The book with a map and a path.
Can everyone become rich?
A timeless adventure story suitable for all ages, this story shows the value of moderation and points to some risks associated with those willing to pursue their dreams at all costs.
Synopsis
Set in the Cariboo gold rush of the 1860s, this novella follows two brothers seeking their fortune so they can begin living as men blessed with riches.
Will the brothers discover Jim Richmond’s buried treasure and emerge from the gold rush rich as princes? Will the innocent Thomas be pulled along from brotherly love as Paul takes ever more questionable risks to realize his dream? Will Paul realize his dream or go mad in its pursuit? Will Jim’s fiancée and her dream become gold rush casualties at Paul’s ruthless hand?
What does it take?
Is it really true, as the French author Balzac is supposed to have taught, as Mario Puzo began The Godfather, and as Paul Anderson believes here that “Behind every great fortune there is a crime” either never found out or forgotten? If this real world teaching requires equal doses of qualification, then this novella contains a good antidote.
Among the conflicting personal dreams here, there is an ever deepening conflict between different visions of what makes one rich and about “…what it takes” to become rich. Underneath, it is these conflicts that might kill Thomas, or let him emerge from Devil’s Canyon both rich and happy.
Universal Themes
The younger brother must help to pay for the pleasures of the elder.
– Jane Austen, Mansfield Park.
…(T)he world’s mine oyster, which I with sword will open.
– The words of a thieving, immoderate braggart in William Shakespeare’s, “Merry Wives of Windsor.”
While seeking the best life, brothers will be betrayed even by brothers…and some will be put to death.
– Luke 21:16.
A note from the author.
In making the movie based on this novelette, Shawn and his team endured countless late night road trips, swarms of mosquitoes on almost every location and the challenge of co-ordinating an all volunteer crew.
“It gave us a real feel for the difficulties faced by miners searching unfamiliar ground for treasure,” Shawn laughs. “ I wanted to do this story because it features young people struggling with choices between radically different pathways to their future life. And what each one might be willing to do to reach his or her goal. Would you betray even your own family in the hope of a better life somewhere else? Is it the pot of gold or the journey toward the rainbow that is the most important thing?”
Discover more about Shawn here.
