Wow, nice review!

I read this a few years ago and had mixed feelings. On one hand I was quite frustrated with the writing and his attempt at a more literal translation of Spanish (like using the word "thou" in dialogue) - it was quite a tough read from this perspective.

But there's a lot I took away too. I still remember the execution scenes, and Maria's description of captivity - both horrifying, especially since these were neighbours that turned on each other for ideological reasons.

Jordan's inner dialogue as he prepares for his near suicidal mission had me gripped. I totally agree with your assessment of death for deadly ideas. There were no winners in this war, and it massively divided the people as ideologies and elites struggled for power.