Status Updates From Mexico: Biography of Power

"Despite the semi-official character of the principle [Mexican] newspapers, the Mexican press never fell into the dogmatic extremes of newspapers in the fascist or Communist countries. What kind of press was it then? How can it be explained? 'It is a free press that does not make us of its freedom.' "

Krauze takes almost a third of the book to to tell the story of Mexico's Revolutionary figures. The chapter on President Francisco Madero, the "Apostle of Democracy" who "only understood leadership as magnanimity," was especially moving. These are some of the most insightful and humane character sketches I have ever encountered.

I like this book a lot because it is well written and gives a good in-depth look at the key figures which shaped Mexican history. Some things needed to be skimmed in order to cover all of the vast history. I did not expect such a person focused book but I am quite enjoying it.

"Considering how many Indian peoples and cultures were exterminated across the rest of America, [the] convergence called 'mestizaje' [the melding of Spanish and Indian blood], with its admirable spiritual foundations... is one of Mexico's most original contributions to the social and moral history of the Western world."

-Enrique Krauze

"In Mexico, the Indians form part of the nation; as it progresses, so do they. In the United States, each time the nation takes a step forward, it drives the Indians into a new form of exile. If progress in Mexico is slow, one ought to bear in mind that this country has not shrugged off its burden in order to speed up the process."

-Emilio Rabasa

Kind of crazy how long this book is. In Spanish it’s three volumes. But in the initial chapters, it’s kind of hard to follow, since he goes person by person. But as the book develops you start to understand the narrative.

It’s really good! Super emotional and compelling. The author clearly adds a little of his own thoughts onto the writing, and changes his style with the “moods” of the nation.