California Gold begins thirty years after the Gold Rush as James Macklin (Mack) Chance leaves the Pennsylvania mining town where he grew up and heads for The Golden State to make his fortune. After working and walking his way across country, Mack arrives in Oakland and is in for a rude surprise when he thinks he can stow away on the railroad's ferry across the bay and they wouldn't dare throw him overboard -oh yes they would! Once he makes it to San Francisco he witnesses a young woman jumping into the bay and fails in his attempt to "rescue" reporter Nellie Ross (much to her chagrin as he ruins her story for Hearst's newspaper) and the two begin a strong friendship that eventually turns into much more. Mack's fortunes continue up and down as his drive and temper finally upset the movers and shakers of San Francisco and after surviving a vicious beating he leaves for Los Angeles to take old traveling companion J. Paul Wyatt up on his offer to join in with him in the "real estate" market -- selling worthless lots to unsuspecting tourists. The land boom busts (where did Wyatt originally get the funds to purchase the land from?) and the unstable Wyatt leaves Mack high and dry with creditors and angry buyers knocking at his doors. Seeing potential in the worthless tar pits of the surrounding countryside Mack seeks employment with the oil prospectors as he learns the trade -- finally striking black gold and setting him on his way to fortune and power. Despite their lifelong love for each other, Mack and Nellie's goals for their individual futures are too diverse for marriage (at least they think so) and Mack marries alcoholic Carla Hellman, daughter of wealthy land baron Swampy Hellman. It doesn't take Mack long to realize the mistake he's made, although grateful for the son Carla gives him. Mack continues to expand his business prospects, delving into real estate, agriculture, the burgeoning Hollywood film industry and these enterprises eventually lead him into increasingly dangerous conflicts with corrupt government officials and the growing labor unions. Mack's story takes the reader from 1886 California and on into the early 1900's, as California struggles with the old and the new ways, including the catastrophe of the 1906 earthquake that results in a profound personal loss for Mack that forever changes his perspectives on life. As Mack assembles his great fortune, he finally realizes the empty shell his life has become and how little happiness all that wealth can bring without loved ones to share it with. All in all a very good (but not great) read, although IMO Jakes tried to stuff way too much into the story and had Mack's business enterprises spread into way too many pies - I have to confess my eyes glazed over a bit at times - especially the complicated mechanics of getting that oil out of the ground. Four stars, and still tops with me on big old fat sagas of Old California is still Celeste De Blasis' The Proud Breed.
The story was good and I enjoy getting information while reading a work of fiction but someone needs to tell John Jakes just 'cause he found something out while doing research he doesn't have to include it in his book. Instead of focusing on the story he tried too hard to get his characters through every major event that happened in California.There were also a few loose ends he never resolved. what happened to the loan to buy the ferry boat after the murder of his partner? It does not seem like it ever got paid off.Also, his development at San Solerno went from an oil field to a residential development...did he have both at the same time? I can't imagine myself buying a building lot with an oil rig in the backyard.I guess since I read To Kill a Mockingbird (again) while finishing this California Gold the contrast was not flattering to John Jakes writing style. Not a bad read, but I doubt I will ever read it twice.
Mack Chance walks freezing cold from the Pennsylvania coal mines to find his way to California, the place his father explored but left, knowing that that was where happiness really was. Mack encounters a half dead hobo who he brings back to life, and who consequently continues to be a part of his life, whether good or bad. A bit later he encounters a land baron who refuses him a drink of water. His voluptuous, uninhibited daughter sets her eye on Mack, and tho he is able to set her off for a bit, she continues to plague his life throughout the book. A bit later he tries to rescue Nellie Ross as she jumps off a pier in San Francisco. This encounter also leads to a relationship that comes and goes throughout the story. Mack has come to find gold, but through much trial, error, and hardship, he becomes rich on all of California's other "golds:" oil, fruit, water, shipping, etc. He becomes acquainted with great conflict and grief through the SP railroad barons and the prejudices of the country toward the Chinese and the India Indians. He is tossed right into the conflict of the current day Labor Disputes and is fully engaged in the great earthquake and fire of 1906. Mack becomes exceedingly wealthy, but learns after many separations and losses that money isn't everything, and seeks out those relationships that will bring fulfillment to his life. Another great John Jakes story!!! mk
—Marilyn
John Jakes is one of my favorite authors and has been for many years. He is masterful at writing historical fiction...weaving real, legendary historical figures into a story about fictional characters. Historically accurate in most cases--with fictional happenings that fit right in! He can be very dark sometimes...and at times I just want to smack the main character and say, "Wake up, stupid!!" But it does make you keep reading to see when he will do just that...which, if you read enough Jakes, you know will eventually happen. I loved this book and got a good lesson in history...not about the Gold Rush (not about that) but rather the later "gold"...oil and citrus. Think "There Will Be Blood."
—Pamela
Boy, I learned more about the Golden State than what I ment to. John Jakes maticulously discribes how thirty years after the Gold Rush, men and women of adventurous spirit began to discover the real gold of California. Shortly after the civil war, was the begining of the great Land Boom. Jakes sweeps us from the high Sierras and the mansions and clubs of San Frnacisco to the heyday of Citrus growers in Riverside. But the true gold of California was not just land...it was black oil. Although the characters are fictional, Jakes takes to heart each historical event accuratly and includes the historical figures of the times
—Olga H. Rivas
