The Valley of the Moon

is a novel published in 1913. Billy and Saxon Roberts are working-class laborers in Oakland whose lives are shattered by labor strikes and violence. Determined to escape the city’s turmoil, they embark on a journey through California seeking farm land of their own. Along the way, they encounter artists, socialists, pros perous immigrants, and sustainable farmers, each offering different visions of the American dream. Their quest leads them toward a promised valley where they hope to build a new life.car ran as far as Hayward’s, but at Saxon’s suggestion they got off at San Leandro. 'It doesn’t matter wherewestartwalking,'shesaid, 'forstarttowalksome where we must. And as we’re looking for land and finding out about land, the quicker we begin to investigate the better. Besides, we want to know all about all kinds of land, close to the big cities as well as back in the moun tains.' 'Gee!-this must be the Porchugeeze headquarters,' was Billy’s reiterated comment, as they walked through San Leandro. 'It looks as though they’d crowd our kind out,' Saxon adjudged. 'Some tall crowdin’, I guess,' Billy grumbled. 'It looks like the free-born American ain’t got no room left in his own land.' 'Then it’s his own fault,' Saxon said, with vague asperity, resenting condi tions she was just beginning to grasp. 'Oh, I don’t know about that. I reckon the American could do what the Porchugeeze do if he wanted to. Only he don’t want to, thank God. 'Not in the country, maybe,' Saxon controverted. 'But I’ve seen an awful lot of Americans living like pigs in the cities.' Billy grunted unwilling assent. 'I guess they quit the farms an’ gotothecity for something better, an’ get it in the neck.' 'Look at all the children!' Saxon cried. 'School’s letting out. And nearly all are Portuguese, Billy, NOT Porchugeeze. Mercedes taught me the right way.' 'They never wore glad rags like them in the old country,' Billy sneered. 'Theyhadtocomeoverheretogetdecentclothesanddecentgrub. They’re as fat as butterballs.' Saxon nodded affirmation, and a great light seemed suddenly to kindle in her understanding. 'That’s the very point, Billy. They’re doing it-doing it farming, too. Strikes don’t bother THEM.