In GARDENS OF PLENTY, Ron Arias immerses readers in a 16th-century world that is both mysterious and magical, exploring the rich culture of "Amexica" with a tenderness that is both persuasive and captivating. Following the publication of his previous work, The Wetback and Other Stories, which earned praise from Paul Theroux for providing a compassionate glimpse into an adjacent neighborhood, Arias continues his literary journey with this epic work of historical fiction. A seasoned writer and author with a diverse bibliography, Arias brings his narrative talent to Gardens of Plenty, providing a deeply sensitive, first-person account of one man's early years in the New World. Drawing on his nomination for a National Book Award with The Road To Tamazunchale and his skill in crafting true survival sagas like Five Against The Sea, Arias again showcases a versatile and nuanced approach to storytelling. From collaborations with renowned figures such as Dr. Mehmet Oz in Healing from the Heart to his exploration of youth advocacy with Paul D. White in White's Rules: Saving Our Youth, One Kid At A Time, Arias consistently demonstrates his ability to traverse different genres and themes. Gardens of Plenty stands as another testament to Arias' literary dexterity. As readers embark on this literary journey, they can anticipate a tale that not only entertains but also provides insights into the complexities of actual and imagined lives lived centuries ago. An amateur potter, Ron Arias currently resides in Ventura, CA, where he lives with his partner, artist Karen de la Pea.
Ron Arias, with his new novel, Gardens of Plenty, shows again why he is considered a leading figure of Mexican-American literature. Cinematic in its vision, journalistic in its detail, epic in its scope -- this orphan's coming-of-age tale in the best tradition of Dickens promises what we're all looking for: a good read.
-Richard Snodgrass, Author, The Books of Furnass
Sure-handed and fast-paced, Ron Arias's Gardens of Plenty tells an epic tale of an orphan's odyssey from 16th century London to the Americas and back again. Set against a backdrop of worlds in collision - colonialism, conquest, religious and racial intolerance - it is packed with drama, peril and insight as it follows one man's harrowing search for identity. This novel, holding up a mirror to an age, isn't one you'll soon forget.
- Tony Cohan, author of On Mexican Time