Book Description
When cholera strikes San Antonio in 1843, Aurelia Ruiz discovers that she might have the power to heal-and also to curse. Meanwhile, Joseph Kimmel, a schoolteacher in Missouri and the son of a Polish Jew, learns of his brother's death in San Antonio and sets off for Texas. On his way, a runaway slave steals his horse. After being rescued by Henry Castro, a man who is importing immigrants to populate his planned city, Castroville, Joseph agrees to marry a young Alsatian girl to save her from a Comanche chief who has demanded her. Then Joseph encounters Aurelia and becomes enamored with her.
Comanches, Tonkaways, Mexican vaqueros, immigrant farmers, and runaway slaves all play a part in Joseph's rebirth as a rancher, but when a renegade band of Texas Rangers descends upon the ranch, everything changes.
My thoughts
Nina Vida’s “The Texicans” takes place around the time when Texas become the 28th state. I enjoy historical novels and Ms. Vida has created a blended cast of characters from different walks of life, all trying to make a way for themselves in the Lone Star state. The characters are well crafted and their stories captivating. You can the sense the anxiety of what is was like to live in such a vast frontier. I found this an interesting book.
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