The Texicans

By Nina Vida and Ralph J. Roske

Book Overview

From acclaimed author Nina Vida comes a powerful novel set in the 1840s. The Texicans provides an illuminating glimpse at the rugged lives of the downtrodden in pioneer society- immigrants, slaves, Indians, and Mexicans. Joseph Kimmel is heading to San Antonio to settle his deceased brother's estate but becomes stranded on the vast open prairie when his horse is stolen. He is rescued by an egocentric Alsatian immigrant, but falls back into trouble when he marries a young blond girl. Running for their lives, Joseph and his new bride head to the hill country, where they hope to build a cattle ranch. Unfortunately, the ruthless Texas Rangers have other ideas. Vida's intense drama and realistic characters are supported by in-depth historical research and vividly depict the countless hardships of the American pioneers. Listeners will be spellbound by the fiery reading from narrator George Guidall. "Vida's luminous, dramatic seventh novel ... is a] radiant work of historical fiction-vibrantly atmospheric and emotionally dense..."-Publishers Weekly, starred review "...a story as vast and action-packed as Texas itself. Rich with period detail, an elegant, character-driven novel about the clash of cultures that forged the Lone Star spirit."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

• Format: Audio CD
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1664478701
• ISBN13: 9781664478701
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.

Customer Reviews

The Texicans

This is a good historical fiction about a forgotten group that settled Texas in the 1800's

Great Reading!

The Texicans, by Nina Vida, is a novel of historical fiction, which takes place on the frontier of Texas, and spans the years between 1843 and 1855. Although Joseph Kimmel was a quiet, simple man who loved to read, and keep to himself, he was also a tough, rugged individualist. In his twenties he had been a mountain man and fur trapper, but was now a teacher of Greek, Latin, and math at the Independence Missouri Boys School. It was a job that seemed to suit him. Just before the end of the school term, Joseph receives a letter saying his brother, Isaac, a shopkeeper, has died in Texas, and that Joseph should come to the frontier to receive any profits that may be left from his business. Joseph has decided to make the trip alone on horseback and knows the trek will be difficult, at best. Having been an outdoorsman, he's sure he can take care of himself and in fact, he looks forward to the solitary life he will experience as he travels across the plains. If Joseph thought he was going to have a peaceful journey, he was sadly mistaken. Not only is riding alone in Comanche country fraught with the constant danger of being brutally slain, but he, unfortunately, finds a variety of rag-tag strangers who desperately need his help to survive. The author weaves an exciting story of danger, incredible hardship, sacrifice, and unrequited love. This is absolutely one of the best books I have recently read. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a remarkable Texas adventure story.

The wild and dirty West

"The Texans" is not politically correct, is dirty and raw and presents history through the confluence of a Jewish cowboy, a runaway slave, a German emigrant, a Mexican girl, renegade Rangers, and lots of Commanches. There are no real heroes, but a number of villains; yet, the story manages to produce a deeply satisfying emotional impact. These people laid the foundation of Texas. The character of Katrin, the German emigrant, was especially interesting. Thrust into circumstances beyond her control, she adapts why still remaining so rigid in many ways. When asked if what she and her husband had accomplished would matter in the long run, she replied "You have to think on what we do today and whether we do it right. That's all we can do." If you enjoy American historical fiction that isn't "sanitized" for today's world, you will enjoy this read. Also, for a similar read with lots of humor but an interesting look at US in the 1800's try Turpentine: A Novel.

ASTONISHING

I loved this book. It's not Hollywood's Texas - it's the real deal - full of characters that leap off the page & stay with you. It's a wonderful mix of Indians, runaway slaves, a Jewish cowboy, vicious renegade rangers, a young Alsatian immigrant girl and a Mexican bruja (witch) with healing powers, among others. Besides which, the writing and detail are astonishing.

A different take on Texas

This is a view of Texas we're not used to. An exciting story of outcasts and misfits and unexpected Western heros(and heroines). Every persecuted ethnic group is represented and the usual good guys (like Texas Rangers) aren't good. With a cowboy in the White House and the Mexican border an immigration battleground, this book gives the historical background for Texas' current events. But best of all, it's a surprising and fascinating tale.