The Valley of the Moon

by Jack London

Book Overview

A road novel fifty years before Kerouac, The Valley of the Moon traces the odyssey of Billy and Saxon Roberts from the labor strife of Oakland at the turn of the century through Central and Northern California in search of land they can farm independently--a journey that echoes Jack London's own escape from urban poverty. As London lost hope in the prospects of the socialist party and organized labor, he began researching a scientific and environmentally...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520218205
• ISBN13: 9780520218208
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 436 Pages
• Weight: 1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A fresh breath of air

This book rings true to Jack London's character - strong, nobel and powerful. It is interesting to see how truly his character comes through even in the smallest characters or the smallest insignificant event. Very inspiring! The actual story deals with this couple who decide to leave Oakland. It is autobiographical and again its amazing to see how many books have come out of Jack London's rich and variegated life! Also the turning point in the character's lives comes through another character who must have been the young Jack London! The interesting side to this book is a potrayal of two women and feminine views (not to be misunderstood with feminist views). Its surprising to read Jack London talking about pretty underthings! On the whole a beautiful book, very varied in character!

What a great book!!

I read this book after biking through a lot of the California towns London mentions. I pedaled through Glen Ellen and saw some of the missions. Since I am male, I could relate to the character of Billy. He is an early 20th century renaissance man. I never got bored with this book. It has a lot of personal meaning to me. I come from some of the "old stock" Billy and Saxon refer to. Tons of detail. I had to read it twice to get all the details. If you like northern California and want to know what it was like 100 years ago, read this.

A Testament of Love

As in many of his books, Jack London enraptes the reader, but this time in a story of love. It is extremely refreshing because it shows the good side of true love without that sickening sweetness so many love stories have... I read this book a few years back and read it again just recently. I am SIXTEEN. This book is definetly one that many can enjoy, no matter your age.

Pursuing dreams in a simpler age

Against a backdrop of the deadly struggles of organized labor in turn-of-the-century California, Jack London created an odyssey of two young lovers who pursue their dream of returning to the roots of their American pioneer ancestors. This book was originally written as a serial for Cosmopolitan magazine, and is reprinted in sections representing each issue. It is wonderfully illustrated by Howard Christy. Despite the xenophobia (quite common in the era), the book presents two compelling protagonists, and follows them in a struggle against union-busting bosses, poverty, and nature. The pages fly by.

A romantic adventure of people who don't give up easily.

I don't really have time for that, but some may say that the hero's of this book are naive, some say that happened long time ago,and is not up to date.I have read the book in the czech language and it gave me great pleasure of being able to just fall in and let the story take me away. It has everything what you want to find in the good book. Love , hate, survival, courage and big dream which everybody hope to find. Some looks for the valley, but The valley can represent anything else for a different person - money ,hapiness, e.t.c. Just stop and look around to find it.