The Underdogs is a historical fiction novel written by the Mexican author Mariano Azuela. It was published in 1915 and is considered the classic novel of the Mexican Revolution. Azuela brilliantly reflects the events of the Mexican Revolution in a simple, yet very realistic novel.
In the novel, Azuela reflects on his own experience of being a doctor in the Revolution and what it is like to fight in war and treat those who are injured. The story talks about a man, Demetrio Macias, who starts training poor peasants and men who would like to fight in the war. They all join in the Mexican Revolution and war against the aristocrats. The surprising event is that one of the aristocrats realizes the oppression and destruction caused by the Federales (the enemies of the revolution) and helps the revolutionists. However, this does not last.
The Underdogs shows what it is like to fight in the war, showing war and revolution in the eyes of the revolutionists themselves, giving it a different perspective than the normal one that is usually written in the news and history books. It proves that most men join the war because of a reason they don't understand; it's simply their instinct.
Azuela's novel rapidly became very popular soon after it was published. It became the symbol of the Mexican Revolution. The Underdogs received many positive reviews. It earned a 3.6 out of 5-star rating on Goodreads. Penguin.com wrote on its website: "Narrated with passion, filled with arresting character sketches, and haunted by the specter of blighted dreams, The Underdogs is an outstanding work of artistic and political realism, both speaking to the greatest hopes of mankind and lending credence to our deepest fears."
The Underdogs is recommended to historical fiction fans and to readers who gravitate to texts about wars, revolutions, and people's lives during those hard times.
"The Underdogs" by Mariano Azuela stands as a seminal work in Mexican literature, offering a unique perspective on the tumultuous period of the Mexican Revolution. Azuela, drawing from his own experiences as a doctor during the conflict, provides readers with a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the brutality and chaos of war.
At its core, "The Underdogs" is a testament to the resilience and courage of the common people who were swept up in the revolutionary fervor of the time. Through the character of Demetrio Macias, Azuela depicts the journey of a man who rises from humble beginnings to become a leader of the revolution, rallying poor peasants and disenfranchised individuals to fight against the oppressive regime of the Federales.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its exploration of the moral complexities inherent in armed conflict. Azuela delves into the motivations and aspirations of the revolutionaries, illustrating how their idealism is often tempered by the harsh realities of war. The unexpected alliance formed between revolutionaries and a sympathetic aristocrat underscores the fluidity of allegiances and the blurred lines between friend and foe in times of revolution.
"The Underdogs" offers readers a visceral and immersive portrayal of war and revolution, presenting the events through the eyes of those who lived and fought through them. Azuela's prose is marked by its simplicity and realism, capturing the gritty details of life on the battlefield and the emotional toll of violence and loss.
Despite its initial publication over a century ago, "The Underdogs" remains as relevant and impactful as ever, offering readers a timeless exploration of the human cost of war and the enduring quest for justice and freedom. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, politics, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
