PhyllisElliott
FIVE STARS: Arollicking adventure
Reviewed in the United States on May 22,2022 Verified Purchase
Terry Hagerty has done an amazing job of turning a little-known historical footnote into an adventurous romp through early California. His research enables him to create characters and language that evoke the time, and by launching his story in the Saint Patrick's Battalion he has introduced a side of the Mexican-American war that few of us ever heard of. We gladly follow two survivors as they make their way to the California coast and defend an oppressed Chinese community against corrupt officials.
David W. Batterton
FIVE STARS: An entertaining Read
Reviewed in the United States on May 20,2022 Verified Purchase
"Last of the San Patricios is a walk through wild times. If you are inclined to give a hoot about how the Irish participated in the Mexican-American War, California history, and the exploitative role racism and anti-immigration played in the development of these United States, well, you’re in for a pleasant treat. Patricios is a historical novel that cleverly stitches together real-life events and personages of the nineteenth century to tell a story of friendship, daring, risk, and acceptance. While the story deals with the brutality of war and racism, the author does an exceptional job of not resorting to gratuitous imagery and description. With the exception of a few of harmless oaths, its language is as clean as a whistle. That said, it would be a good read for young adults, as well. What’s fun is that we live in a time when we can stop and google dates, times, places, and people. Patricios is an enjoyable and educational story."
Ronnie L. Seals
FOUR STARS: A Great Read
Reviewed in the United States on May 23,2020 Verified Purchase
"The book is fast-paced. The action scenes are well done, but not overdone. Sean and Michael are likeable though flawed heros, making them seem real in a way that is rare in a western novel. As a history buff, I enjoyed learning about a facet of history I either never knew of or had forgotten. A very satisfying read. I highly recommend it."
Amazon Customer
FIVE STARS: Wonderful story and hard to put down
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020 Verified Purchase
"An interesting and revealing read about a little known period in the history of the United States, and Alta California. It covers an approximately 35 year period that commences with the Mexican/American War of 1846 and culminates in post gold rush 1879 Monterey as seen through the eyes of two Irish immigrants. Fast paced, well-researched, and historically accurate, the two protagonists face an uphill battle against discrimination and prejudice as they stake their claim in the Monterey peninsula. A good read, and a great ending."
Elizabeth A. Rothrock
FOUR STARS: a fun adventure in the tradition of John Jakes
Reviewed in the United States on August 27,2020 Verified Purchase
"Last of the San Patricios is a fun adventure novel in the tradition of John Jakes. It dramatizes two little known phases of American history: the early days of California and the Mexican War that brought states like California, Texas, and the Southwest into the union. Author Terry Hagerty does a fine job moving back and forth between two simultaneous storylines. Both tales are built around Sean and Michael, a pair of young lads from Ireland who find 1840s America less than welcoming to immigrants from the Emerald Isle. Frustrated, they join the U.S. Army on the eve of war only to find that choice even worse. After months of unearned abuse and torture from their senior officers, they and their fellow Irish soldiers desert to the Mexican side, where they become part of the real-life "San Patricios"--a unit of Irish-American soldiers who fought on the Mexican side. At war's end, they leave the military and travel to California where they participate in the Golden State's transition from Mexican province to American state. They experience the rollicking days of the Gold Rush before settling down in the pre-Steinbeck towns of Monterey and Salinas.
"Hagerty clearly knows his history. The characters are funny and witty. There are cameos of historical figures from Zachery Taylor to Robert Louis Stevenson and enough twists and turns to keep readers wondering what will happen next. Not to mention seeing vivid examples of how California (and, by extension, America), was built by immigrants (whether Anglo, Irish, Latino, Chinese, etc.). Americans have always been debating who is and who is not a "real" American while understanding that yesterday's penniless immigrant will become tomorrow's economic and political leader. It is a timely tale that balances message and storytelling to produce a well-done and entertaining read! Please check it out."
Andy
FIVE STARS: Enjoyable view of History
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2020 Verified Purchase
"Living and working in Washington DC I enjoy the history of our country. Terry Hagerty has a way of telling the story of the San Patricios that is humorous, entertaining and anjoyable."
Scott
FIVE STARS: A historical story with a human twist.
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2021 Verified Purchase
"A great read based on historical California. Characters are lifelike and tell the story of the Mexican American War and California in the "Mission" era. Well written and an excellent read. I highly recommend the book." |
