The Incredible Adventures of Enrique Diaz: A Novel for the Young at Heart

by Andrew J. Rodriguez

Astonishing answers to unspoken questions during the Discovery A true account of Enrique Diaz's journeys as a young explorer, these writings, wondrous as they may seem, are drawn from his daily log... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1598008293
• ISBN13: 9781598008296
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Length: 364 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Bob Medak of Allbooks Reviews recommends this

Genre: Historical Fiction Title: The Incredible Adventures of Enrique Diaz AUTHOR: Andrew J. Rodriquez Enrique's Dedication: Attribute to visionaries of all Ages, a ray of hope to humankind, and a gift to those who delight in the colors of the rainbow: this is my story. This is the beginning to what should prove to be an interesting tale. It was this that made me want to read this book. The time of the story is the mid to late 1400's to the early 1500's in Africa, France and the Mediterranean Sea. Enrique sets out to make a life and a name for himself. Will he complete his mission? Read the book to find out. Andrew writes this book from Enrique's point of view. We see the story through his eyes. The characters are well fleshed out and believable. The dialogue fits the characters and is believable. The story is well constructed and has a good flow to it. The names of the characters are well thought out and fit the story. Although a fictional tale, the history and locations are not. A student of the human condition, Andrew considers the craft of writing as a means to enchant the mind while touching the heart. Andrew and his wife live in Colorado and Florida. This is his third book. Mr. Rodriquez spins an interesting tale of a mission to find something, if it exists. The travelers on the mission are of different ethnic and religious backgrounds coming together for the success of the mission. A fine example of tolerance woven into a good read. I found myself routing for Blas, David and Enrique on their adventure, hoping they would find what they were searching for. I found this an above average read and would recommend it to readers young and old. Reviewer: Bob Medak, Allbooks Reviews.

A spiritual adventure

Enrique Diaz, a young fifteenth-century Portuguese Catholic, embarks on an adventure with two friends, one Jewish and the other a Moor, in search of his dream-the Prestor John utopian paradise in the heart of Africa. Quoting from the back cover: . . . "Traveling by ship, cart, and caravan, the three explorers encounter perils galore-pirates and storms at sea, slave traders and murderous thieves on land. They explore the exotic casbahs of Morocco . . . the mysterious ruins of ancient Egypt . . . the hidden civilization of Abyssinia, keepers of the Ark of the Covenant . . . the awe-inspiring holy city of Mecca . . . and return again to Renaissance Europe. En route the young travelers taste the richness of each other's religions-and win the hearts of their true loves." Andrew Rodriguez tells us this story is for the "young at heart", which might lead one to think it's a children's tale. However, considering the in-depth, historical religious facts woven throughout, I would compare it to The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, with a broader perspective. It is crystal clear that the author has a solid grasp and extensive knowledge of biblical history and a universal message to convey-the heart of this novel. Allow me to share an excerpt from page 190: "Why are you telling us all this, Your Majesty?" I ask. "Simply to reward your generosity with a few words of wisdom. You come in pursuit of noble ideals, not in search of riches, domination, or to tarnish the minds of the weak with a new cult. "When young I was an idealist like you," King Ezana addresses me. "Now I know better. Upon ascending the throne I wanted to create a kingdom akin to the one you are trying to discover. I worked hard, and with the help of the queen, my family, and loyal friends, I built the wealthiest, most powerful nation in East Africa, brought enemies to peaceful terms, changed assassins into human beings, instilled hope to a dominion in despair, and established lasting peace with our neighbors. Yet after all these years, there are still vital issues I have not been able to solve and perhaps never will." "What are they, Your Majesty?" David asks. "Man's stupidity, Mother Nature, and the impossibility of stopping history from repeating itself. All I have gained in forty years of hard work is a moment in time. After I'm gone, a few generations into the future, some foolish moron will take over the nation and drag it into the ground. No country has endured for long without being destroyed from within, and my kingdom is no different. Aksum will become ashes and Abyssinia an impoverished land. We may not see it, but our descendants will. "This terrible drought and the locust outbreak are the best examples. All my efforts to build a caring and devoted society have been destroyed by the prospects of famine: herders and farmers killing each other for a morsel, people blaming government for their own shortsightedness, greedy opportunists amassing wealth at the expense of others. You see,

a lifetime of adventure

To find a land where people live in harmony - such is the adventurous if not arduous task of Enrique Diaz. In "The Incredible Adventures of Enrique Diaz," by Andrew J. Rodriguez, readers will embark on the journey of a lifetime, or three. A youthful dreamer, Enrique Diaz is a fifteenth century Portuguese Catholic. Leaving on a quest to find the legendary kingdom of Prester John, he is joined by David, a Portuguese Jew, and Blas, a Moor. Together the three will have unbelievable adventures and dance with danger at every turn. To visit the holy city of Mecca is the first goal of the trip, the second is to find the lost tribe of Black Jews, known as Falashas, and the third and most precious goal is to discover the truth about the legendary kingdom of Enrique's dreams. Along the way the three friends see, taste, endure, and learn much. Danger is all around in the form of pirates, slave traders, thieves and disease. The plague lurks and lepers reach out for help. Somewhere down the road the three also experience compassion, gain wisdom, understand the global world and its religions, and find love. Andrew Rodriguez has done it again. He has written an epic journey within the confines of a mere novel. To live a lifetime of adventure through his pages is a treat indeed! The plot flows eloquently through the Nile, up mountainous terrain, and sweeping into France. His characters are endearing and show their flaws like the hearts they wear on their sleeves. The greater message though, is one of living in harmony. Let us all have such a quest. Review by Heather Froeschl.