This book is the personal diary of Tadéas Xavier Henis, a Jesuit priest living and working in the remote Jesuit missions of South America in the mid-1700s. His world is shattered when a new treaty between Spain and Portugal hands over the mission lands to Portugal. The Portuguese want to dismantle the communities and enslave the people. The Guarani, who have built a life there for generations, refuse to leave without a fight.

The Story

Henis documents the slow burn toward war. We see the arrival of demanding officials, the growing fear and anger in the villages, and the difficult choices faced by the Jesuit fathers. When negotiations fail, the Guarani, led by figures like Sepé Tiaraju, organize a resistance. Henis writes about the battles, the strategies, and the heartbreaking losses. The diary follows the rebellion from its hopeful beginnings to its tragic and brutal end, all through the eyes of a man who loved these communities and was powerless to save them.

Why You Should Read It

You get history without the filter. Henis isn't a neutral historian; he's a scared, frustrated, and grieving participant. His writing makes the conflict immediate. You feel the injustice of the treaty and you understand why fighting was the only option left for the Guarani. The bravery of the indigenous fighters is clear, but so is the impossible position of the Jesuits, torn between their loyalty to the Church and their duty to protect their people.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone interested in colonial history, indigenous resistance, or simply powerful human stories. It's perfect for readers who loved books like 1491 or King Leopold's Ghost, but want a source that's raw and direct. Be prepared—it's not an easy, happy tale, but it's an important one that sticks with you.