River of Red Gold

By Naida West

Book Overview

The California Gold Rush as you never imagined (1844-1853) based on a true story. All characters are real, named unchanged. This epic novel brings to life Donner Party survivors, Sutter and his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965348725
• ISBN13: 9780965348720
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Bridge House Books
• Length: 626 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.3" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Another 5 star read

As I've previously written for a review for Eye of the Bear, these books are essential reads for historical novel buffs. Both books are long but fast paced page turners. Read my review of Eye of the Bear that living here among "Grizzly Hair's" people is exceptionally unique when reading these books. A lot of the places in the book still stand today IE: Sutters Fort in Sacramento and Sutters Hock Farm in the Yuba City area.

A Richly Written Book

This book reminded me of Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry except that it was written more from a woman's perspective. The character development was thorough and they came to life in the imagination. The stories were rich in detail and haunted the mind even after the book was put away. It was an experience to read the book and I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to do so. I finished the book last night and immediately ordered The Eye of the Bear, this book's prequel.

A perceptive account of California history

I was so completely engrossed in this story that I had dreams about it each night as I was reading it. I found myself charged to learn more about mid-19th century California history. I looked at maps, researched the history of Indians in my area, found web sites on the Donners. I also felt completely horrified, on a physical level, at Ms. West's depicton of how white settlers raped and pillaged the people and the land. I felt compelled to somehow change history...the mark of a well-written and effective historical novel.I also appreciated the author's choice to present her perspective of events from women's points of view (not to mention an ancient oak tree and the trickster, Coyote.) I have a renewed inspiration to honor the land on which I live, and to honor those who lived here before me.(a warning: be prepared for much sex...I started reading this with my young teen, and then opted out...he can read it in a few years!)

Well written, a must for any student of California history.

As a great, great grandaughter of a 49er (JOHN GARLAND RICKER) I can now more fully appreciate the absolutely deplorable living conditions in the mining camps that Naida so eloquently describes in her wonderful narrative. Now I can understand why he spent less than two years seeking an elusive fortune in the gold camps of the Sierra Nevada foothills. I feel this book is a reading must for my daughters and grandchildren so that they too, can better understand and value their heritageCarleen Leise, Shingle Springs, California

Outstanding fiction based on CA history -- you are there!

Ms West makes California history come to life in her tales of the Donner party and Sutter's gold. The characters paint a vivid picture of early California -- mexicans, indians, norte americanos, and the movement West. If you think you know California history -- let Ms West broaden you area of interest and pose questions for you to ponder. What a story -- difficult to put down once you read the first sentence. The characters may not be real, but you will never forget them!