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California Gold

By John Jakes

(1)

| Paperback | 9780451203977

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Book Description

James Macklin Chase was a poor Pennsylvanian who dreamed of making it rich in California. But at the turn of the century, the money to be made was in oil, citrus, water rights, and the railroads. Mack would have it all, if he had his way. And along the way, the men and women he met, the passion he fContinue

1 Review

At over 900 pages, this is the longest novel I've read in many years, but it won't be the last. The delight of becoming immersed in such a long story is unparalleled and I'd forgotten how much I'd missed the experience. This story spans thirty years of Macklin Chance's life, from adolescence onwards ... (continue)

At over 900 pages, this is the longest novel I've read in many years, but it won't be the last. The delight of becoming immersed in such a long story is unparalleled and I'd forgotten how much I'd missed the experience. This story spans thirty years of Macklin Chance's life, from adolescence onwards, and as Mack lives and ages, so does California. It's difficult to say which is the real star of the story, the protagonist or the 31st US state – both are tormented, their future shaped and carved by brutality, injustice, greed, violence, poverty and an endless, undying hope.
I've never been one for reading history books, but this novel combines history with well crafted characters to entertain and inform. It's an entertaining read. Beyond that, I admire the work that went into creating this, especially the years of research and the blending of actual historical personalities with fictional. Well worth reading, just allow a bit of time.

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Caroline said on Nov 20, 2009 | Add your feedback