Melanie Benjamin is well known for her historical novels and I was delighted to find the history chosen for this book to be more recent. It deals with the cultural challenges of two sisters left to fend for themselves in the era of free love, surfer movies and the women exercising their rights to compete in sports, specifically surfing. The book addresses a wide range of issues from racism to the drug culture, neither glossing over the hardships faced by people pulled into various lifestyles.
Mindy and Ginger tried to keep their family together, but neither of their parents had the girl’s interest at heart. Left to find their own places in a world of dangerous and competitive surfing, the girls chose opposite paths. Their stories are frustrating and heartbreaking. Having lived through this era, I don’t always respect the decisions the characters make, but it was fascinating to read it from a different perspective.
Golden California will be released on August 8, 2023, in time for a few last trips to the beach, either to read, or hop on a surfboard! Thanks to the Publisher, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC.
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