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In a prologue the author explains how her fact-fiction book is based on her great-great grandfather's 1849 Gold Rush letters.
Against his parents' wishes, Eugene Chase makes plans with boyhood friend Leal to leave Vermont and seek their fortunes in California. Eugene's sister Hortense understands her oldest brother's desire; and she makes him promise to write letters home, addressed to her.
In March 1849, at nineteen, Eugene leaves home for New York City. Leal is to meet him in St. Louis. Eugene's Uncle Lucien, who left Derby Line eight years earlier, lends his nephew the money for his adventure. "The fruits of your journey will reveal themselves in time," he tells Eugene.
From beginning to end, Eugene's journey is long and hard: a journey to a new land and adulthood. Throughout constant difficulties, Eugene shows courage and endurance. This is not true of Leal, who is a burden to all in their Pioneer Line company, which includes Judd, an older doctor. Eventually, Judd asks Eugene to join him for the final 200 miles to California. At the Carson River, after crossing forty miles of treacherous desert, the two men leave the company, then later mine gold together. But the travel West and gold mining leave Judd in weakened health. He leaves for the East, and Eugene heads farther north for richer gold fields.
In a epilogue, the author recounts that her great-great grandfather earned enough money to pay his passage home by sea, to net a clear one thousand dollars, and to build a fine house in Derby Line, Vermont.
About the author
Gail Wilson Kenna earned B.A. USC 1965. Graduate work San Francisco State. Earned secondary teaching credential 1967, married 1968, taught in Los Angeles, San Antonio, and decade in Napa Valley. High school English teacher. Began writing 1970 after U/C Berkeley Bay Area Writing Project. First publication Redbook, 1981. Wrote for magazines & newspapers in 1980s, military audience, received awards. In Germany, completed MFA degree, then taught writing & literature for college & university programs in foreign countries & USA. Still teaching at 80. First book published 1982.Three editions, New Reader's Press, until 2003. In 2019, Along the Gold Rush Trail reprinted as Here to There and Back Again (Ingram). Five of Kenna's books currently available. Received U.S. State Department award for work in Venezuelan prisons. Beyond the Wall 2000 reprinted in 2020 (Ingram). A passionate teacher, tireless fighter for justice, lover of family, friends, students, literature & nature, Lives with 1968 husband on creek of Virginia's Chesapeake Bay. Two adult daughters live in Washington, D.C. Tennis competitor since 1953 & tennis instructor since 1960s. At 80 with new knees, plays tennis five times a week. Tennis Talk of a Nobody is her seventh book.
