Review: Neither saviours nor monsters
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 18, 2012
The conquistadors fancied themselves saviours, bringing Christianity to a pagan world. When their results proved too unsavoury to accept in this light, they became reviled as monsters, destroying a vulnerable ancient civilization. They were neither. And they were both.Colin Falconer has presented a balanced, realistic narrative, showing all involved in a more sensitive and much more probable light. There was incredible brutality on both sides, but the fascinating story is relieved by sensitivity, bravery, fierce loyalty, self-doubt and deep affection.Cortes himself is much more complex than he is elsewhere portrayed, and the complex Malinali embodies the enigma that had to result when two passionate belief systems collided.This well-researched book should be read by anyone who wishes to have a rounded view of a painfully dramatic period in world history.But maybe you're just looking for a good story. Well, it's that too, so enjoy!