Since 1891 the exact location of the Lost Dutchman Mine has eluded the best treasure hunters in the world. For well over a century fortunes and lives have been lost while attempting to follow clues and maps associated with one of the most enduring legends of the southwest. Chasing Pedro turns legend into fact as it chronicles the decade-long search and ultimate discovery of this enigmatic site.
#703673 in Books 2016-06-28Original language:English 8.50 x .93 x 5.50l; 1.04 #File Name: 1533656924372 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. and through a strong narrative of joy; painBy Anne P.Book Review for Ralph Webster’s; A Smile in One Eye; A Tear in the Other.The courage and resilience of individuals to survive one of history’s most horrifying times—the tumultuous violence of the Nazi regime—has been depicted through numerous narratives and films. But stories; recounted by actual family members of those shocking times; oftimes help define one’s self and find meaning in one’s life. So it is with Ralph Webster. He relates the absorbing story of family members in their quest to escape; and survive; a regime that defines them by their Jewish bloodlines.Employing an epistolary format; Webster compiles his “labor of love†by using two narratives. The first narrator is Gerhard Udo Albert Wobser; the author’s father. In his bildungsroman; Gerhard describes his patriotic German upbringing; his Lutheran religion; and his escape to Scotland and then to the United States. Webster admits to the malleability of memory and that the book may be “flawed with errors and omissions.†However; while there are times where he patches together details from separate events to form a single occurrence; his creative blend of fact and “his interpretation of events†allow him to write a seamless; and meaningful; story.The second narrator; Ralph Webster; uses journal entries to provide an intimate insight into his thoughts and feelings about his father; and about his family history. By using this form of narrative; Webster not only describes the horrors of a world war; he provides a direct connection to the current state of refugees around the world. In his quest for family history; peopled by memorable family members; and through a strong narrative of joy; pain; fear; depravity; and finally; happiness; Webster looks backwards to provide a bridge into the future for his children and grandchildren.As Gerhard remarks; “ Always is never the same. Mela tells me that life has a smile in one eye; and a tear in the other. Life does find a way to create a balance somewhere between smiles and tears.†Ralph Webster in this remarkable book; with superb historical context; has found that balance—this literary piece is a captivating experience for his readers.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A great read that remains applicable in today's world.By Jan MadsonRalph Webster’s book allows the reader a sobering and shocking glimpse into the window of the life of his Prussiana/German father before; during and after World War II. Before the war; his father’s childhood was loving; buoyant and idyllic. However; once he was stamped as having Jewish blood from his mother’s side; even though his family was Lutheran; Nazi Germany considered him and his family as Jews. Gradually; the restriction and oppression of “Jews†came about. Wartime cruelly caused the unthinkable and sheared the close-knit family apart in an effort to survive. It took away the life that he and his family had known as the members were scattered to the wind in various parts of the world. Throughout the book; Webster; deftly a wove an interspersed tapestry of his father’s existence from his first 20+ years against the end stage of his life. No one could imagine such disparate segments in a single lifetime. This book not only speaks to the plight of the Jews in wartime Germany but also to the current situation with displaced war refugees who have lost everything; except their remaining family in today’s world.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Must-ReadBy Roberta J OvertonThe "voice" of the author was very authentic and drew the reader into the lives of all characters as their lives unfolded in the story. The book dealt with a heartfelt story about the love of a family torn apart by war and a son relating the story of his father growing up during that time. The story was conveyed very tenderly without being overly emotional. I don't think that the book was intended to be a political statement in any way but the parallels to various aspects of conditions in the United States and the world today that I drew from reading the book were very thought provoking. The plight that society is currently facing with assisting refuges became much more real and personal to me. It serves as a reminder that we must always remain vigilant of those who are in power and never become complacent to changes and conditions that surround us. This book is a classic and timeless must- read.
