The Gold Eaters

September 7, 2015
Wright’s (Henderson’s Spear) latest historical novel tackles the complex and tragic story of Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro and his army of conquistadores, as they ravage and destroy Peru’s Inca civilization in their insatiable hunger for gold during the years 1526–1544. Waman, an adolescent fisherman in northern Peru, is captured at sea by a Spanish ship, revealing “how easily Christians become savages.” Waman is kept as a slave, to be Pizarro’s interpreter, during the expedition. Waman always thinks of escape, though because of his value to Pizarro, he knows it’s nearly impossible. The mighty Incan empire is decimated by Spanish-borne smallpox, and Waman’s family is dispersed in the chaos. Waman accompanies Pizarro to Spain, where the explorer appeals to the King and Queen for more support to return to conquer all of Peru. As years pass Waman witnesses Spanish duplicity, treachery, and brutality with false promises and cannons crushing Incan resistance, inciting an Incan civil war. When hoards of Incan gold and silver are discovered, greed, disease, and infighting among the Spaniards threatens the newest campaign. This is a rousing adventure tale of bold exploration and conquest, but best is Wright’s vivid portrayal of unrestrained 16th-century Spanish imperialism, complete with villains, victims, and a few heroes. Agent: Henry Dunow, Dunow, Carlson & Lerner.

This chronicle of the decline and fall of the Incan empire is seen through the eyes of one boy turned man. Waman is the character at the center of the story, and narrator Luis Moreno shows his evolution from a na�ve boy who runs away to see the world to a world-weary man who has been tossed about on the seas of history. Waman is reluctantly trained to translate for the Spanish invaders of Peru, led by Francisco Pizarro, and, in doing so, encounters a string of Incan rulers. Moreno flawlessly pronounces phrases in English and Spanish as well as the names of geographic sites and historical figures. This story is a tragedy, with the Spaniards' transmission of smallpox wiping out a great civilization. As Waman, Moreno is a knowledgeable guide to those long-ago troubled times. D.E.M. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine