharp sense of humor and gift for caricature. Having a Ball and Christmas Eve are two novellas written in the costumbrista style, made popular in the mid-nineteenth century by the periodical press in which these sketches of contemporary manners were first published. The stories are a sensitive reflection of the effects of modernization brought by an authoritarian regime dedicated to order and progress.

Christmas Eve describes a volatile middle class in which people pursue pleasure and entertainment without regard to morality. Having a Ball depicts women and their dedication to fashion. It is through them that Cuellar examines a society susceptible to foreign values, the importation of which radically altered the face of Mexico and its traditional customs.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1892

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up as a Christmas read but apart from the fact that a ball takes place on Christmas Eve, there’s nothing particularly festive here. You definitely need to read the introductions as I think the greatest interest is the commentary that the book gives on contemporaneous Mexican high society. To just read it cold it may be a bit puzzling as this high society is most definitely on the more debauched end and not what most readers are probably expecting - context is everything. In short enjoyable enough but not one I would particularly recommend unless you have a particular interest in the era.

[Abigail Jordana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I too would be pissed if someone stole my nice brandy.