This is not a fast read as the author pauses for careful, even somewhat florid judged 90 years later descriptions, and proceeds at a leisurely pace.
The first part is interesting in its depiction of driving on S. Cal. roads circa 1925, with speed traps and farm wagons, while introducing Mr. Ross, an excellent businessman. Although Mr. Sinclair denies any connection with real locations, the second part depicts the excitement and cupidity aroused by the Signal Hill oil boom. The next part considers the difficulties of small holders finding agreement to make a deal to lease their oil rights for exploitation. The main plot of Mr. Ross, oilman, and his son slowly develops. The moral dilemma of buying land from poor farmers who don't know there is oil will certainly return in future chapters.
The first two parts could be used by interested students in a classroom that emphasizing reading as collateral material to take them back to the 1920s.
No takers after eight weeks on the shelf at the old soldiers' home but I will drop it off along with several other books at the VA Hospital lobby tomorrow--many readers there!
The first part is interesting in its depiction of driving on S. Cal. roads circa 1925, with speed traps and farm wagons, while introducing Mr. Ross, an excellent businessman. Although Mr. Sinclair denies any connection with real locations, the second part depicts the excitement and cupidity aroused by the Signal Hill oil boom. The next part considers the difficulties of small holders finding agreement to make a deal to lease their oil rights for exploitation. The main plot of Mr. Ross, oilman, and his son slowly develops. The moral dilemma of buying land from poor farmers who don't know there is oil will certainly return in future chapters.
The first two parts could be used by interested students in a classroom that emphasizing reading as collateral material to take them back to the 1920s.
No takers after eight weeks on the shelf at the old soldiers' home but I will drop it off along with several other books at the VA Hospital lobby tomorrow--many readers there!
