This is an interesting historical fiction about a Chilean woman, Eliza Sommers, who comes to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. She is hunThis is an interesting historical fiction about a Chilean woman, Eliza Sommers, who comes to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. She is hunting for her lover, Joaquin Andiata, who left Chile for the gold fields of California.
The book is well written and researched. Allende states she spent seven years researching this book. So many books have people coming from Europe to the California Gold Rush. It was great to read a story where the key people come from South America. Allende is a great storyteller, and I felt I was with Eliza in Chile, on the ship and in California. I could almost hear, smell and see the scenes she described. The ending left me feeling as if the book was not over. Is this book part of a series or trilogy? I noted the book was published in 1998 in Spanish by Plaza & Janes and translated to English in 1999. It was featured as in Oprah’s Book Club in February 2000. I recommend this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is thirteen hours and nineteen minutes. Blair Brown does a good job narrating the book. Brown is a Tony Award winning actress. Brown also won the Ace Award and was nominated for five Emmy Awards. I wondered if the narration would have been even better if done by a person with a native Chilean/Spanish accent. ...more
Many years ago, I read Sledge’s World War II memoir “With the Old Breed”. This book is considered to be the best WWII memoir written. Engene BondurantMany years ago, I read Sledge’s World War II memoir “With the Old Breed”. This book is considered to be the best WWII memoir written. Engene Bondurant Sledge’s (1923-2001) nickname in the Marines was “Sledgehammer”. The author is a skilled writer and researcher. He primarily used his diary but also reviewed archived material of the United States and China. Sledge remained In the United States Marine Corp after the end of WWII. He was stationed in China. This book tells of his experiences in post WWII China. The United States at that time was supporting General Chiang Kai-Shek (1887-1975) in his battle against communism. I am impressed at the author’s skill in observing details. The details he provides of his visit to the “Forbidden City” were fantastic. He tells of friendship with a Chinese family and he also learned Chinese. He also tells of his exploration and learning about the history of China. After leaving the Marines he returned to school and obtain a Ph.D. in biology. He was a long-time professor at a University in Alabama. I highly recommend this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is five hours and eleven minutes. Dan John Miller does a good job narrating the book. Miller has won the Best Voice Award by Audiofile Magazine. He was nominated twice for the Audie and was awarded the Golden Earphone as well as the Listen Up Award from Publishers Weekly. ...more
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