The Indian Lover
(GARTH MURPHY)
Bill
Marshall is lured to California
with stories of a fortune to be taken. He arrives in San Diego in 1845 along
with his friend and native guide, Pablo Verdí. The pair reach the ranch of
Pablo''s family, only to find its been seized by the region''s merciless Mexican
governor.
Plans are
made to reclaim the land. The men head up the coast in search of Pablo''s
family. They make a atop at Rancho San Dieguito, where Bill meets the woman of
his dreams. Lugarda is the daughter of a prominent native rancher, and she is
engaged to the son of another wealthy family. Bill vows to marry Lugarda,
though the odds of doing so are against him.
Pablo and
Bill eventually settle with the Kuupiaxcham, an inland tribe. Bill is unable to
marry Lugarda, so he sets his sights on Falling Star, daughter of the chief.
The two are married and begin their life together in the San Diego Valley.
The
Indian Lover follows
Bill and the others during a turbulent time in California history. The novel begins with
the region still under Mexican rule, but war is on the horizon. The novel is
rich (though occasionally excessive) in detail. Though fictitious, the story
provides a fascinating historical portrait of a significant time on our
country''s history.
Several of
the characters in Murphy''s novel, including Bill Marshall, are based on actual
figures. The complex relationships between natives and settlers are
fascinating.
The author''s
extensive knowledge of regional history is evident on every page of the story.
The book has wide appeal, though California
readers may appreciate it more that others. Murphy''s debut novel is reminiscent
of the Larry McMurtry classic Lonesome Dove. If you''re a fan of Westerns, The
Indian Lover deserves a spot on the your bookshelf.
Resumos Relacionados
- Síndrome De E.m.i.
- The Magic Of Thinking Big
- Balloon Top
- Bill Gates Meets Hugh Grant
- Bill Gates Meets Hugh Grant
|
|
