I'll admit, I haven't read a lot of westerns. And by "not a lot of westerns," I mean before this I have read one western. But the description of a historical, magical realist litfic seemed close enough to my interests to make this worth picking up. 

I am so glad I did. Elizabeth Gonzalez James is incredibly talented. And I wept, unexpectedly.
The western: An evil family is cursed, but a baby is spared. Baby grows into a fearless bandito, killing Texas Rangers and avoiding death a surprising amount of times.

The rest: A family is tormented by their own history, with our present-day protagonist Jaime learning all of the evils his ancestors committed that his father had tried to shield him from. In seeking the truth, we learn much more about our bandito protagonist Antonio Sonoro, grandfather to Jaime, and his quest to avenge his brother after a robbery went wrong. But more than that, we see a handful of characters carefully weigh good versus evil while also working through the demands of loyalty to both friends and family. 

The historical piece is certainly more interesting than the "present day" 1964 component, but the latter still serves its purpose as we see the continued legacy of family trauma. Plus we need little breaks from all that killing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-arc.

Historical western with magical realism? Sign me up.

The Sonoro family is cursed. Antonio seeks to change his luck by (less than legally) acquiring a fortune, but he should be more mindful of his ancient hex as he goes about this. When plans go south, Antonio sets out on a quest for revenge that will forever determine the fate of his entire family line. Generations later, Jaime is a successful showman, but when he starts digging into the past, he'll unearth more than he bargained for.

This one did not disappoint, y'all! We have a dual POV setup — Jaime in the 1960s and his ancestor Antonio in the 1890s. There is drama, comedy, adventure, and even a few tears for me. _The Bullet Swallower_ has everything I look for in a book, and you will not be disappointed if you vibe with historical fiction. Loved it!

Thank you to Elizabeth Gonzalez James, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for my advance digital and physical copies.

THE BULLET SWALLOWER by Elizabeth Gonzalez James is a wild adventure through Mexico and Texas. Magical Realism, family drama, and enough hold your breath moments to make you pass out. Highly recommend!

There is grit in the writing here. Never boring. I was concerned with the dual narrative, but I quickly loved Jamie's part in the story. The character of Remidio was also great. The magical qualities of the story translated to the prose. Smooth, and pulled me along like a friendly river

I can't wait to read more from this author.

I love contemporary Western-style novels. The gunslinger-with-a-twist trope keeps the classic genre alive and relevant to a new generation. The Antonio Sonoro storyline in The Bullet Swallower is pretty traditional (you get a lot more internal exposition from the character than, say, Josey Wales, but the plot is similar!). It is interspersed with the story of his grandson Jaime Sonoro, Mexico's most beloved actor/singer of the 1960s, and this is what really contemporizes the story. Jaime is approached by a mysterious woman who gives him a tome outlining the history of his family.. Jaime dives in and some pretty undesirable secrets are revealed. What follows is a struggle to resolve his known identity with this new ancestral knowledge. Throw in some magical realism, and you get an enjoyable fresh Western!

I really liked the characterizations of Jaime and Antonio. They felt like real people, and to a certain extent, I could really relate with their actions. Antonio grows as a person throughout his journey - it's always gratifying as a reader to witness this. Wondering who you are and from whom you came is a pretty universal question - Gonzalez James does a great job expressing Jaime's angst and eventual relief. It was a surprise to learn that this story takes root in the author's own family history - that too added to my enjoyment of the novel. I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Gonzalez James.

***Thanks to Simon/Shuster and Net Galley for the ARC!***

I would like to preface this review by staying thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC of The Bullet Swallower in exchange for an honest review.

In 1895, Antonio Sonoro sets his sights on Texas to steal gold and return it back to his family in Dorado, Mexico. This task ends up bearing more consequences than Antonio could have imagined. In 1964, Jaime Sonoro is Mexico's most famous actor and singer. Jaime's life takes an unexpected turn when he is given a book on his family's history.

Gonzalez-James has quite the talent, she transports you back and fourth in time between 1895 to 1964. Sometimes, duel POVs can get confusing but this wasn't the case. I deeply appreciated the time spent on Antonio's story in order for us to understand the timeline of Jaime's story. I liked that they followed each other along with the story Jaime was reading. This book has a touch of magical realism but it is so subtle and ties the two storylines together. It beautifully shows how families can break generational curses and trauma.

There were times where I was reading this and felt like I was standing there in the middle of Texas watching the plot unfold. The atmosphere of this book is dark and heavy but also somehow light and funny at times. As much as you want to hate Antonio at times, you can't help but root for him at the same time. This book will leave you absolutely crushed by the end but there is a glimmer of hope to it. The Bullet Swallower is captivating, action packed, and classic. It will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.

After finishing the epilogue, I was blown away. Only to continue on to read the Author's note which made my jaw hit the floor. I would share with you all, but I think you should check out this book when its released early next year to find out what I'm talking about!

I'm not much of a historical reader but the title of this book really captivated me and its stunning cover made me want to request it. Even if you're not into historical books, I would still recommend checking this one out. Gonzalez-James really put her heart into this one through extensive research to make this book accurate and magical. I am truly thankful for Simon and Schuster for sending me a physical ARC of this incredible book. The Bullet Swallower is out on 1/2/2024!

I love westerns and this one gripped me from the start. It’s the tale of Antonio Sonorous who was supposed to die at birth. But Death decides to let him live. And wow, what a life he lives as he becomes The Bullet Swallower and seeks revenge for his brother. Alternatively we have the timeline of his grandson who knew nothing of his family but receives a mysterious book and starts to learn of his cursed history.

I am immensely thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to delve into "The Bullet Swallower" by Elizabeth Gonzalez James, an advanced copy that proved to be a captivating read.

Elizabeth Gonzalez James has woven a narrative that is both enchanting and grounded, blending magical realism with historical fiction in a way that is seamless and spellbinding. The touch of magical realism adds a layer of depth and wonder, making the story stand out in its genre.

The writing style reminded me of the skillful storytelling of Larry McMurtry. James's descriptions are vivid and evocative, effortlessly transporting the reader to different times and places. The attention to detail is remarkable, making the scenes leap off the page and come alive in the reader's imagination.

The potential of "The Bullet Swallower" to be adapted into a movie is undeniable. The vivid storytelling and the unique blend of genres make it ripe for a cinematic interpretation. I can easily envision it captivating audiences on the big screen, much as it does in its written form.

In conclusion, "The Bullet Swallower" is a highly recommendable novel. It’s a book that not only provides an enjoyable read but also immerses you in a skillfully crafted world where magic and history intertwine in the most extraordinary way. For anyone seeking a novel that is both imaginative and rooted in historical richness, this book is a must-read. Elizabeth Gonzalez James has truly crafted a masterpiece that resonates with its readers and leaves a lasting impression.

This book was a WILD ride! This wasn't something I'd typically pick up but I'm so glad I did.

Set in Dual timelines and multi-pov you get the full scope of everything coming together. This is 100% a western with magical realism.

In 1964 a young man is given a book based on his lineage going all the way back to Cane and Abel. Once he starts reading he starts to feel like he's being watched when another man finally shows up and is ready to collect a cosmic debt. The magical realism is what really kept me intrigued with the storyline and the characters.

This is fast paced, easy to read, and unique. Absolutely recommend!

Thank you @SimonBooks for the physical arc and eArc. All thoughts are my own.

I received this from Netgalley.com.

Wow, great read. The dual timelines works well for telling this story, I was equally engaged with both.

4☆

What a wild ride this was!

This fascinating contemporary Western entwined with magical realism is loosely based on the life of the author's great-grandfather.

Through this family saga, readers are drawn into a world where the past collides with the present, forcing the characters to confront their demons and reconcile with their heritage.

It is a heart-wrenching journey for sure, that sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of family. It explores multiple issues, including prejudice, border politics, morality, trauma, and colonialism. It also delves into the difficult dynamics within families, examining themes of good and bad, abandonment, loss, suffering, and grief.

I was trying to figure out where the magical realism factor of the novel comes in, but then we meet the character known as Remedio. He truly blurs the boundaries between the supernatural and reality.

I am not a big fan of Western-themed stories, but this book managed to captivate my attention with its compelling tale and well-crafted characters. Despite my initial reservations about the genre, I found myself drawn into the story due to its uniqueness and also the familiarity it evoked, reminiscent of Western movies that I have enjoyed in the past.

Heart in your throat redemption story of greed, corruption, survival gone wrong, and familial love.
The author adds in a dose of mysticism and honor among thieves to add dimension to a tale based on a true story. James tale reflects the dilemma of facing the dark past sleeping in many family histories.

Such a fun magical realism tale that pulls you into another world! I loved the development of characters and personalities! This read felt fresh and different to me. Highly recommend!

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this tale of the old West, redemption, families and their guilt, and lots of violence.

The Old West exists for many as a kind of dreamscape. One gets out of the West what they put in. Long shots of men riding horses in Monument Valley seeking righteous revenge for despoiled families. Brave lawmen pursuing badmen through mud and lonesome plains. Riotous men lead by charismatic leaders, slaughtering for causes that were corrupt, or became corrupted. Revenge is a common theme, characters driven past the point of redemption, returning from Hell riding Nightmares, carrying vengeance. Or with dark angels looking over their shoulders, leading them on, or regretting actions that allowed this situation to encompass so much violence. This tale is a bit of all this, bad guys who redeem themselves, good guys who aren't, myths, legends, and even the magic of cinema telling a tale of the West, predestination, and trying to make amends. The Bullet Swallower, by Elizabeth Gonzalez James, is a mix of many genres, but in the end is a story about a man, whose acts to help his family, might doom future generations, as it has doomed everyone around him.

Antonio Sonoro is from a family infamous for their cruelty, and once known for their wealth. Now his wife, children and his adopted brother all live in a hovel, among drought conditions, with few hopes for the future. Sonoro hears of a train, laden with gold that will be passing through Houston, Texas. Sonoro wants these treasures but can find no one except his brother to go with him. With four burros, Sonoro and Hugo set north, but find only trouble, and for Sonoro, a new nickname that he will be hunted by, El Tragabalas, the Bullet Swallower. Sonoro is pursued by Texas Rangers, whose path of destruction is blamed on Sonoro, who fights back when he can. Sonoro though has a feeling that something else is chasing him besides the Rangers, something he can never shake. Years later in 1964 Jamie Sonoro is given a copy of the history of the Sonoro family, a litany of crimes and terrors starting in Biblical times. The more he reads the more things begin to go bad for the family, including a visit from a dark figure that knows quite a lot about the Sonoro name.

An amazing work of fiction that starts on the first page and does not let up until the end. And end witch must have some onions on the ereader, for something was making me tear up. This story has really everything. Magic, the old west, shootouts, cat houses, deserts, family relations, strange characters, evil characters, innocent victims and good people, trying to live their lives. Gonzalez James is a remarkable writer, able to switch times and characters without losing readers and creating a story that is thrilling, as well as very thoughtful and meditative. All the Sonoros characters are fascinating, and one wants to know more these characters even after the book is done. Even the bit characters are well developed, and seem to have lives, maybe not long, after these character pass through. This is a violent book, with little bits of happiness, but a really very good book, one that I am still thinking about.

Recommended for people who love their fiction with a few twists, and a lot of different ideas. And for those who enjoy really well-written novels, with characters that defy expectations, and in some cases morality. This is the first time I have read anything by Elizabeth Gonzalez James, but I can not wait to read everything Gonzalez James has done.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!!!

The Bullet Swallower was an epic of a tale and, though it was out of my usual reading scope, I had a wonderful time with it. The Western atmosphere and the multiple timelines drew me in and had me hooked early on.

As I said, it’s not really my taste. Not sure I’d read something like this again. But I’m very glad I ended up reading this book!!

Note to Publisher: this review will be published in the coming months in the Southern Literary Review (where I am an associate editor) and I will send the link when it is published)

The Bullet Swallower (Simon & Schuster (2024) by Elizabeth Gonzalez James is a wild yarn of a story with elements of a classic western adventure invigorated with mystical realism and more than a gloss of karmic turbulence. In short, it’s fascinating. Literary historical fiction at its finest, it’s an ambitious novel with so much more than its vivid, riveting plot to recommend it. This one will make you think—and feel. There are passages so gorgeous in their phrasing that they deserve to be read aloud and savored.

The Amazon blurb says: “Cormac McCarthy meets Gabriel García Márquez” and yet to this reviewer it was more like Lonesome Dove meets Louise Erdrich. The plot takes a hero’s journey archetype (or rather an anti-hero’s journey) and spins it on its head—and across several generations when a ruthless Mexican, son of an even more ruthless man, sets out on a seemingly impossible journey to rob a train of gold. He is desperate. Things do not go as he’d planned to say the least. Loss, conflict, action make this a riveting read, yet there is so much more than mere adventure in the book.

Seventy years later, this Mexican bandit’s descendant—a famous Mexican entertainer—finds that he may be the one to pay the karmic cost for the crimes of his ancestors. Set in Mexico and Texas, the tale is imaginative, and the writing is excellent. Exciting, different, this is a book to read and ponder. It’s worth repeating that this novel is utterly fascinating. Within its themes of revenge, retribution, and violence, The Bullet Swallower also asks important questions about racism and colonialism. All in all, this is an epic, magical story based in part upon one of the author’s own ancestors.

Elizabeth Gonzalez James is the author of a prior novel, and several stories and essays published in well-respected journals. Originally from South Texas, she now lives in Massachusetts with her family.

This book is loosely based on the authors own great grandfather, it tackles border politics , intergenerational, trauma, and the legacies of racism and family redemption. This is a western which is way out of my usual genre but I really enjoyed it. It has train robberies, revenge, family drama, and interesting characters.

This is a book about Hispanics and the Southwest but the plot is not very interesting. There are lots of better books to read.

The title alone had me hoping for an ARC from the publisher..

Bring in that it's about the Texas/Mexican history of politics, power, and people and splash in some mysticism, I'm so there.

Told on two timelines (1895 Antonio Sonoro and 1964 Jaime Sonoro) , this intergenerational family saga paints a vivid story of how choices made by our ancestors affect generations to come. This is especially true when main character Jaime Sorono discovers he may have to pay with his own soul for a deal his great-grandfather made decades ago.

The story is brutally honest (as it should be) about the horrors of border politics, racism, and history.

It's a mix of McCarthy and Marquez with a dash of Cervantes.

Rich and layered with triumph, tragedies, and tradition, The Bullet Swallower is a book that stays with you, long after you finish the final page.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A really interesting story about a young man in Mexico who has turned to a life of crime. Looking for a big score, he leaves his family behind and heads to Texas with his brother coming along. When his brother is killed, he then is set on seeking revenge against the two Texas Rangers who were responsible.
There is also a parallel story focusing on Antonio’s grandson, Jaime, who is a Mexican actor in the 1960’s. Jaime’s father, Juan Antonio, does not share any information about his own father with his son. As time goes on, Jaime discovers information about his grandfather and the possible existence of a curse on his family.
I found the story very interesting , enjoyable and a bit creepy. I would definitely recommend this book. Happy reading!

A charming contemporary magical realistic Western that will keep you up reading until the end. Antonio is a ne'er-do-well outlaw descended from a long line of Spanish oppressors in Mexico. Poor and at the end of his rope, he routinely abandons his wife and children to pull off minor scores - until the Texas Rangers catch up with him and put a bullet in his head. Antonio lives to settle the score. Interspersed with Antonio's story is the tale of his grandson, a Mexican comedy icon who discovers his family's dark past and wants to put the Bullet Swallower's tale on screen. But who is the shadowy figure who came after Antonio and now comes after him? James' tale is a perfect update of such magical realism classics as Allende's House of Spirits and Marquez's A Hundred Years of Solitude. But it's also a super fun read that will have you laughing at its antics and pondering sin and redemption on the side.