Hagerty also follows the story of Walter Maguire and Fred Lang, two New Yorkers who travel to California where they participate in the Golden State’s transition from Mexican province to American state. They experience the rollicking days of the Gold Rush before settling down in the pre-Steinbeck towns of Monterey and Salinas.
Years later, Sean and Michael come across Shushu, a young Asian girl and the sole survivor of the senseless murder of a Chinese family by three racist local whites. The two Irishmen take the girl to nearby Monterey, California, not knowing Shushu poses a threat to the killers, who are connected to some of the area’s leading citizens, including State Senator Walter Maguire and County Sheriff Fred Lang, who would just as soon see the little girl and the two strangers disappear.
Hagerty clearly knows his history. The Mexican War is surely one of the most forgotten wars the United States ever fought despite its long term effects on our national geography. The pre-Civil War army is accurately portrayed as not too different from serving out a long prison sentence. The officers perform their duties more like sadistic guards, lashing out on the slightest whim. The reader fully understands why Sean, Michael and the other Irish would switch sides. It isn’t about being a traitor but standing up against bigotry and brutality. Surprisingly, the Irish fit right in with the multi-national Mexican Army under command of the legendary Santa Anna (of Alamo fame). Battles that have long faded from our national memory like the Battle of Buena Vista come fully to life.
The characters are fun and witty. Sean and Michael are likable protagonists and worthwhile travel companions to journey around the west with. The pace is brisk and the tone jaunty without stinting on the ever-present dangers of the frontier. There are cameos of historical figures from General (and future president) Zachary Taylor to author Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island) and enough twists and turns to keep readers wondering what will happen next. Not to mention dramatizing vivid examples of how California (and, by extension, America) was built through the hard labor of immigrants (whether Anglo, Irish, Latino, Chinese, etc.). Americans from the colonial era to today have always been debating who is and who is not a “real” American while also understanding that yesterday’s penniless immigrant may someday climb the economic ladder and begun tomorrow’s economic and political leader. It is a timely tale that balances message and storytelling to produce a well-done and entertaining read.
Review by Richard Rothrock, Screewriting Instructor, Motion Picture Institute,Troy, Michigan
(2009-2019), author of Sunday Nights With Walt: Everything I Know I Learned from
“The Wonderful World of Disney,” (Theme Park Press, 2017) |
