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King of the Moon: A Novel of Baja California
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 15, 2023
I have been spending time on the southern Baja California coast just south of the large city of La Paz. This novel is exactly about that area, and I find both highly appealing.
The setting is a village of Mexican fishermen and their families on the Sea of Cortez in the ‘60s before the advent of industrialized factory fishing. These folks are still hand-lining large fish for the local markets in a completely sustainable lifestyle.
In this context, the characterizations and complex backgrounds are compelling. For example, of his protagonists Author Kira creates a wonderful counterpoint of Past, Present and Future:
“As a commercial fisherman himself, Abundio could not resent those things. (The increasing use of gill nets by his fellows.) Did he not himself use every trick at his command, every day of his life, to catch as many fish as possible? How could he argue that other not do the same? ….Still, he knew that once the nets came to Agua Amargosa, the old ways would follow the fish into oblivion, and all of them would be caught in a maelstrom of change that would engulf them and send them spinning into an uncertain future.
“For Abundio and Chino and Ramon, the future seemed to offer nothing good. In fear of it they took refuge in the present as much as possible.”
Later, a Chubasco (hurricane) will serve as the perfect metaphor.
Here is a passage Kira uses to describe one character’s background in the US before electing to return to Mexico and become a fisherman. (“Chino” was raised as a non-papered immigrant in the central California agriculture vastness of the Imperial Valley. He is highly motivated as to his education and English-speaking ability).
“He hated the squalid anomie of the field camps, the having to keep his good clothes in bags and putting them on just before school in the mornings, the stealing of chickens and the baking of them, feathers and all, in balls of mud placed into the campfires.”
(I HAD to use that quote in my review because I have NEVER come across the word “anomie” in anything I have read - especially fiction - since I learned it and its meaning in a college sociology class).
Two other elements I found compelling: Firstly, his secondary character “Senor Pete”. He is a visiting sport fisherman from American, and an alumnus of my college (Brown, in Providence, RI, which Kira captures so perfectly that I thought that he, too, must be an alumnus). He first visits the fish camp before WW II, as a recent graduate, recovering from a marriage gone upside down. He leaves for service with the Navy or Marines in the Pacific. Later, he returns to the fish camp in the ‘60s under new circumstances, including as a further war-damaged man, looking for renewal.
Secondly, author Kira wonderfully brings music into his writing via Fra Nacho, an expatriate man-of-all-seasons and life experiences who in his old-age resides in the fishing village and is taken care of by the villagers. He provides them with a wonderful window into other cultures via his sharing his collection of antique records. These include Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto Number One in B-flat Minor and Mozart’s Symphony Number 38 in D-Major. (I have found that I get particular enjoyment from listening to pieces referenced in my literature, such as “Moon” here provides).
I think even the many folks out there who have not personally experienced Baja and its wonderful people will truly enjoy this wonderful, evocative and meaningful story.
The setting is a village of Mexican fishermen and their families on the Sea of Cortez in the ‘60s before the advent of industrialized factory fishing. These folks are still hand-lining large fish for the local markets in a completely sustainable lifestyle.
In this context, the characterizations and complex backgrounds are compelling. For example, of his protagonists Author Kira creates a wonderful counterpoint of Past, Present and Future:
“As a commercial fisherman himself, Abundio could not resent those things. (The increasing use of gill nets by his fellows.) Did he not himself use every trick at his command, every day of his life, to catch as many fish as possible? How could he argue that other not do the same? ….Still, he knew that once the nets came to Agua Amargosa, the old ways would follow the fish into oblivion, and all of them would be caught in a maelstrom of change that would engulf them and send them spinning into an uncertain future.
“For Abundio and Chino and Ramon, the future seemed to offer nothing good. In fear of it they took refuge in the present as much as possible.”
Later, a Chubasco (hurricane) will serve as the perfect metaphor.
Here is a passage Kira uses to describe one character’s background in the US before electing to return to Mexico and become a fisherman. (“Chino” was raised as a non-papered immigrant in the central California agriculture vastness of the Imperial Valley. He is highly motivated as to his education and English-speaking ability).
“He hated the squalid anomie of the field camps, the having to keep his good clothes in bags and putting them on just before school in the mornings, the stealing of chickens and the baking of them, feathers and all, in balls of mud placed into the campfires.”
(I HAD to use that quote in my review because I have NEVER come across the word “anomie” in anything I have read - especially fiction - since I learned it and its meaning in a college sociology class).
Two other elements I found compelling: Firstly, his secondary character “Senor Pete”. He is a visiting sport fisherman from American, and an alumnus of my college (Brown, in Providence, RI, which Kira captures so perfectly that I thought that he, too, must be an alumnus). He first visits the fish camp before WW II, as a recent graduate, recovering from a marriage gone upside down. He leaves for service with the Navy or Marines in the Pacific. Later, he returns to the fish camp in the ‘60s under new circumstances, including as a further war-damaged man, looking for renewal.
Secondly, author Kira wonderfully brings music into his writing via Fra Nacho, an expatriate man-of-all-seasons and life experiences who in his old-age resides in the fishing village and is taken care of by the villagers. He provides them with a wonderful window into other cultures via his sharing his collection of antique records. These include Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto Number One in B-flat Minor and Mozart’s Symphony Number 38 in D-Major. (I have found that I get particular enjoyment from listening to pieces referenced in my literature, such as “Moon” here provides).
I think even the many folks out there who have not personally experienced Baja and its wonderful people will truly enjoy this wonderful, evocative and meaningful story.
November 11, 2013
I gave it five stars, I don't have a clue what a star is worth, but I guess they're good to have around, you just don't want to get too close . . . N~E way, I just returned from a visit to Baja, borrowing this book from my host and friend, Tommy. So going in I had my reasons for my interest beyond the colorful dust jacket.
I truly enjoyed the story, the setting and the sentiments. I heartily recommend the story and it is certainly cinematic and I can't help thinking it would be a blast to shoot it on location, cast, clothe, design & direct it. Some of the music has already been chosen!!! I hear a Cumbia as well. Heck, editing too.
So if you like Steinbeck, Hemingway, Conrad, etc., this ought to fill the bill. The story, it seems may be closer to biography than fiction ;)
I truly enjoyed the story, the setting and the sentiments. I heartily recommend the story and it is certainly cinematic and I can't help thinking it would be a blast to shoot it on location, cast, clothe, design & direct it. Some of the music has already been chosen!!! I hear a Cumbia as well. Heck, editing too.
So if you like Steinbeck, Hemingway, Conrad, etc., this ought to fill the bill. The story, it seems may be closer to biography than fiction ;)
February 10, 2020
An engaging read
I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up before my trip to Baja and had a heads time putting it down! The characters are engaging. The setting and cultural elements are well written. I was afraid the author was gearing up for a tragic ending and definitely delivered. Despite that, I'd definitely recommend this to anyone, particularly if you will be traveling in Baja.
I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up before my trip to Baja and had a heads time putting it down! The characters are engaging. The setting and cultural elements are well written. I was afraid the author was gearing up for a tragic ending and definitely delivered. Despite that, I'd definitely recommend this to anyone, particularly if you will be traveling in Baja.
March 21, 2025
Very interesting to read this book while traveling the baja peninsula from La Paz to north of Loreto. I felt I was living in two worlds colliding -- the past in the era of this book and the modern which is not much different than conditions outlined on the beaches within this book. Life conditions are not that much different for men living in fish camps today.
June 9, 2019
Charming story
Wonderful story of Baja and the beginning of the sport fishing industry. I live in Baja California Sur during the winter and this story names places I am familiar with.
Wonderful story of Baja and the beginning of the sport fishing industry. I live in Baja California Sur during the winter and this story names places I am familiar with.
March 23, 2024
What a surprise - a great book. The descriptions of the fishing was so visual - should be made into a limited series. I read it before a trip through Baja and on the Sea of Cortez. Gave me a greater understanding of the way of life in this dramatic land
April 15, 2024
Beautiful book to read if you are visiting Baja Sur. The description of the land and sea, before the tourist trade took over, is brilliant and the people will claim a spot in your heart. It enhanced my knowledge and appreciation for the area while I was there.
December 30, 2024
Danny lives in Los Barriles, BCS said this is the best book about the Baja vibe in the days of his father, which was pre peninsular highway. I stayed with Danny for weeks reading Infinite Jest. What a trip. Shakespearean.
March 15, 2020
Magical and romantic story. I loved this book and wil read more from this author.
December 3, 2020
A wonderful story about a place I love.
March 16, 2021
Interesting characters and a great setting. Very in depth ocean fishing scenes and descriptions.
October 1, 2017
Someone was getting rid of this book so I thought I'd have a look before letting it go off to Goodwill. I loved the author's descriptive style. While I enjoyed the read, I wouldn't likely read it a second time. No need to keep the copy.
January 5, 2013
This is an amazing story and one of the best books read last year!
January 13, 2015
So fun to read as it's story is based in La Paz near our property!
October 7, 2015
Too long. I gave up.
May 4, 2017
Must read to believe
Gene Kira has written a masterpiece, a story so rich and folded over on itself that one can not put it down.
Gene Kira has written a masterpiece, a story so rich and folded over on itself that one can not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews