A review by theocbookgirl
Arroyo by Chip Jacobs
3.0
I was drawn to this book initially because it's set in Southern California and refers to local Pasadena landmarks and history so I was happy to get a chance to read it.
The main character Nick Chance was a likable anti-hero and the interactions with his horny dog Royo were very entertaining as he becomes a morality guide of sorts.
Historical fiction is a favorite genre and this was a fascinating, well researched look at Old Pasadena. The Colorado Street Bridge is the namesake of the novel and I had no idea it had such a dark as deadly history. A quick search told me that over 100 people have sadly ended their lives by jumping off this bridge.
The author is very capable wordsmith and I had to look up more than a few words... bugaboo, iconoclast, photovoltaic. Satire is not something I always understand so there was probably deeper meaning that I missed. However I enjoyed the quirky characters and the detailed look back through time.
The main character Nick Chance was a likable anti-hero and the interactions with his horny dog Royo were very entertaining as he becomes a morality guide of sorts.
Historical fiction is a favorite genre and this was a fascinating, well researched look at Old Pasadena. The Colorado Street Bridge is the namesake of the novel and I had no idea it had such a dark as deadly history. A quick search told me that over 100 people have sadly ended their lives by jumping off this bridge.
The author is very capable wordsmith and I had to look up more than a few words... bugaboo, iconoclast, photovoltaic. Satire is not something I always understand so there was probably deeper meaning that I missed. However I enjoyed the quirky characters and the detailed look back through time.