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The Proud Breed
AN UNTAMED WOMAN... A FEARLESS MAN... A MAGNIFICENT LOVE. THE MONUNENTAL ADVENTURE THAT SWEEPS ACROSS A MIGHTY CENTURY OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
The first time Gavin Ramsay sees Tessa MacLeod y Amarista -- a violet-eyed beauty swimming naked in a hidden pool--she reacts by attacking him with a knife. Realizing her mistake, she nurses him back to health and into a deep, enduring and courageous love. Together, despite tremendous obstacles Gavin and Tessa pursue their golden dream--they tame the land, raise a family, and reap great wealth and power. A vast empire is theirs, yet greater still is the magnificent family dynasty they have begun--a dynasty that will flourish on their firm foundation of love.
Passionate, colorful and peopled with unforgettable characters, The Proud Breed vividly re-creates California's exciting past, from the wild country to the pirated coast, from gambling dens to lavish ballrooms, from the rush for gold to the triumph of statehood.
The first time Gavin Ramsay sees Tessa MacLeod y Amarista -- a violet-eyed beauty swimming naked in a hidden pool--she reacts by attacking him with a knife. Realizing her mistake, she nurses him back to health and into a deep, enduring and courageous love. Together, despite tremendous obstacles Gavin and Tessa pursue their golden dream--they tame the land, raise a family, and reap great wealth and power. A vast empire is theirs, yet greater still is the magnificent family dynasty they have begun--a dynasty that will flourish on their firm foundation of love.
Passionate, colorful and peopled with unforgettable characters, The Proud Breed vividly re-creates California's exciting past, from the wild country to the pirated coast, from gambling dens to lavish ballrooms, from the rush for gold to the triumph of statehood.
832 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
31 people are currently reading
1330 people want to read
About the author
Celeste De Blasis
15 books110 followersMillions of readers have fallen under the spell of the lush, enthralling and bestselling novels by Celeste De Blasis. Tales of adventure and romance set against the sweep of history—all are storytelling at its finest. After graduating from Pomona College, Celeste devoted her life to impeccable research and spellbinding writing. A native Californian, Celeste grew up on the historic Kemper Campbell Ranch in the Mojave Desert, where she lived until her death in 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 21, 2008
Looking for a big, fat family saga set in Old California? Well then look no further; this is one of the best I've found yet. The Proud Breed begins in the 1840's as Tessa McCloud prepares for her sixteenth birthday. Great granddaughter of Don Esteban, one of the original Californio ranchero families, she has been "sold" by her father to the very evil Don Luis to pay off his gambling debts. Looking for a final respite before meeting her fate at the hand of Luis, Tessa goes to her favorite spot on the ranch and while swimming in the buff she is spotted by Yankee Gavin Ramsey who mistakes her for a servant girl and assumes she's fair game for the taking. Tessa attacks Gavin with her knife, but then nurses him back to health when she realizes he's been sent with a message and birthday gift from her great-grandfather. Love blooms, but the couple must find a way to escape her engagement to Luis and repay her father's gambling debts.
Once wed, Tessa and Gavin begin their lives and build their fortune in Monterey, the capitol of Old California, along with Gavin's partner, Indian. The old ways of the original California rancheros are threatened by an indifferent Mexican government and an influx of American settlers anxious to take control. As their business enterprises continue to grow and California reaches statehood Tessa and Gavin's marriage is threatened by jealousy, treachery, bigotry, adultery and the horrific acts committed by the revenge minded Don Luis -- yet they survive it all to build a family dynasty in the new State of California.
De Blasis does an incredible job of taking the reader on a grand ride through California's history -- from the now dying ways of the Californio Rancheros, old Monterey, the gold camps, lawless San Francisco with it's fires and the vigilantes, through the Civil War to the turn of the century and more as Tessa and Gavin's marriage withstands the tests of time and their dynasty is eventually passed on to their children. Peopled with memorable characters and abundant historical facts this was a highly enjoyable tale about a very strong willed woman and the man she loved until death did they part that will have you reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I did find the way the author worked Gavin and Indian into the Civil War to be a bit of a stretch, but other than that a near perfect read for me, and a highly enjoyable way to learn more about a fascinating period in U.S. history. Readers might last 100 or so pages are a tad bit slow at times, but well worth it for a very very bittersweet epilogue as the Ramsay family rings in the new century at the end of 1899 - have the tissue handy. 4.5/5 stars and highly recommended.
Once wed, Tessa and Gavin begin their lives and build their fortune in Monterey, the capitol of Old California, along with Gavin's partner, Indian. The old ways of the original California rancheros are threatened by an indifferent Mexican government and an influx of American settlers anxious to take control. As their business enterprises continue to grow and California reaches statehood Tessa and Gavin's marriage is threatened by jealousy, treachery, bigotry, adultery and the horrific acts committed by the revenge minded Don Luis -- yet they survive it all to build a family dynasty in the new State of California.
De Blasis does an incredible job of taking the reader on a grand ride through California's history -- from the now dying ways of the Californio Rancheros, old Monterey, the gold camps, lawless San Francisco with it's fires and the vigilantes, through the Civil War to the turn of the century and more as Tessa and Gavin's marriage withstands the tests of time and their dynasty is eventually passed on to their children. Peopled with memorable characters and abundant historical facts this was a highly enjoyable tale about a very strong willed woman and the man she loved until death did they part that will have you reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I did find the way the author worked Gavin and Indian into the Civil War to be a bit of a stretch, but other than that a near perfect read for me, and a highly enjoyable way to learn more about a fascinating period in U.S. history. Readers might last 100 or so pages are a tad bit slow at times, but well worth it for a very very bittersweet epilogue as the Ramsay family rings in the new century at the end of 1899 - have the tissue handy. 4.5/5 stars and highly recommended.
June 30, 2017
An untamed woman...
A fearless man...
A magnificent love.
The monumental adventure that sweeps across a mighty century of American History.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this sweeping saga that was first published in 1978. The story begins in the territory of California, 1844, when our hot-blooded heroine, Tessa, takes a private swim in her favorite secluded pool, discovers she's being watched by a strange Yankee with lust in his eyes, takes out her knife, and stabs him. Thus begins the love of a lifetime between Teresa Maria Julieta Margarita Macleod y Amarista and Gavin Ramsay.
Together they will raise a family and an empire, carving out their own piece of California with blood, sweat, and tears. They will battle the whims of mother nature, from massive floods to scorching heat, devastating drought, and earthquakes. They will face wild animals and even wilder people as Californios, Mexicans, Yankees, Indians, and the Chinese all grapple for control of the land of plenty. They will make their fortune from the Gold Rush and the development of the grand new city of San Francisco, where even more danger appears in the form of raging fires and bedlam as criminals and vigilantes battle for control of the streets. And then, as the railroad bridges the gap between the east and the west, bringing hoardes of fortune-seekers along with news of a terrible growing conflict between the north and the south, they will mourn the passing of their old way of life, and face a frightening, uncertain future.
Underneath it all their love for each other and for their homeland sees them through more than forty years of this tumultuous time in California's history. But their marriage is not without its share of emotional drama. As happens when two people love each other as fiercely as these two do, they can also hurt each other as no one else can. There were several times when I was so distressed by their actions that I wanted to scream and throw the book across the room, but always my anxious desire to see what would happen next and how they would overcome their mistakes and find their way back to each other won out. And thank goodness, they do always find their way back to each other.
I loved this novel. I hated this novel. I savored this novel. I took my time reading 821 pages packed with love and sorrow, adventure and excitement, triumphs and injustices; peopled with all sorts of colorful characters, some real and some imagined, representing the many facets of California's fascinating history. I really don't feel like I'm giving this novel the credit it deserves with my humble review, so I'm just going to wrap it up by saying that while I was reading this novel it became a part of me: feeding my soul, lifting my spirit, and then shattering my heart. But it was worth it. I'll never forget Tessa and Gavin. The Proud Breed will stand on my shelf of honor along some of my other favorites of the genre, like Gone With the Wind and Lonesome Dove, and I'll reread it every once in a while, when I need to be reminded of the power of a book to transport and transform. Celeste De Blasis was a fantastic storyteller. If you like to read about the courageous people who shaped America; if you like to lose your heart to a great love story; if you like to be swept away to a lost golden age--then this is the book for you!
A fearless man...
A magnificent love.
The monumental adventure that sweeps across a mighty century of American History.
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this sweeping saga that was first published in 1978. The story begins in the territory of California, 1844, when our hot-blooded heroine, Tessa, takes a private swim in her favorite secluded pool, discovers she's being watched by a strange Yankee with lust in his eyes, takes out her knife, and stabs him. Thus begins the love of a lifetime between Teresa Maria Julieta Margarita Macleod y Amarista and Gavin Ramsay.
Together they will raise a family and an empire, carving out their own piece of California with blood, sweat, and tears. They will battle the whims of mother nature, from massive floods to scorching heat, devastating drought, and earthquakes. They will face wild animals and even wilder people as Californios, Mexicans, Yankees, Indians, and the Chinese all grapple for control of the land of plenty. They will make their fortune from the Gold Rush and the development of the grand new city of San Francisco, where even more danger appears in the form of raging fires and bedlam as criminals and vigilantes battle for control of the streets. And then, as the railroad bridges the gap between the east and the west, bringing hoardes of fortune-seekers along with news of a terrible growing conflict between the north and the south, they will mourn the passing of their old way of life, and face a frightening, uncertain future.
Underneath it all their love for each other and for their homeland sees them through more than forty years of this tumultuous time in California's history. But their marriage is not without its share of emotional drama. As happens when two people love each other as fiercely as these two do, they can also hurt each other as no one else can. There were several times when I was so distressed by their actions that I wanted to scream and throw the book across the room, but always my anxious desire to see what would happen next and how they would overcome their mistakes and find their way back to each other won out. And thank goodness, they do always find their way back to each other.
I loved this novel. I hated this novel. I savored this novel. I took my time reading 821 pages packed with love and sorrow, adventure and excitement, triumphs and injustices; peopled with all sorts of colorful characters, some real and some imagined, representing the many facets of California's fascinating history. I really don't feel like I'm giving this novel the credit it deserves with my humble review, so I'm just going to wrap it up by saying that while I was reading this novel it became a part of me: feeding my soul, lifting my spirit, and then shattering my heart. But it was worth it. I'll never forget Tessa and Gavin. The Proud Breed will stand on my shelf of honor along some of my other favorites of the genre, like Gone With the Wind and Lonesome Dove, and I'll reread it every once in a while, when I need to be reminded of the power of a book to transport and transform. Celeste De Blasis was a fantastic storyteller. If you like to read about the courageous people who shaped America; if you like to lose your heart to a great love story; if you like to be swept away to a lost golden age--then this is the book for you!
April 17, 2012
this is still my favorite book of all time. it is a wonderful story of early california, from the bear flag days to the battles of being a free or slave state, to becoming a state, to the civil war, to the gold rush and much more. my copy is falling apart. i will not part with it. it is a wonderful read. if you can find it, get it. you will not be disappointed.
April 26, 2007
This is my favorite historical. It is one of the best books that I can remember. It is a wonderful love story that just engulfs the reader in its emotions. It spans a lifetime, and encompasses every emotion the people have. The author made the history of CA come alive for me in this wonderful story. I read it about 22 or 23 years ago, and I have never forgot it. If you are able to find a copy of it, I would highly recommend that you read it.
May 11, 2011
I adore this book. It is one of the few books that can make me sob no matter how many times I read it. The only thing that was even the least bit disappointing was how once the children get into their teens, the book kind of rushes by. Then again it is an 800 page book and would be difficult to pack another 400 pages in. I am a history major in college as well so I was able to appreciate that aspect of the book as well. This was such a gripping tale, offering an entire range of emotions for the reader to feel as their own. It almost makes me wish I could go and live Tessa's life at one of the ranchos, even if just for a day. HIGHLY RECOMEND!
July 16, 2012
Just arrived from USA through BM.
This is the love story of Gavin Ramsey and Tessa who start to build their story in the former California state.
As a historical background the golden rush is described as well as the series of fires in San Francisco and how the civil war affected some of the main characters.
Even if I'm not a big fan of historical romance, I really appreciated this book since the author did manage to keep alive the plot during the whole dramatization written in almost 900 pages.
A superb and surprising reading that makes this book really deserves a rating of 5 stars.
Thanks Misfit for this great book recommendation.
This is the love story of Gavin Ramsey and Tessa who start to build their story in the former California state.
As a historical background the golden rush is described as well as the series of fires in San Francisco and how the civil war affected some of the main characters.
Even if I'm not a big fan of historical romance, I really appreciated this book since the author did manage to keep alive the plot during the whole dramatization written in almost 900 pages.
A superb and surprising reading that makes this book really deserves a rating of 5 stars.
Thanks Misfit for this great book recommendation.
May 6, 2019
Before reading it, I had noticed the book on the shelf. I wasn't allowed to read it for a long time, not fit for a child, my mother said.
When I finally was allowed to (around 14 years of age),I simply loved this book. For me it was my first book about real life, though it is a novel and therefor probably fiction.
What I liked, apart from the saga about Tessa, her heritage and her family, was also the history part of this book. I have no clue if the background described is close to how it was in those days, but it was done in such a manner, that it was very plausible for me. And I learned from it, since I had not yet had many history lessons about the west.
The book is very realistic: about the love for another person, about troubles in life, elianation, betrayal, friendship, having children, see them grow up, having difficulties letting them go, saying goodbye to the partner you love so much and need to be living without for many years...
It gave me a look at what could be ahead. Not the setting of course, my hometown is not to be compared with California half way the 19th century. No, about family life and all that is attached to it. I admired Tessa and Gavin for living the way they did, never give up, not even in the hardest times.
When I finally was allowed to (around 14 years of age),I simply loved this book. For me it was my first book about real life, though it is a novel and therefor probably fiction.
What I liked, apart from the saga about Tessa, her heritage and her family, was also the history part of this book. I have no clue if the background described is close to how it was in those days, but it was done in such a manner, that it was very plausible for me. And I learned from it, since I had not yet had many history lessons about the west.
The book is very realistic: about the love for another person, about troubles in life, elianation, betrayal, friendship, having children, see them grow up, having difficulties letting them go, saying goodbye to the partner you love so much and need to be living without for many years...
It gave me a look at what could be ahead. Not the setting of course, my hometown is not to be compared with California half way the 19th century. No, about family life and all that is attached to it. I admired Tessa and Gavin for living the way they did, never give up, not even in the hardest times.
February 2, 2023
After an unexpected encounter by a hidden pool, Tessa and Gavin fall in love, but their lives together in a rapidly developing California will not be easy.
Before this book I'd only read de Blasis's Wild Swan trilogy, and it was glad to see that we see some of the same hallmarks here - strong, complex characters with an undeniable connection, no matter how many times they might fall away from each other for a time. In fact, I might argue that Tessa was a more interesting character, especially considering how righteous Alexandria can get.
California in this book is a rapidly changing place, and I enjoyed reading about how Tessa and Gavin grappled with and made their mark on the territory. The author had clearly done her research and incorporated the area's history without letting it overwhelm the plot. The side characters are also vivid and I became attached to them and invested in their welfare. I also liked how the story did not just brush issues like slavery under the carpet, and that we got a sense of exactly how diverse San Francisco was both racially and socially.
However, I did think the last third of the book, when we start following the Ramsay children more, was not engaging as what come before, especially as the years began to speed up. I also sometimes became tired with the endless ups and downs of Tessa and Gavin's relationship, particularly when they seemed to be driven apart by the same sort of things. Also, Jordan really deserved better!
Before this book I'd only read de Blasis's Wild Swan trilogy, and it was glad to see that we see some of the same hallmarks here - strong, complex characters with an undeniable connection, no matter how many times they might fall away from each other for a time. In fact, I might argue that Tessa was a more interesting character, especially considering how righteous Alexandria can get.
California in this book is a rapidly changing place, and I enjoyed reading about how Tessa and Gavin grappled with and made their mark on the territory. The author had clearly done her research and incorporated the area's history without letting it overwhelm the plot. The side characters are also vivid and I became attached to them and invested in their welfare. I also liked how the story did not just brush issues like slavery under the carpet, and that we got a sense of exactly how diverse San Francisco was both racially and socially.
However, I did think the last third of the book, when we start following the Ramsay children more, was not engaging as what come before, especially as the years began to speed up. I also sometimes became tired with the endless ups and downs of Tessa and Gavin's relationship, particularly when they seemed to be driven apart by the same sort of things. Also, Jordan really deserved better!
August 10, 2012
BEST BOOK EVER! My all-time favorite that I have read countless times from the age of 15 until now, many, many years later!
Book spans the lifetime of Tessa and her love, Gavin. Many ups and downs throughout the story mixed in with historical background of California. Many interesting characters, all of whom are flawed just enough to be believable. Although there are dark portions of the story, it is a sweeping saga of love, forgiveness, and family.
I've read all of Celeste DeBlasis' titles, but this is, by far, my favorite!
Book spans the lifetime of Tessa and her love, Gavin. Many ups and downs throughout the story mixed in with historical background of California. Many interesting characters, all of whom are flawed just enough to be believable. Although there are dark portions of the story, it is a sweeping saga of love, forgiveness, and family.
I've read all of Celeste DeBlasis' titles, but this is, by far, my favorite!
August 24, 2011
I loved this book, and it's one of the only romance novels I've read over and over. Recently, I bought a used copy on Amazon. I had no idea what happened to my original copy. When I find the time(which is scarce these days now that I write romance novels)I want to read it again and capture that special passion I felt between the hero and heroine that made me want to become a romance writer myself. Ah, Gavin and Tessa... Great book!
Diana
Diana
May 3, 2018
One of the best historical romance I have ever read. It inspired me to write over 35 years ago. Setting is California - High-born Mexican woman marries an American from New England - clash of cultures - fabulous following of California history.
February 12, 2012
Love love love this book, reread it periodically. Tessa, aka Teresa Maria Julietta Margarita Macleod y Amarista, and Gavin Ramsay are both strong, beautiful, larger than life characters. In them and through them, I really felt I was living the history of California, from the days of the ranchos belonging to Mexican citizens, to the gradual infiltration by Yankees. The gold rush, the boom of San Francisco, the droughts, the Civil War - all told through a very powerful love story.
It's very non-traditional romance, but they are both unfaithful to one another, at different times and for different reasons. Their love survives. It survives a brutal rape, the death of their children, growing more powerful at every challenge. It's very hard to close this book and say goodbye to these people.
It's very non-traditional romance, but they are both unfaithful to one another, at different times and for different reasons. Their love survives. It survives a brutal rape, the death of their children, growing more powerful at every challenge. It's very hard to close this book and say goodbye to these people.
August 2, 2014
One of those books that I didn't want to end, even though it was over 700 pages, and in this digital age, I was reading a hard copy tome - not available in digital versions that I know of. This story is well-worth picking up any yellow-edged copy you can get your hands on to read, savor, and enjoy, and then passing on to others to do the same! The state of California's history told in the unfolding of one unconventional, yet realistic family tale. Loved it!
November 8, 2016
This book gets a 3 because there were some pieces of it that I liked (although they were few and far in between). But holy cow if you were looking for an epic historical fiction saga - then move on. The characters are so cheesy, the relationship is unhealthy and every 150 pages they were trying to find a way to make it back to each other because of some swiftly placed obstacle. I had to roll my eyes several times, but when you have gone 400 pages in you gut it out.
March 18, 2009
i read this book as a teen, and I loved it. I have read it about 5 times since then over the years. The history is great, but the characters are so wonderful. We share in their lives from when Tess is 16 up to her death, and the life in between is so fulfilled. We laugh with her and Gavin, we cry, we get mad, and we see what happens when you love and live with others. Great story!!!
September 3, 2022
I finally finished this book! I feel like I watched ten seasons of a soap opera or read two outlanders, all contained within this one very thick mass market paperback. That being said, I enjoyed the book overall. Surprised at how progressive some of the ideas were for a romance written in the 70s. Still dated in use of terms and some concepts, but overall much better than I expected! I really enjoyed the history of California included! “Voices of moderation were so often drowned by those more strident.” The characters were complex and interesting. “She felt as if she were poised and waiting for the next blow, unable to deal fully with what had already happened let it make her less capable to face new threats.” “I get too far away from books and strange symptoms appear.” It definitely either should have been edited or separated into two volumes. 3.5 stars
September 7, 2015
(Popsugar Challenge: A book your mom loves)
I was dreading reading this; not only is it huge but the description didn't overly appeal to me. My mom insisted it was one of her favorites and after getting over the initial 100ish pages it took me no time to see why. I loved it. I learned so much about the history of California and I fell deeply in love with Tessa and loved watching her life & the lives around her unfold.
So many awesome characters and a lot of rich history and the scandals were satisfying and everything wrapped up neatly in the end. I did need a handful of tissues throughout, though. It's an emotional ride for sure.
No bodice ripping here, though. While there are certainly lascivious activities I wouldn't really call this a romance novel, which was a misconception on my part.
Good stuff.
I was dreading reading this; not only is it huge but the description didn't overly appeal to me. My mom insisted it was one of her favorites and after getting over the initial 100ish pages it took me no time to see why. I loved it. I learned so much about the history of California and I fell deeply in love with Tessa and loved watching her life & the lives around her unfold.
So many awesome characters and a lot of rich history and the scandals were satisfying and everything wrapped up neatly in the end. I did need a handful of tissues throughout, though. It's an emotional ride for sure.
No bodice ripping here, though. While there are certainly lascivious activities I wouldn't really call this a romance novel, which was a misconception on my part.
Good stuff.
April 8, 2011
This is the first romance book I ever read...It is absolutely EPIC! I fell in love with Tessa, Gavin and their journey through life. I have gone through 5 copies to-date and though I rarely read m/f anymore? I find myself re-reading it about once a year. There are few fictional couples that feel so real to me. It's possibly one of the best books I have ever read. A very compelling read that takes you through a literal lifetime of love, loss, tragedy and more. Celeste DeBlasis made me want to BE Tessa, and wish for a Gavin of my own. I compared every romance-book hero to Gavin for years after reading this book. Absolutely stunning and I would recommend The Proud Breed to anyone.
June 27, 2011
The Proud Breed was a FANTASTIC book. It has a great story line including the history of California!
I loved Tessa's character and actually can see a lot of her character in my personality. Driven, fiercely loyal, tries new things but loves her roots and believes that she is only able to succeed because of the love that she gives and receives.
Overall, probably a book that I will read many more times in my life.
I loved Tessa's character and actually can see a lot of her character in my personality. Driven, fiercely loyal, tries new things but loves her roots and believes that she is only able to succeed because of the love that she gives and receives.
Overall, probably a book that I will read many more times in my life.
April 8, 2012
One of the best books I have ever read. It is impossible to put down and even though it's very long, you aren't ready for it to end. An amazing journey through one woman's ENTIRE life story. A great read! My Dad randomly grabbed this book off the decorative rustic bookshelf of a Potbelly's sandwich shop while in for lunch and got sucked in from the beginning and ended up "borrowing" it from them and then passed it on to me and then to my mom!
September 21, 2007
I'd love to give this one a 4.5.
This can be read as either a saga-romance or a pretty good tutorial on California history. Tied together into one neat package, it's a great read. It didn't quite earn a 5 with me because I felt the book really dropped off once Tessa's kids turned adults. But taken as a whole, this is definitely on my keeper shelf.
This can be read as either a saga-romance or a pretty good tutorial on California history. Tied together into one neat package, it's a great read. It didn't quite earn a 5 with me because I felt the book really dropped off once Tessa's kids turned adults. But taken as a whole, this is definitely on my keeper shelf.
November 13, 2009
I read this book more than 30 years ago. In fact remember the old book clubs where you were a member and got a book each month? This was one of those books! I was 20 years old and I remember just being completely entralled with this...reading every moment I could. It was just a well written engaging saga! One of my first favorite books!
October 6, 2014
I love this book. The characters just stay with you even after you are done. It is one of the best books I have ever ready.
April 13, 2009
I love DeBlasis as a writer. She weaves history into a love story. I am still reading this book. I have read her Swann Trilogy which was wonderful. I would like to know more about her.
August 11, 2020
I read this behemoth of a book because my grandpa gave it to me to take home with me on my most recent visit to my grandparents, otherwise I probably would not have picked up this historical romance. I found myself really enjoying the story of the Ramsey clan, although the pacing didn't work for me at times, especially near the end of the book, but I found myself impressed with the way De Blasis wove history together with this sweeping family saga and it kept me enthralled enough to finish the final 200 pages in one sitting!
July 14, 2020
Really liked this the first time through. Tried multiple other books by author without connecting. Don't think I finished a re-read. If you don't know much about California's history, 'The Proud Breed' could well be worth exploring.
***
Suggest Misfit's review
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***
The Kirkus reviews
"A staggeringly long three-generational family saga, a kind of California Gone with the Wind featuring: the pre-Civil War Spanish culture; the opening of the state by the Gold Rush; the explosion of commerce that became San Francisco; the rise of labor and the law; the absorption of Chinese, blacks, and Indians amid waves of tidal prejudice and anger--all of it tricked out in a dense fabric of fashions, from bustles to frizzes, and borne on an endless flow of improvements and inventions, the pony express, the telephone, the photograph, the sewing machine. . . . At the center of it stands Teresa ""Tessa"" Macleod y Amarista, who is dominated by a will to be herself (a violet-eyed, raven-haired aristocrat of mixed blood) and to participate in the life around her, to have children and grandchildren and develop the family ranch. Her chosen mate is sincere Gavin Ramsay, a fierce giant who first sees her swimming naked in a rock pool and whom she, in a maidenly panic, stabs nearly to death. From such germs is the Ramian Enterprises empire born as Tessa and Gavin battle the frontier, spawn and rule through Valle del Mar (spread #1) and Rancho Magnifico (spread #2), raise palominos, have unsuccessful affairs and illegitimate children, while Gavin's whore Soledad keeps her hold over him with a daughter she claims is his, even as he must accept Tessa's child by family adviser Jordan Ames after she nearly loses her life in a failed abortion. De Blasis (Suffer a Sea Change) carries off her move from gothical to romantic-historical with a certain zest, even if thunderingly familiar passional family formulas boom out from each and every page."
***
Suggest Misfit's review
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***
The Kirkus reviews
"A staggeringly long three-generational family saga, a kind of California Gone with the Wind featuring: the pre-Civil War Spanish culture; the opening of the state by the Gold Rush; the explosion of commerce that became San Francisco; the rise of labor and the law; the absorption of Chinese, blacks, and Indians amid waves of tidal prejudice and anger--all of it tricked out in a dense fabric of fashions, from bustles to frizzes, and borne on an endless flow of improvements and inventions, the pony express, the telephone, the photograph, the sewing machine. . . . At the center of it stands Teresa ""Tessa"" Macleod y Amarista, who is dominated by a will to be herself (a violet-eyed, raven-haired aristocrat of mixed blood) and to participate in the life around her, to have children and grandchildren and develop the family ranch. Her chosen mate is sincere Gavin Ramsay, a fierce giant who first sees her swimming naked in a rock pool and whom she, in a maidenly panic, stabs nearly to death. From such germs is the Ramian Enterprises empire born as Tessa and Gavin battle the frontier, spawn and rule through Valle del Mar (spread #1) and Rancho Magnifico (spread #2), raise palominos, have unsuccessful affairs and illegitimate children, while Gavin's whore Soledad keeps her hold over him with a daughter she claims is his, even as he must accept Tessa's child by family adviser Jordan Ames after she nearly loses her life in a failed abortion. De Blasis (Suffer a Sea Change) carries off her move from gothical to romantic-historical with a certain zest, even if thunderingly familiar passional family formulas boom out from each and every page."
June 19, 2011
Not sure if this is a 4.5 star or a 5 star- I'll let it settle in my mental catalogue for a little. There were certainly a few eye watering moments.
As for the book it is a classic example of the nice solid texts with plenty of plot written up to about 25 years ago (since then nearly everything is too damn short). 700+pages of small type telling a classic family saga through Californian history. I could have done without the last 200 pages (because of the sad bits rather than a need to cut down the length of the book). A few pieces of plot and character development eren't fully tied off but this is one to savour. The two main characters are appealing and not without their faults, the history is interesting and very atmospheric and the plot moves at a steady pace.
As for the book it is a classic example of the nice solid texts with plenty of plot written up to about 25 years ago (since then nearly everything is too damn short). 700+pages of small type telling a classic family saga through Californian history. I could have done without the last 200 pages (because of the sad bits rather than a need to cut down the length of the book). A few pieces of plot and character development eren't fully tied off but this is one to savour. The two main characters are appealing and not without their faults, the history is interesting and very atmospheric and the plot moves at a steady pace.
August 28, 2009
This was a great read!! It has been a long time since I read the book. I found a hard back copy at a yard sale many years ago (I was still in high school) and loaned it to someone and never got it back. I have been searching for it ever since. I need to read it again. It has been about 20 or so years since i read the book. It must have been really good for me to remember it!
August 4, 2008
This was the very first large novel I ever read. I was 11 and I loved it! I've re-read it a couple of times & the story is strong enough to carry over into adulthood for me. Unforgettable characters & setting.
June 5, 2008
This long and very lovely story gave me a different perspective from my family history in California. Enjoyed a the romance and the strong females.
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