Yellowfish

by John Keeble

Wesley Erks, itinerant machinist and adventurer, takes a hefty fee for smuggling a group of illegal Chinese immigrants ("yellowfish") from Vancouver, B.C., to San Francisco in the 1970s. Three are teenaged "Hong Kong boys," one of whom is dying from an earlier stab wound; the fourth is the son of a rich Chinese casino owner who wants to settle some debts with The Triad, a secret Chinese society. The story of the perilous and suspenseful journey of these five men, filled with colorful fictional and historical characters, is as memorable as the story of the West itself.

Genres: Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Wilma Rebstock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please refer to my remarks about BROKEN GROUND also by John Keeble.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior literary thriller, I cannot imagine why it was never made into a film. Features the best Bigfoot scene in fiction that I am aware of.

[Tricia Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this adventure romp through the northwest and the historical facts thrown in.

[loli reads a lot · Rating 2 out of 5]

there were times where i genuinely could not pay attention. some of the history stuff got me nodding off but otherwise this book has an interesting plot with unique characters and adventures. i learned a lot of new words

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This very unusual novel is an interesting look at issues of immigration and the multitude of ways in which immigrants have been welcomed into this country when convenient, and repelled when no longer needed to supply sources of cheap, easily exploited labor. The "coyote" who is the central character in this book is a man trying to understand both his heritage and his personal experience as a part-time smuggler of cargo that has suddenly become "human". The writing style of this particular author was at times hard to follow. Perhaps the edginess & uneven pace was deliberate, but for this reader it distracted from an otherwise gripping narrative.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this years ago (it was published in 1980) and it has been on my 'to reread' shelf. This is a book rich with the history and geography of the Pacific Northwest. The main character is taking illegal Chinese immigrants across the Canadian border to San Francisco's Chinatown. Some great female characters. I got confused about who was chasing who and what was going on, but that was intended, I think. First line: "The fog, they say, its density and in winter its bitterness, is worst in Chinatown of all places in San Francisco."

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 2 out of 5]

This odd fish is a western landscape novel with a cold war, immigrant subplot involving Chinese mafia-type gangs. Told you it was odd, it is also heavy, like the atmosphere on a hot summer afternoon as the thunderclouds roll in and its hard to breathe until that rain hits.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highlighted in The Oregonian

Interesting characters, with especially strong female characters, interesting philosophizing, liked the NW landscape. Would recommend.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books you've probably never heard of or read ...