Massacre at Goliad

This is a historical novel at its best. It offers numerous educational benefits to anyone interested in Texan history of the 1820’s and 1830’s (pre-independence era). To most elementary or high school kids, history is a boring subject. However, thanks to this novel, history is exciting and enjoyable.

The novel is centered around two Texan families (the Tennessean born brothers - Josh and Thomas Buckalew - who were sent to Texas by their father in search of a virgin land) and the Hernandez family (Mexicans). Although the mentally challenged Muley is not biologically related to The Buckalews, he is taken care by Josh Buckalew and brought to Texas from his native Tennesse. This act of human compassion on part of Josh emphasizes his show more positive role from the very beginning of the novel.

“Massacre At Goliad” bears all elements of a convincing realism with typical characters in typical situations, all representative of the given era. As was the Texan society divided between the “hawks” and the “doves” , including different political groups (pro-independence vs. anti-independence forces) so were The Buckalews and the Hernandez family members. Each family has its extremists – warmongers as well as the peace-loving individuals.

Josh Buckalew (the main character in the novel) is a compassionate and peace-loving person. He not only does respect his Mexican neighbours (the Hernandez family), he is also in love with their beautiful Teresa. As for politics, he doesn’t care so much whether Taxas is governed by United States or Mexico, as long as peace and stability is maintained. Josh’s brother, Thomas, is an opposite character, however. Thomas’ hatred towards Mexicans is overwhelming. He is portrayed as an intolerable racist ready to fight Mexicans whenever possible.

Thomas’ counterpart is Antonio. As much Thomas hates the Maxicans so does Antonio his American “enemies”. They are the first ones to take up arms and join the opposite armies when the War for Texan independence broke out. It’s not surprising, therefore, that Thomas and Antonio are the most vocal opponents of the marriage between Josh and Teresa. Only at the end of the novel, before he died, we see Thomas in a different mood. His positive experience with a Mexican family, who put their lives at risk to hide him from the Mexican soldiers, during a military campaign, had changed his heart.

Ramon, on the other hand, has much more in common with Josh than with his brother Antonio. Ramon hates war and respects his American neighbours. However, he still hangs on to the family tradition and gives his blessing to Teresa’s arranged marriage to a Mexican man, despite her love for Josh.

The Indians are given a scant attention in the novel. They are mentioned a few times (as a sideline), mostly as marauding parties occasionally attacking new settlers at the fringes of the colony. show less

The man from Texas can write em