West to Eden

One never knows what gems you find sometimes. This novel was truly enjoyable on many, many levels. As an historic narrative depicting a period of this country's development, as a story about man's struggle against nature, man's struggle against man, woman's struggle against society, and woman's struggle against man. Mans'/Womans' struggle against Anti-Semitism, The settings and character development were superb. Gloria really makes you care about each and every character time and again as each character comes and goes throughout the entire saga. In addition to the human struggles depicted there is a real sense of destiny, manifest destiny if you will. As the characters move and grow and mature and achieve success we learn of their strengths and weaknesses, we see their triumphs over adversity and we see adversity triumph over the human spirit. The Emporium's growth and maturity itself is a highly inspirational business tale. With many lessons for the budding entrepreneur. I literally found myself rooting for a successful store opening, or a that a visit by the President of the United States to come off without a hitch. Gloria's' depiction of the Arizona landscape and architecture truly transports the reader to those remote spots and takes one back in time to a simpler, more optimistice and hopeful time. This is one of the few books that I have sent out to others with highest recommendations.