Mexico by Susan Hale

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Mexico by Susan Hale

(5 User reviews) 621

By Sandra Johnson Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Astronomy

Authors: Hale, Susan, 1833-1910 Published By : Hale, Susan, 1833-1910

Book Language: English

Okay, so picture this: it's 1886. A well-traveled American woman, Susan Hale, decides to write a guidebook about Mexico. But this isn't your standard 'turn left at the cathedral' kind of book. It's a vibrant, sometimes startling, snapshot of a country through the eyes of a curious outsider. Hale rides trains through stunning landscapes, describes bustling markets in Mexico City, and shares her honest, unfiltered impressions of everything from ancient pyramids to local customs. The real 'conflict' here isn't a plot twist—it's the fascinating tension between her 19th-century American perspective and the rich, complex reality of Mexico she's trying to capture. It's a time capsule. You get history, travel, and one woman's very personal adventure, all wrapped up in one. If you've ever wondered what a smart, observant traveler really thought about a place 140 years ago, this is your backstage pass.

File: Mexico by Susan Hale

Let's be clear from the start: this is not a novel. Susan Hale's Mexico is a travelogue, a guidebook, and a personal diary all rolled into one. Published in the late 1800s, it was written to introduce American readers to their southern neighbor.

The Story

The book doesn't have a plot in the traditional sense. Instead, it follows Hale's journey. She acts as our guide, taking us from the border down into the heart of the country. We travel with her by train (a novelty at the time!), visit the grand architecture of Mexico City, and explore the quiet beauty of towns like Puebla and Orizaba. She describes the people she meets, the food she tries (sometimes with skepticism!), and the stunning natural scenery. She also digs into history, recounting stories of the Aztecs and Spanish conquest. The 'story' is the unfolding of the country itself through her experiences and research.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book for its sheer honesty and vivid detail. Hale doesn't romanticize everything. Her views are very much of her time, which is actually what makes it so compelling. Reading it is like looking through a window into two pasts: Mexico's in the 1880s, and the mind of a Victorian-era traveler. You feel her sense of wonder at the volcanoes and her confusion about certain local traditions. It's this unfiltered perspective that gives the book its energy. You're not just learning facts about Mexico; you're seeing how one intelligent, opinionated woman processed it all.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for history buffs, armchair travelers, and anyone who enjoys primary sources. If you're planning a trip to Mexico and want a deep historical backdrop, this is a goldmine. If you just love the idea of time travel through pages, Hale is a fascinating companion. A word of caution: it's a product of its era, so some of her cultural observations will feel dated or even uncomfortable to a modern reader. But that's part of its value. Approach it not as a modern guide, but as a conversation with the past. It's a unique and captivating record of a place and a moment in time.