Ron Arias’ Gardens of Plenty is a sweeping historical novel set in the 16th century that follows an orphan’s transformative journey from London to the New World and back again.  

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  • Ron Arias, with his new novel, GARDENS OF PLENTY, shows again why he is considered a leading figure of Mexican-American literature. Cinematic in its vision, journalistic in its detail, epic in its scope—this orphan's coming-of-age tale in the best tradition of Dickens promises what we’re all looking for: a good read.

    Richard Snodgrass, author of The Books of Furnass

  • Sure-handed and fast-paced, GARDENS OF PLENTY tells an epic tale of an orphan’s odyssey from 16th-century London to the Americas and back again. Set against a backdrop of worlds in collision—colonialism, conquest, religious and racial intolerance—it is packed with drama, peril, and insight as it follows one man’s harrowing search for identity. This novel, holding up a mirror to an age isn’t one you’ll soon forget.

    Tony Cohan, author of On Mexican Time

  • GARDENS OF PLENTY is a work of prodigious research and astonishing imagination, full of action and excitement, a ripping tale well told.

    Steve Dougherty, author of Audrey & The Twins

  • An action-packed and historically rich novel with a compelling lead character.

    Kirkus Review of Books