In this, another novel of the Mexican Revolution, the story which never grows old is told once more. A young man, Julián Osorio, after suffering a sickly childhood and an unhappy youth, nursed resentment against the symbols of authority of his village. Enlisting in the Revolution at the first opportunity, he found in its ranks status and acceptance of sorts. He acquired a rifle, a horse, and a dog.
Happiness turned to sadness, however, as he saw his new-found friends slowly begin to develop the same faults which had characterized the village leaders against whom he had rebelled. Complete disillusionment came as the movement triumphed and Julián noted disorganization, greed, and corruption among the leaders of the Revolution.
For the historian, this work holds nothing of particular interest which has not been said several times before. On the other hand, because of its characteristic style, and for its liberal use of the colorful language of the campesinos, it might well be worth adding to the collection of the serious student of the literature of the Revolution.
