Delfina’s Gold

I've always had an interest in CA even before I ever lived there. This book was very interesting to see how things might have been many years ago. Even then, the book mentioned the locals not wanting outsiders coming in or it would ruin their life style. Boy, did that ever happen! 🙂 I'd highly recommend this book if you are interested in historical novels and/or CA.

Birth of California

An excellent historical novel about the birth of California. Many real characters mixed in with the fictional.

A rip-roaring yarn of early California

'Delfina's Gold' is a rip-roaring yarn from the early days of California. The book is a sequel to Thompson's 'Dream Helper,' following the story into the next generation of Californios, as well as adding new characters, principally a (fictional) Yankee trader, but including major and minor historical figures, rancheros, and other misfits who were attracted to pre-Gold Rush Alta California.

Thompson weaves a complex tale of greed, lust, ambition, and chicanery, leavened by just enough honest men (and women) to keep the reader rooting for the underdog, and keep the reader's heart in his/her mouth. We follow Delfina, the daughter of Cayatu (protagonist of 'Dream Helper) as she tries to navigate the rigid society of Spanish California, and keep her rancho afloat in a sea of avaricious rivals (including both squatters and greedy Yankee competitors). We also follow Will Thornton, who jumps ship in Santa Barbara, becomes a trader, and makes a voyage to China (via Hawaii) to trade opium for Chinese goods. Russian fur traders, corrupt priests, lumberjacks, and coastal-shipping crews also make appearances and contribute to the action and the sense of place and time.

Don't start this book late in the day, because it will keep you up past your bedtime trying to finish.

I Hated To See This Novel End

Part adventure, part romance, Defina's Gold tells the thrilling story of the Mexican period in California history.  Set primarily in Santa Barbara, the author takes the reader on a wonderful adventure around the Pacific as the Yankee adventurer, young Will Thornton, becomes a successful trader, and falls in love with the beautiful Delfina. This is the second novel in Willard Thompson's trilogy—all are must reading for historical fiction fans.  A great cast of characters tell the story of California long before California became a state.  Five stars all the way.

I'd highly recommend this book if you are interested in historical novels...