Susan Hale’s Mexico is a travelogue from the late 19th century, but it reads like a series of vivid, personal letters. Hale, an American artist and writer, takes us along on her journey through a nation in flux.

The Story

The book doesn’t follow a traditional plot. Instead, it’s a collection of observations and experiences. We travel with Hale from the modern avenues of Mexico City to the quiet courtyards of colonial towns and the awe-inspiring scale of ancient pyramids like Teotihuacan. She describes street festivals, local markets, the landscapes, and the people she meets with an artist’s eye for detail. The 'story' is her attempt to piece together a coherent picture of Mexico’s complex identity, wrestling with its indigenous past, Spanish colonial history, and its push toward the future.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this special is Hale’s voice. She’s witty, sometimes skeptical, but always genuinely curious. You get a real sense of her personality—she’s not a detached scholar. Her descriptions are so colorful that you can almost smell the street food and feel the sun on the cobblestones. It’s history and culture told through direct experience, which makes it incredibly engaging. You’re seeing Mexico through the lens of a specific time and a specific, sharp-minded traveler.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves armchair travel, history, or classic travel writing. If you enjoy books that transport you to another time and place with rich description, you’ll love this. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about Mexico’s past or for fans of adventurous women writers who were exploring the world long before it was common. Just be prepared for a perspective from its time—it’s a product of the 1890s, which is part of what makes it such a compelling historical document.