The Gold Eaters
A Novel
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4.8 • 5 Ratings
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
A sweeping, epic historical novel of exploration and invasion, of conquest and resistance, and of an enduring love that must overcome the destruction of one empire by another
Kidnapped at sea by conquistadors seeking the golden land of Peru, a young Inca boy named Waman is the everyman thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Forced to become Francisco Pizarro’s translator, he finds himself caught up in one of history’s great clashes of civilizations, the Spanish invasion of the Inca Empire in the 1530s. To survive, he must not only learn political gamesmanship but also discover who he truly is, and in what country and culture he belongs. Only then can he find and be reunited with the love of his life and begin the search for his shattered family, journeying through a land and a time vividly portrayed.
Based closely on real events, The Gold Eaters draws on Ronald Wright’s imaginative skill as a novelist and his deep knowledge of South America to bring alive an epic struggle that laid the foundations of the modern world.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Wright's (Henderson's Spear) latest historical novel tackles the complex and tragic story of Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro and his army of conquistadores, as they ravage and destroy Peru's Inca civilization in their insatiable hunger for gold during the years 1526 1544. Waman, an adolescent fisherman in northern Peru, is captured at sea by a Spanish ship, revealing "how easily Christians become savages." Waman is kept as a slave, to be Pizarro's interpreter, during the expedition. Waman always thinks of escape, though because of his value to Pizarro, he knows it's nearly impossible. The mighty Incan empire is decimated by Spanish-borne smallpox, and Waman's family is dispersed in the chaos. Waman accompanies Pizarro to Spain, where the explorer appeals to the King and Queen for more support to return to conquer all of Peru. As years pass Waman witnesses Spanish duplicity, treachery, and brutality with false promises and cannons crushing Incan resistance, inciting an Incan civil war. When hoards of Incan gold and silver are discovered, greed, disease, and infighting among the Spaniards threatens the newest campaign. This is a rousing adventure tale of bold exploration and conquest, but best is Wright's vivid portrayal of unrestrained 16th-century Spanish imperialism, complete with villains, victims, and a few heroes.
