Robert Laxalt (1923–2001)

A very sweet, poignant memoir/travelogue about Laxalt's father and a trip they took together back to Basque Country, where his father grew up. Well-written in deceptively simple language considering the complex emotional experiences depicted.

Could be used for Nevada or Basque country in geographical challenges.

This book is an absolute gem. The Laxalt family became a prominent and well know family in Nevada. Paul Laxalt becoming the governer and a senator for the state of Nevada. Robert Laxalt became a celebrated author whose funeral at the University of Nevada several years ago was one of the largest in state history. In this book he tells the story of his father's experience as a immigrant Basque sheep herder. The rise and fall of family fortune's and the hard luck of raising stock in a terrain show more of terrible and exacting beauty. The story culminates in a vist home for Dominique, the father. He travels with his son Robert to visit the place of his birth and to see relatives he has not seen in 50 years. It is Dominique's story but mirrors many other immigrant's stories. The author tells this simple story with obvious love and admiration for his father who has been a bit of an enigma to the children raised in America. show less