Texas Sunrise: Two Novels of the Texas Republic

by Elmer Kelton

In Texas Sunrise , Elmer Kelton brings together two novels that tell the story of the Texas Revolution as seen by the brothers Thomas and Joshua Buckalew who emigrate to Texas at a time when the Mexican-controlled province welcomes settlers. In Massacre at Goliad , tensions mount between Mexican authorities and American newcomers, and revolution is in the air, something Thomas Buckalew welcomes but Joshua fears – he is in love with a Mexican girl. The story touches on the immortal battle of the Alamo, but centers on the infamous Goliad massacre, and ultimately the decisive battle of San Jacinto, which made Texas an independent republic. After the Bugles continues where Massacre at Goliad ends – on the battlefield at San Jacinto. Joshua Buckalew tries to put the pieces back together but finds that starting over in the aftermath of war can be as challenging as the war itself. The racial differences that helped foment the conflict have not gone away. And Texas finds that being an independent republic can be more difficult than being a colonial extension of Mexico.

Genres: Westerns

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Elmer Kelton (1926-2009) was award-winning author of more than forty novels, including The Time It Never Rained, Other Men’s Horses, Texas Standoff and Hard Trail to Follow. He grew up on a ranch near Crane, Texas, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas. His first novel, Hot Iron, was published in 1956. Among his awards have been seven Spurs from Western Writers of America and four Western Heritage awards from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. His novel The Good Old Boys was made into a television film starring Tommy Lee Jones. In addition to his novels, Kelton worked as an agricultural journalist for 42 years. He served in the infantry in World War II. He died in 2009.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/elmerk...

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book (actually two books in one) for the Popsugar category of "a book tied to your ancestry". One of my many-times-great-grandfathers was John Leonard Randal, one of the Senators in the Republic of Texas. Like him, the characters in these two novels came to Texas from Tennessee in the 1830's to seek land. The first of these two novels is about their migration to Texas and subsequent participation in the battles of Goliad and San Jacinto (with a brief summary of the Battle of the Alamo). The second is about the time after the end of the Texas Revolution when the survivors went back to their land and rebuilt. Both were good stories that sweep you right along. For some reason the first one is written in the first person by one of two brothers from Tennessee. The second one is also about him, but is written in the third person. I'm not sure why Kelton chose to do it that way, but both are effective. And both of them discuss the war and the battles without being sentimental or glorifying them. Both are unsparing about the racial prejudice against Mexicans, even those who fought side by side against Santa Anna. And both bring the history of Texas to life.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Texas Sunrise – A novel of the Texas Republic – Printed 1965 - **** - A long narrative advertised as two separate novels – one about the Massacre at Goliad and the second about the follow up to the battle of San Jacinto. To me, the book read as one novel. Joshua Buckalew is the protagonist in both, and the plot follow Buckalew through a turbulent time in the settlement of Texas and the separation from Mexico. Kelton is a master of including the detail that makes the period and setting come alive. Kelton’s character development brings you close to the characters. Much of the emotion of the book is about race discrimination toward Mexicans which I am sure was integral in the history of the state. The book was a little long and too much emotionally involved for my taste, but Kelton still earns a four star rating. Great historical novel for those interested in early Texas history.

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

How could I not know about Goliad?

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This double book by Elmer Kelton parallels that of THE REBELS which told of the first and second battles of the Alamo. Goliad is mentioned in THE REBELS, but in the first book of TEXAS SUNRISE.....MASSACRE AT GOLIAD, it is given in great detail. Then the second book AFTER THE BUGLES, (starting after the battle of San Jacinto, which won Texas independence) tells of picking up the pieces, to put Texas back together again.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw this in my NJ library and of course had to read it. I was surprised how much I liked it given how much I disliked Texas History in school, but this was a wonderful novel based during the days of the Texas revolution from Mexico.

[Tere]

I met Mr. Kelton on 11/11/08 while at a book signing. I bought this for my Dad's Christmas gift and had it personalized for him.
Now, I need to read it.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ha! I knew he'd like Elmer Kelton and he did. Dad seemed surprised by how much he liked it.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So enjoyed this story of Texas. Elmer Kelton brings it up close and personal. If you love Texas history you will enjoy this book.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love Texas history and all Elmer Kelton books

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical novel on the Texas war of independence.

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave a lot of insight into the Texas/Mexican conflict and the history of Texas becoming a State. I love reading Elmer Kelton and also any good historical novel.

[Dan Panke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoyable to read an Elmer Kelton novel. Texas Sunrise deals with racism of the Mexican and the settling of Texas.