To the Republic

The synopsis for To the Republic says it is, “A novel for our times. A saga for the ages.” I couldn’t agree more!

This story is about three topics that, unfortunately, too many Texans have heard too much about in recent years: Texas politics, drug cartels, and immigration. There’s also talk of a terrorist attack that plunged Texas into darkness by attacking the state’s power grid. There’s also a lot of talk about a big wall being built between Mexico and the United States.

There is tension throughout this book. It is as thick as the best natural honey that Texas has to offer. And it is relentless. I don’t usually pity politicians, but I sure felt empathy for the Texas Legislature in place during the story.

“Texas could get along without the United States, but the United States cannot, except at great hazard, exist without Texas.” —Sam Houston

The main story has to do with a monumental piece of legislation that is so controversial that the entire State Senate “disappeared” from society so they could put together the bill and get full buy-in from both parties. But there are also a few subplots. One has to do with the drug cartels, and two of the others center on undocumented immigrants. Lastly, there is one part of the story – and I’m not calling it a subplot, but it’s very distinct from the rest of the story – where there is a dialogue between a reporter and a subject. We are not told who either of them are, but by the end of Book One, a reader can take some educated guesses.

I consider this story to be very complex, even for a political novel. There is a lot of backstory regarding some of the key characters, as well as Texas history. One thing I liked (but was totally unprepared for) was the “lesson” on immigration issues. After reading this book, I discern that the immigration issue is much more complex than I ever thought possible.

“I’ve got a right-wing State to placate, and a desk in a left-wing capital to do it from.” —Texas Governor Benjamin Block

I think it’s important to point out that this is not a complete story. There is no climax. In a way I feel a little disappointed, but I certainly can’t fault an author that put so much political information in a novel. However, on the plus side, ending Book One where the author does, it gives the reader an opportunity to make some guesses about what’s going to happen in Book Two.

With no climax, there are also no complete character arcs. After reflecting on the story, I think the author needed an entire book to put all the pieces in place. This is a very heavy read – but I have high hopes that Book Two will make it all worthwhile.