Book Review: Strawberry Gold

Strawberry Gold, Chris Gerrib, World Castle Publishing 2024, hardcover and ebook, 279 pages.

Reviewed by Wayne Turmel

Strawberry Gold is a compelling story that couldn’t be set anywhere other than downstate Illinois. The main story takes place in 1986 but it’s a multi-generational tale of crime, greed and fate that flashes back to the 1890s, the roaring twenties, and the nineteen fifties. 

The main story focuses on Pat Kowalski, a young man about to graduate high school but dealing with very adult problems. His father is dying, and his emotionally stunted mother is about to lose the family home to a shady savings and loan. 

While talking to his great grandmother, “Grand Barb,” for an oral history project, he learns of a family legend telling of buried gold. Pat has to untangle the ravings of a senile old woman in a last-ditch effort to save his family. Is it all in her head or is there really a treasure waiting to be discovered? 

The story takes on multiple points of view. Besides Pat, who carries most of the plot, others play important roles in this story: a legal-aid volunteer, a construction engineer, and a high-school rival with his own agenda. Pat’s voice is honest and believable, which is critical as he’s the thread that runs through the entire saga. 

Even with Capone-era gangland killings and shady financial goings-on, this is a YA friendly book with some humor that can be enjoyed by readers of all generations.