The Pride of Palomar

by Peter B. Kyne

This collection of literature attempts to compile many of the classic, timeless works that have stood the test of time and offer them at a reduced, affordable price, in an attractive volume so that everyone can enjoy them.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1921

About the author

Peter Bernard Kyne was an American novelist who wrote between 1904 and 1940. Many of his works were adapted into screenplays starting in the silent era, particularly his first novel, The Three Godfathers, which was published in 1913 and proved to be a huge success. He is credited in 110 films between 1914 and 1952.

When still under 18, he lied about his age and enlisted in Company L, 14th U.S. Infantry, which served in the Philippines from 1898-1899. The Spanish-American War and the following insurrection of General Emilio Aguinaldo provided background for many of Kyne's later stories.[1] During World War I, he served as a captain in Battery A of the 144th field Artillery, known as the California Grizzlies.

Reviews

[Harry Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even the publisher's blurb is racist. Of course, racism is a constant companion when reading Kyne, whom I think of as the quintessential 1920 Republican author. His heroes are all strong young men of the white race (as if there were any such thing), sometimes, as here, broken down into sub-categories of white, in this case Irish/Castilian (not Mexican, mind you). They're always terrific engineers, too. For Kyne, engineering is god.

Our hero's family has befriended and taken care of the mongrel Indian/Mexican peasantry of Southern California for over 200 years, and have allowed their natural tendency for good living to overcome any ambition that might lurk in their blood, until he is on the verge of losing his last 100,000 acres. But, no worries, he has the Irish fighting spirit from his grandfather, and he will defeat the dirty, sneaking Japs who have an evil plan to take over all the good farmland in America (except places like Iowa, where it's too cold. Everybody knows the Japanese can't stand cold).

Okay, I admit I find a lot of humor in that sort of thing. It's so unbelievable. What I like in Kyne is a good story, well told. Aside from occasional wanderings into diatribes about what I think of as naive political subjects, like the one above about the Japanese, he gives you a strong hero and, in this case, heroine. In his early stories, Cappy Ricks comes to mind, he is liable to treat women as some sort of luggage, but the heroine here is fine, despite the fact that she shares the hero's prejudices.

In general, I love the writing. None of your modern literature as puzzle, just straight-forward pulp and romance, with a sense of humor, and as mentioned, a lot of unintentional humor from a time not as far gone as it should be. I would like to be able to write like this. I'll keep trying.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This certainly made for an interesting read, even if some of the content might be offensive to a modern reader (there is an anti-Japanese sentiment as more Japanese were moving into California following WWI). This book follows Miguel (Don Mike), a young soldier who returns home to California from WWI to find his father dead and his vast land to be reposessed by the bank. He fights to save his land, and beat an old enemy who would do anything to destroy him. Besides the general racism against Japanese immigration, it's a fun story. None of the characters are particularly deep, but there's some great adventure scenes and some hilarious drama.

[Cecil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about prejudice. I was unaware that the history in this novel even existed. Nonetheless, it was a good book; although, the plot didn't contain many surprises.

[Bushra Zia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you need a second opinion on this book? Visit and explore www.oceanpearlbooks.wordpress.com. OceanPearl Books endeavors to provide well-informed book reviews, business readings, parenting tips, and consulting services for our clients worldwide. And it's all for Free!

OceanPearl Books - Book Review
Don Mike on his deployment inherits the Ranch Palomar from his father, heavily indebted. He only has seven months to reverse the closure from the banker, Mr. Parker. With Kay Parker as the courageous girl who helps him through his trials, a tug of war ensues between the banker and the inheritor.

Breathtaking scenery and thrilling action are in the backdrop as one man is willing to take the last chance on saving his inheritance.

This book is available for FREE at http://manybooks.net/titles/kynepete1....

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! For a book that was published 90 years ago, it really sucked me in and had me enthralled, for most of the day! No blood and gore, no cursing, no "F" words, and no sex, and yet it was really appealing. The descriptions were detailed, sensual and brought me right into the scenes. I'm going to read more of this author (many available on ebook, as this one was), and I'm going to read more from this era!