By Nina Bouska
Lake County History: A Mystical Adventure in Time
by Gene Paleno, PAL Publishing Upper Lake, CA, 8½x11 452 pp paperback
“Mystical” is the appropriate keyword chosen by Gene Paleno to describe his latest work, to modify its title’s implication that it is a traditional history.
A prolific author, Paleno in this latest work determined to step back and forth across the line that divides history and the historical novel. He creates in historical vignettes conversations as they may have occurred in order to give color to the county’s past. Funk & Wagnalls (once a dictionary of choice) defines “mystical” as “of the nature of intuitive or subjective perception.”
Paleno’s fascination with local history over the 50 years of his residence in Lake County is obvious as the basis for this monumental collection. His extensive delving into research sources, and committing all that data into readable prose, is a remarkable achievement for a fellow who turned 90 this month. His undeniable creative skill as author of 15 self-published works of fiction is laudable, and most apparent.
There is a gem, or several gems, of truth in each of the lifelike stories Paleno has built around them. They paint a colorful, interesting and intriguing, highly romanticized portrait of our past. It is fun: cowboys and Indians, outlaws and pioneers, escapades and adventures, and more.
It can be a compelling and enjoyable challenge to try to determine just where the author veers into storytelling. Serious historians may be somewhat dismayed by the liberties taken.
The book is a “good read.” I recommend it, unless you are a serious researcher into local history. (Or if you prefer to do your reading in bed, at 450+ letter-size pages, it’s not what you’re looking for.)
So buy it, read it, enjoy it. You will undoubtedly know more than you did before about Lake County.
On sale at most local bookstores, the Courthouse Museum in Lakeport, the Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake, Gibson Museum in Middletown and Ely Stage Stop in Kelseyville.
