Gold

by Steve Bartholomew

The year is 1850. Rumors of gold in California turn out to be true. Thousands of people board ships or travel cross-country by wagon train to head for the mines. In New York City, young Marcus Gale, would like to join them, if only to escape his gambling debts. Too bad he doesn't have money for a ticket-or a square meal. He jumps at the chance for a berth as stoker on a sidewheel steamer headed for the gold fields, even though he's not sure what a stoker does. Fortunately, Marcus is a fast learner when it comes to shoveling coal and understanding steam engines. He finds it more difficult to understand people, especially the kind willing to risk everything to get to the gold. He wonders about Captain Cutter, who hates steam and lives in a state of paranoia, thinking people are plotting against him. He may be right. And then, there's the beautiful Alouette Thorndyke, the wealthy heiress who Marcus thinks is an angel. Then again, what is she, really-angel or swindler?

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

The author was born a long time ago. He spent three years in the US Army where he learned a lot of vital skills, such as how to use a soldering iron and screwdriver, as well as how to make the bed, mop the floor, and wash dishes. He grew up and spent most of his life in San Francisco. After obtaining a useless liberal arts degree, he became a social worker and did more than 20 years in the mean streets of New York City, San Francisco, and rural California.

He is now devoted to writing books, which he should have been doing in the first place. He has written some science fiction and fantasy, but is now mainly interested in tales of the Old West. Previous publications include The Terrorist Plot at Gopherville, Gold, A Tale of the California Gold Rush, Journey to Rhyolite and Chapel Perilous.

Reviews

[Cyndy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure why someone chose this for my book club, but it made the list of 11 books for this year. When I saw that it had a 4.46 average review, I figured it must be a little known gem.

This is a fine little book. I can tell that love of history and a passion for writing went into this delightful project. It's an easy read, and you'll get quite the cast of characters.

My impression was that it was self-published, and I note that at this time, the 5 star reviews seem to be coming from a few California people and some self-publishing people.

[Terri Wobken · Rating 5 out of 5]

thumbs up

great read....kept you wanting to turn the next page...fullof major facts of how things really happened during that time period

[Richard Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect, Salty Read!
As a sailor and also a son of the Golden State I've always been entertained by the stories that rose from the mad dash to the West after the 1848 discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills. Author Bartholomew has crafted a superbly told, well paced story capturing the desperation of those who risked everything they had and took to the sea. The long voyage around South America and up the Pacific coast to the Golden Gateway is evoked through a range of characters who find out what they are made of along the way. From a one-time bookkeeper devastated by a gambling habit to a wealthy widow risking everything she has, the lure of potential riches fed by carefully spun newspaper stories of streets of blowing gold dust drives these unlikely shipmates towards a future that may not be as bright as their dreams. Surviving several mishaps and thriving under the tutelage of the First Mate, the ship's engineer and the ship's slightly odd captain, Markus the primary character becomes a formidable fellow indeed through chance, steady thinking and friendship. By the time the passengers actually see San Francisco, many are changed forever, as is their destination. A rousing, satisfying read for all those who love tales of the sea and tales of redemption.