Having grown up near Modoc territory, liking California history and enjoying Joaquin Miller's writings, I knew I would enjoy this. The whole story is an ode to the mountain I grew up loving. The one which brings peace to my heart.

The book is a fictional account of the author's time in Northern California at the early stages of the Gold Rush here and the clash between cultures that occurred. It describes the moods, hopes, joys, disappointments, sorrows and failures of each people. A sad commentary on the state of being human, and yet compassionate as well.

I was moved at the sadness of this tale. It was written as a cautionary tale and as something to motivate people to action before it was too late for the natives of California. Sadly, it was never given a hearing or taken seriously until it was too late. It makes me sad to know the history of the settling of my native land, takes away from the pride in being descended from pioneers. But truth is a good thing. It is what it is and there is no going back, only forward. ( )