Title: Plague of Flies: Revolt of the Spirits, 1846
Author: Laurel Anne Hill
Publisher: Sand Hill Review Press
ISBN: 978-1-949534-20-7
Pages: 248
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed By: Dan MacIntosh
Pacific Book Review
Author Laurel Anne Hill’s book, Plague of Flies: Revolt of the Spirits, 1846, is set in California during the mid-19th century, and is built around the adventures of a precocious young woman named Catalina Delgado. This was an actual historical period when a small group of American settlers in California rebelled against the Mexican government and proclaimed California an independent republic. This was a short independence, however, because eventually the U.S. military occupied California, which later joined the union in 1850.
In this story, Delgado is a Mexican, which make these Bear Flaggers her enemies. This military conflict is putting a big roadblock in Delgado’s future, as she dreams of settling down with her desired husband, Angelo Ortega. Ortega enlists to fight for his country, which greatly jeopardizes Delgado’s fairytale story future.
Hill’s story is historical, at least to a point. Yes, it involves Bear Flaggers, Mexicans, and other indigenous peoples during a pivotal time in American and Mexican history. This conflict was, without question, real. However, Hill embellishes it with Delgado’s life story, which is anything but what might be termed normal. She has a bit of a mystical mindset and is ultimately brought into a magical world where the supernatural interacts with the natural world.
Many young women can relate to the Delgado character. She is kind of a tomboy, in that she can rope cattle as well as the boys can, and loves to ride her horse Fandango. However, she’s also a romantic who dreams of marrying Angelo Ortega. Thus, she embodies the best of all possible female characteristics. She’s tough and tender – at the same time.
This story’s primary bad guy is a Bear Flagger named Jedidiah Jones. He killed Delgado’s great uncle. Although he’s not painted as an all-evil man, he does nevertheless represent the enemy. The book generally labels Bear Flaggers or white people as the bad ones, whereas Mexicans and indigenous peoples are generally seen as good, if not better, than these Bear Flaggers/whites.
The story’s title references flies. These flies are both annoying and helpful Delgado as the story unfolds. It is unusual when these flies become Delgado’s allies, as flies are usually unwelcomed almost everywhere they go. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout Hill’s story, which keep the reader engaged. Although one has faith that Delgado will succeed in her quest, there are also many trials and tribulations along the way to cast temporary doubts. Sometimes, however, Hill’s scene transitions are a little jarring at times. The plot changes scenes, seemingly on a dime, which can catch the reader by surprise. Smoother transitions, from scene to scene, certainly would have been appreciated.
While Delgado clings to the Catholicism with which she was raised, she also entertains more mystical beliefs, which likely wouldn’t be approved of by the church. One particular doctrine that sticks in her craw is the teaching that couples will not remain married in heaven. One is left with the decided impression that she doesn’t accept this teaching, and fully expects to be married to Angelo Ortega in heaven. Then again, flying horses are also extrabiblical, at the very least, which makes her Catholicism just one part of her expansive, inclusive spirituality.
Those that like their history mixed with fantasy will likely find much to appreciate about Laurel Anne Hill’s book. Also, those who enjoy brave female characters will immediately warm up to Catalina Delgado’s gusto for life. Ultimately, this is a story of dogged determination. Delgado knows exactly what she wants from life and knows well when she needs to take action – ignoring the consequences – in order to do the right thing. Heroes can sometimes be hard to come by these days, and Delgado is (fictitiously, at least) especially heroic throughout.
