Booknote: Pancho Villa Takes Zacatecas

Paco Ignacio Taibo II, Pancho Villa Takes Zacatecas. New York: Restless Books, 2015. ISBN: 9781632060051. (Link to publisher. Publisher also includes a book excerpt and some interviews if you wish to learn more. Book was not in WorldCat at time of post).

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: history, historical fiction, art
Format: e-book
Source: Read via Edelweiss.

This is a graphic novel narrative of the Battle of Zacatecas from the side of Pancho Villa's army, which fought to take Zacatecas during the Mexican Revolution. The event is a true historical even. The narrative here blends history and a little bit of fiction to create a work that reminded me of some good Mexican literature: Pedro Páramo came to mind.

The text in the narrative is minimal. The highlight is the excellent black and white art in a woodcut style done by Eko. It really brings the story to life, and it captures the action and bloodiness of the battle in great detail. I found particularly moving the fate of one of Villa's officers at the end, the man who disobeyed Villa's orders. If you read the book, you will know what I mean. The Battle of Zacatecas was a pivotal moment of the Mexican Revolution, and this book brings it to life. It may be a good book to encourage people to learn more about this historical time period.

5 out of 5 stars.

This book qualifies for the following 2015 Reading Challenges: