The King of America

by Samantha Gillison

Loosely based on the mysterious 1961 disappearance of Michael Rockefeller, The King of America traces the short, brilliant life of Stephen Hesse, firstborn son of one of America’s wealthiest, most powerful men. After a lonely and restless childhood in a broken family, Stephen attends Harvard, eventually accompanying his mentor, a charismatic anthropology professor, to the impossibly strange and distant world of New Guinea, where a thriving Neolithic culture still practices its ancient rites. There Stephen hopes to make an archaeological discovery that will secure his professional standing and guarantee him a lasting place in the world’s–and his father’s–esteem. But his hardheaded insistence on securing his treasure before the onset of the monsoon season has tragic consequences.

Genres: Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The King of America" by Samantha Gillison is a novelization of the disappearance of Michael Rockefeller in New Guinea in the 1960s. This is a very literary work, sometimes self-consciously, consisting of deep, lyrical descriptions of the environment, smells and tastes (mostly of people), but there is no doubt that it is well written. I picked up the book after having read Carl Hoffman's "Savage Harvest," which is a non-fiction telling of Rockefeller's story.
I wish I could have loved the book, but I didn't. It was an OK, quick read on a short flight to Florida, and it did hold my interest for two hours on the plane. At the end, I felt like I should be writing a report for a literature class.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a work of fiction, however, it is based on the life of Micheal Rockfeller (~ 1940-1960's).

Beautiful prose - descriptions of his emotions toward parents, teachers (one who took advantage of him), how he falls in love. Liked how the book flipped back & forth between his youth & end of life.

However, the book didn't completely hold my attention ... maybe I've come across too many stories of the unloved rich kid who continually seeks approval from those unwilling to take the time.

[Jeff Clausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good way to describe a tragic life without having interviewed or even met the subject, this book is loosely based on a Rockefeller’s death. But since the subject’s thoughts and feelings were unknown, the novel can recreate them and then add in motives and fears. A fine tale of a confused, wealthy soul, who can’t escape the notoriety of being super-rich but has the same problems we all do, except cash flow. I did enjoy all the descriptions of his jungle odysseys, while being glad that I wasn’t there. Recommended.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring the inner struggles of one young man, and how those struggles manifest in his relationships, this is a hopeful tragedy. Readers are challenged to develop sympathy for someone, for whom they may have disgust. You will keep reading to know if you will love or hate in the end, hoping that Gillison will decide for you.

Well written and a wonderful, sometimes dark, adventure. I enjoyed my character being put to test. Throughout you aren't given enough to decide if you really like or dislike this young man? So how do you respond to his actions. Every day we meet strangers and are faced with the same challenge. Do we show compassion towards or dismiss those we don't know? Do we judge one another based on social appearances? Beyond that you are confronted with the question, is my life meaningful? How much of what fills you with happiness?

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed this from Kim ( my friends list) and couldn't put it down.It reads fast and i just had to find out what was going to happen next. the book begins at the end(a contrived ending since nooone really knows) and then flashes back.It is also good as a social comment on children born to the very rich and the difficulty they encounter etching out their own identity on the planet in the shadow of a rich and famous family name.Surely none of us ever escapes our environmental influences but to think the rich with all their resources have a better chance at it is a myth.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fictional rendering of Michael Rockefeller's tragic life story - with names changed but clearly identifiable. Because his story is back in the news with Carl Hoffman's new non-fiction book (excerpted in a spring Smithsonian magazine and lots of other press), I decided to read this brief, earlier tale which was recommended to me when it first came out. Hopefully an e-book will appear in the future.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The King of America sounded interesting to me so I gave it a try. The book was good enough to continue reading but is not something I would read again. I did not know anything about the event in history that this book is loosely based off of. It compelled me to find out more about the Rockefeller family and also about the disappearance of Michael Rockefeller.

[Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

My professor recommended this book. After reviewing my manuscript, he noticed that my descriptive style is similar to the aurthor's

Gillison admits that the novel is "[l]oosely based on the mysterious 1961 disappearance of Michael Rockefeller." I hope the locals didn't eat him.

[Alden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a really good, interesting novel, and was shocked that a number of other critics didn't like it much.

http://www.bookpage.com/0403bp/samant...

[Hapzydeco · Rating 3 out of 5]

lLoosely based on the mysterious 1961 disappearance of Michael Rockerfeller.

[Ayelet Waldman]

She is a delectable writer, precise, lovely. Dare I say, luminous? Don't read the book if you like happy endings.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty entertaining. 'Nuf said.

[William Mangold · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't remember this book.