From Thomas Steinbeck, son of novelist John Steinbeck, comes a thrilling story of a group of Chinese immigrants in turn of the century California.
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reviews
Aug 09, 2010
Alan
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I have to admit that when I picked up a copy of this book that I was quite skeptical about what it would be like. After all, anyone who is the offspring of a world-renowned author has huge shoes to fill and high expectations to meet if they are to ever be viewed as anything other than someone setting out to ride their parent's coattails.
So, I started nibbling at the beginning of the book. Then I started to chew, and I found that the story was so interesting and engaging to me that I More...
So, I started nibbling at the beginning of the book. Then I started to chew, and I found that the story was so interesting and engaging to me that I More...
Apr 14, 2010
Cinnamon
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IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS by Thomas Steinbeck was certainly an interesting read. First following an ancient discovery and then finding out how that impacts the lives of the researchers who come in contact with it, readers are taken through a whirlwind of events that leave the mind excited and energized.
If there is one thing I can say about Mr. Steinbeck’s writing, it’s that he really does seem to have a way of instilling life into this book. It’s easy to get bogged down in a com More...
If there is one thing I can say about Mr. Steinbeck’s writing, it’s that he really does seem to have a way of instilling life into this book. It’s easy to get bogged down in a com More...
Apr 07, 2010
drey
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In the Shadow of the Cypress is a two-part story. The first details the discovery of ancient artifacts that seem to show that the Chinese had actually arrived on California soil way before the Spanish did, with the fleet that the Ming emperor Zhu Di sent out to explore the world. The grand admiral heading this expedition is none other than Zheng He, whom I like to imagine is an ancestor in my family tree... Yes, I have a very active and fertile imagination! Now, to find someone who can look up a
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Apr 07, 2010
Gaby
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In the Shadow of the Cypress is an unusual and engrossing read. The book is told from three points of view: that of Dr. Charles Gilbert, a professor at Stanford University in 1906, that of his contemporary, Dr. Lao-Hong, a Harvard-educated Chinese who takes an active role assisting the Chinese community, and that of Charles Lucas, a graduate student at Stanford in the present. At the center of the book is a mystery of unique Chinese artifacts that were first discovered in Northern California in
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Apr 05, 2010
Cheryl
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This book starts out with Dr. Charles Lucas; Department of Marine Studies at the Stanford University reading a diary entry dated 1906 written by Dr. Charles H. Gilbert. Dr. Gilbert was a Stanford professor of Marine Biology. Readers are transported back in time through Dr. Gilbert’s diary entries to a time when the Chinese were considered outsiders but who had lots of mystery surrounding them. The Chinese had many priceless artifacts in their possession like jade. Dr. Gilbert shares about his di
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Apr 05, 2010
Jennifer
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From my blog...
In the Shadow of the Cypress by Thomas Steinbeck is a unique story told primarily through the journal entries of Dr. Charles H. Gilbert beginning with the China Point fire of 1906. China Point was a fishing village and will prove later in the novel to be a pivotal point of mystery and intrigue. Before that point the reader is taken back to when Dr. Gilbert first became acquainted with and hired, William "Red Billy" O'Flynn to work one day a week at Hopkins Laborato More...
In the Shadow of the Cypress by Thomas Steinbeck is a unique story told primarily through the journal entries of Dr. Charles H. Gilbert beginning with the China Point fire of 1906. China Point was a fishing village and will prove later in the novel to be a pivotal point of mystery and intrigue. Before that point the reader is taken back to when Dr. Gilbert first became acquainted with and hired, William "Red Billy" O'Flynn to work one day a week at Hopkins Laborato More...
Feb 13, 2011
Scott
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I delved into this novel with much anticipation and found it enjoyable on several levels. Being a great fan of Thomas' father John made this a must read. Visiting Steinbeck country back in 2007 furthered my interest because I was familiar with the setting. My attention was piqued with the wealth of historical information regarding Chinese culture in California. The novel's premise of the Chinese exploring and assimilating into native American culture before Columbus is certainly intriguing a
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Jun 24, 2010
Vicki
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I wasn't sure when I started to read this book, whether I would like it or not. It's not my usual genre. I only read it because it's what I was sent to read for the Library's Readers Choice program. I work at Magna Library and as staff, we get to read books they are considering for Reader's Choice. Even though it wasn't Sci-Fi/Fantasy, I decided to read it. AM I glad I made that choice. What a unique gem of a book! It begins in the early 1900s with a Professor at a University in Northern Califor
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Apr 06, 2010
Laura
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How odd-- a hidden treasure novel with no villain.
In the last third of the book, I was trying to figure out why the pacing seemed so strange. The plot was moving along, the events were interesting, but it still felt like nothing was happening. I then realized that we were straightforwardly moving towards the resolution of the puzzle, and no one was trying to keep this from happening!
I'm not sure that this is good or bad. It makes for a very intellectual plot, and there More...
In the last third of the book, I was trying to figure out why the pacing seemed so strange. The plot was moving along, the events were interesting, but it still felt like nothing was happening. I then realized that we were straightforwardly moving towards the resolution of the puzzle, and no one was trying to keep this from happening!
I'm not sure that this is good or bad. It makes for a very intellectual plot, and there More...
Jul 21, 2010
J.R.
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There are familiar aspects to this novel. Monterey. Marine biology. Affection for the Chinese. An assortment of odd characters. These I anticipated, given the author’s name and relationship.
The plot also attracted me. A scientific treasure hunt which could overturn centuries of smug certainty and reveal great historical mysteries. This was the promise.
Steinbeck tells his story in three voices. First we have the viewpoint of the scientist, Dr. Charles Gilbert who accidentl More...
The plot also attracted me. A scientific treasure hunt which could overturn centuries of smug certainty and reveal great historical mysteries. This was the promise.
Steinbeck tells his story in three voices. First we have the viewpoint of the scientist, Dr. Charles Gilbert who accidentl More...
Mar 17, 2011
Kae
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I borrowed this book from my Public Library, with hopes (encouraged by the jacket flap info) of having an interesting story and presentation.
I was disappointed.
The story is in two parts, with the historical segment of finding artifacts near the Pacific Grove Chinese community in 1906. The interest, consternation and subsequent handling of the items covers the first half of the book. Then is the contemporary story of Charles (Luke) Lucas who stumbles upon some of the 1906 information and begins h
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Jun 21, 2010
Sharon
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Author Thomas Steinbeck's "In The Shadow of the Cypress" shows him to be an outstanding heir to his father's literary legacy.
Steinbeck the younger presents a tale that starts in Monterey's Chinatown in 1906. Dr. Charles Gilbert, of the Hopkins Marine Station, writes a journal about some artifacts found buried at the base of a cypress: a carved jade seal with an imperial "chop" and a navigational tablet -- items which may just prove that the Chinese explored the More...
Steinbeck the younger presents a tale that starts in Monterey's Chinatown in 1906. Dr. Charles Gilbert, of the Hopkins Marine Station, writes a journal about some artifacts found buried at the base of a cypress: a carved jade seal with an imperial "chop" and a navigational tablet -- items which may just prove that the Chinese explored the More...
May 16, 2011
james
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Yep! You got it right. The author is the son of the famous author John Steinbeck. This is his first novel, published when he was 65. The action takes place in Monterey, CA one hundred years ago and also present times. The basis of the story is a fictional tale of a massive Chinese fleet that explored the Pacific coast of North and South America in the early 1400s. (Check out the book 1421.) Those early explorers planted artifacts with writing in Chinese, Persian, and Tamil describing the fleet a
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Apr 14, 2010
Theresa
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I finished this book a few days ago, and as much as I enjoyed "In the Shadow of the Cypress", I found that the characters themselves weren't very memorable. I wanted a more personal feel for the characters with a bit more development - maybe then they would have felt more real, and stuck in my mind more.
The storyline was very interesting with a wonderful historical background rich in Chinese culture. I enjoyed the description of the fishing experience, and could almost smell More...
The storyline was very interesting with a wonderful historical background rich in Chinese culture. I enjoyed the description of the fishing experience, and could almost smell More...
May 30, 2010
ted
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After reading a glowing book review I was looking forward to reading In the Shadow of the Cypress by Thomas Steinbeck. The book was slow to get into, but enjoyable to read and with a great plot premise I was expecting a good story. It was okay, but ended when it should be getting started with an epilogue that tied everything up in neat 'happy ending' bows. With the exception of the first character, who is introduced writing in his journal and the Chinese Dr., the modern day characters were n
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Aug 11, 2010
Shomeret
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This is a tale of the consequences of a discovery of Chinese artifacts in California. If I had not already read 1421: The Year China Discovered Americaby Gavin Menzies, I might have been more enthralled by this book. This is the sort of book that rises or falls based on the impact of its ideas rather than its characters or plot. These ideas weren't new to me.
On the other hand, if Thomas Steinbeck does write the novel dealing with the origins of the Olmec heads that he playfully me More...
On the other hand, if Thomas Steinbeck does write the novel dealing with the origins of the Olmec heads that he playfully me More...
Apr 06, 2010
Bridget
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Dr. Lucas, a Marine Studies professor has possibly com across one of the most exciting finds in his life. While reading a journal written back in 1906 by another Marine Biology professor, Dr. Gilbert. In this diary, Dr. Gilbert writes about the Chinese, who at the time were outcasts. When Dr. Lucas finds the part about some priceless pieces that belonged to the Chinese and the possibility that they were here first. The answer lies in the shadow of the cypress.
The writing is good and More...
The writing is good and More...
Jan 30, 2012
Carole
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This is a well-written book about an unusual and interesting subject: the idea that Chinese sailors/explorers were traveling along the West Coast of North America quite awhile before the time of Columbus and left buried artifacts along the coastline. The author, Thomas Steinbeck, is the son of John Steinbeck and seems to have much of his dad's talent with words. The story flips back and forth between the beginning of the 20th centery and the present. It is historical fiction with some of the peo
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Jul 21, 2011
Steven
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It's an interesting story. The ending is kind of disappointing, but not surprising considering what the book is about. My only real complaint is that the story is told. There's very little visual imagery. The reader isn't shown what's going on so much as simply told. That being said, Thomas Steinbeck spends an inordinate amount of words describing food. The most interesting character is the Irishman who finds the Chinese treasures, but sadly, he disappears from the story early on. The book isn't
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Jan 10, 2012
Gregormacdonald
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I got an autographed copy of this book from the Steinbeck center in Salinas, CA on my honeymoon. Got it more for the souvenir than anything else. Decent story, a bit weak in certain parts. Starts well, but the book as a whole is not great. Some of the writing style is very good though, reminiscent of his father's work, and the main theme of the story, which is the history of the presence of the Chinese Community in California was very much present in at least some of his fathers' books (East of
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Aug 04, 2010
Valerie
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I generally enjoy historical novels that teach me something about the background and times. I did like that this was set on the Monterey coast and told the story of a scientific treasure hunt which could overturn centuries of belief and reveal historical unknown facts.
However, the story plodded on at such a slow pace, I found myself wanting to look ahead and see what happened. At first, I didn't think I'd like this at all; then, I decided it was better than I thought it would be. More...
However, the story plodded on at such a slow pace, I found myself wanting to look ahead and see what happened. At first, I didn't think I'd like this at all; then, I decided it was better than I thought it would be. More...
Aug 15, 2010
Sandie
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For those who love well written and lyrical novels built around historical events, Thomas Steinbecks IN THE SHADOW OF THE CYPRESS will provide several hours of reading pleasure as well as a captivating and informative history lesson.
His tale begins with the recovery of ancient Chinese artifacts accidently unearthed in the vicinity of Monterey Bay, California circa 1906. This discovery provides the foundation for this illuminating chronicle that not only tells of the lives of More...
His tale begins with the recovery of ancient Chinese artifacts accidently unearthed in the vicinity of Monterey Bay, California circa 1906. This discovery provides the foundation for this illuminating chronicle that not only tells of the lives of More...
Aug 13, 2010
Chris
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For some reason, I have dragged my feet on writing this review. It's been a while, and the book wasn't incredibly memorable in the first place, so I doubt this review will have much relevance. Regardless, here it is...
I promised myself I wouldn't mention John Steinbeck in this review. The work of Thomas Steinbeck should stand on its own; even mentioning that he is his father's son seems unnecessary and insulting to the work of Thomas. Well, I lied.
It's hard not to thi More...
I promised myself I wouldn't mention John Steinbeck in this review. The work of Thomas Steinbeck should stand on its own; even mentioning that he is his father's son seems unnecessary and insulting to the work of Thomas. Well, I lied.
It's hard not to thi More...
Jun 04, 2010
William
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In The Shadow of The Cypress by Thomas Steinbeck
This book is a multigenerational saga of mysterious treasures and information. It reads like a journal in some spots and more like fact than fiction.
My initial reaction to the book wasn’t overly positive. It seemed somewhat dry and boring. The style was almost contrary to excitement. The story turned out to be interesting and thought provoking. I’m fond of history so I ended up enjoying the story as it read like his More...
This book is a multigenerational saga of mysterious treasures and information. It reads like a journal in some spots and more like fact than fiction.
My initial reaction to the book wasn’t overly positive. It seemed somewhat dry and boring. The style was almost contrary to excitement. The story turned out to be interesting and thought provoking. I’m fond of history so I ended up enjoying the story as it read like his More...
Jul 12, 2011
Maureen
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The writing was labored and almost painful - I could just about predict what adjectives he would use, and it was not particularly interesting for the lead character to have a fabulously wealthy sidekick and then to become wealthy in his own right (!!!)
BUT I did like the idea of the book: that due to racism, nobody would accept that the Chinese were on the North American continent before Columbus.
The mystery part of the book is fun.
And did I mention that it's written by John St More...
BUT I did like the idea of the book: that due to racism, nobody would accept that the Chinese were on the North American continent before Columbus.
The mystery part of the book is fun.
And did I mention that it's written by John St More...
May 02, 2010
Marianne
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Thomas Steinbeck, son of John, writes an interesting tale of the Monterey Bay area, starting at the turn of the last century and ending in the first decade of the current century. The story includes a fascinating look into Chinese life in the area and the theory of Chinese exploration on the west coast of North America. A little heavy on overly specific detail of food and dress, but a very good read.
Jul 19, 2010
Evelyn
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This is a very good story. The experience of reading it is all about the plot and the historical and cultural aspects of the Chinese population on the west coast in the earliest years of their presence there. But, women, be forewarned: there is little to no character development or deep emotional material. Despite this, it is a very enjoyable read which I recommend without hesitation.
Jun 22, 2011
Donna
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Interesting two time line story concerning the great Chinese treasure fleets of Emperor Zhu Di, 1405-1433. Some of the historical fishing practices along with the grilled squid dish I enjoyed enough to reproduce it.
Yes he is John Steinbeck's oldest son and after years of living in so large a shadow I find him bold to attempt and achieve such an intriguing story.
Yes he is John Steinbeck's oldest son and after years of living in so large a shadow I find him bold to attempt and achieve such an intriguing story.
Aug 23, 2010
Cornmaven
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Thomas Steinbeck is John Steinbeck's son, and he sticks with a familiar setting: Monterey, California. But this is a story of Chinese history and it was fascinating. He moved through two centuries and adjusted his sentence structure to fit the characters of each, which I appreciated.
Very rich in detail, and an excellent story. Well worth the read.
Very rich in detail, and an excellent story. Well worth the read.
Jul 26, 2010
Zach
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It was interesting read, but lacked a stimulating plot. The story moves forward with out any real hindrances, in fact at one point all the resources are handed to the character to do what they need. Steinbeck set himself a challenge writing a continuing story from different perspectives and I don't think he quite met it. The characters are flat and fairly similar and Steinbeck fails to change tone or style from character to character. The idea is interesting, but not fully executed.
