This is our next title for the adult book discussion group. Interestingly enough, Thomas Steinbeck is indeed related to John Steinbeck of monumental fame - he is his son. This might just entice me to re-read some "classic" Steinbeck to note any differences.
*Starred Review* "Steinbeck channels his love for Monterey Bay and his fascination with the history of California's Chinese immigrant communities passions he shares with his father, John Steinbeck into a delightfully involving and resonant tale of potentially revolutionary buried treasure. We meet Dr. Charles H. Gilbert, a marine biology professor and the first of the novel's three men of intellect, conscience, and discretion, via his 1906 diary, in which he describes two astonishing artifacts that were pulled from the roots of an ancient, storm-toppled cypress tree: a stone plaque and a beautifully carved jade giraffe. Each is engraved with Chinese characters documenting the arrival on the coast of California of a Chinese explorer in 1422 before Columbus. Dr. Lao-Hong steps in to mediate between Chinese tongs competing for possession of these world-altering treasures, which subsequently disappear. A century later, Luke, a surfer and budding marine biologist, stumbles upon Gilbert's journal, and takes up the search. Wreathed with sensuous descriptions, Steinbeck's clever tale of ingenious inquiries and delicate negotiations offers enlightening insights into China's culture and grand maritime tradition, and considers the ways prejudice and politics warp history. Upbeat, captivating, provocative, and classy, Steinbeck's adventure is as tonic as a breath of fresh sea air.--Seaman, Donna Copyright 2010 Booklist"
*Starred Review*
"Steinbeck channels his love for Monterey Bay and his fascination with the history of California's Chinese immigrant communities passions he shares with his father, John Steinbeck into a delightfully involving and resonant tale of potentially revolutionary buried treasure. We meet Dr. Charles H. Gilbert, a marine biology professor and the first of the novel's three men of intellect, conscience, and discretion, via his 1906 diary, in which he describes two astonishing artifacts that were pulled from the roots of an ancient, storm-toppled cypress tree: a stone plaque and a beautifully carved jade giraffe. Each is engraved with Chinese characters documenting the arrival on the coast of California of a Chinese explorer in 1422 before Columbus. Dr. Lao-Hong steps in to mediate between Chinese tongs competing for possession of these world-altering treasures, which subsequently disappear. A century later, Luke, a surfer and budding marine biologist, stumbles upon Gilbert's journal, and takes up the search. Wreathed with sensuous descriptions, Steinbeck's clever tale of ingenious inquiries and delicate negotiations offers enlightening insights into China's culture and grand maritime tradition, and considers the ways prejudice and politics warp history. Upbeat, captivating, provocative, and classy, Steinbeck's adventure is as tonic as a breath of fresh sea air.--Seaman, Donna Copyright 2010 Booklist"