California Author of Novel About Delano Grape Strike Remembers the Anniversary of Cesar Chavez's Death

April 23, 2020, is the 27^th Anniversary of Cesar Chavez's Death

Los Angeles, Calif., April 22, 2020 – Twenty-seven years ago, Cesar Chavez passed away peacefully in his sleep. Most likely weakened from his 38-day fast five years previously, and the grueling hours of testimony he gave during the previous two days of court hearings. He went to bed tired from the day's efforts, and never woke up. He had traveled to Arizona to help defend the UFW against a lawsuit from a large lettuce grower, Bruce Church, who claimed the UFW strikes led by Cesar Chavez had caused him substantial financial loss. He sought to recover damages through a lawsuit. Cesar appeared as a witness for the defense the day he passed away after hours of grueling testimony. 

Part organizer, part humanitarian, Chavez undertook his historic effort to organize and establish the UFW to reform the abuses of farmworkers in the fields in the early '60s. The labor leader had worked tirelessly for nearly four decades, striving to improve farmworkers' wages and working conditions. Leading strikes against major growers, Chavez confronted the largest growers seeking redress of their grievances. One of those was the largest lettuce grower, Bruce Church, who ultimately failed in his efforts to recover damages through the courts. Ironically, two years after Cesar's death, Bruce Church signed a UFW contract. 

Cesar died the way he lived, giving his last ounce of energy to help the cause of the poor.

"His life epitomized self-sacrifice," said the author, John DeSimone of Claremont. In his recently published historical novel,  The Road to Delano, in which Cesar Chavez is a central figure.

The novel is set in Delano in 1968. Two Delano teenagers are the protagonists, both high school seniors. Jack Duncan dreams of playing college baseball and leaving the political turmoil of the agricultural town Delano behind. Ever since his father, a grape grower, died ten years earlier, he's suspected that his mother has been hiding the truth from him about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. With his family's property on the verge of a tax sale, Jack drives an old combine into town to sell it. On the road, an old friend of his father shows up with evidence that Jack's father was murdered. Armed with this new information, Jack embarks on a mission to discover the entire truth, not just about his father but the corruption endemic in the Central Valley.

Jack turns to his best friend, Adrian Sanchez, the son of a boycotting fieldworker who works closely with Cesar Chavez. The boys' dangerous plan to rescue the Duncan family farm leaves Adrian in a catastrophic situation, and Jack must step up to the plate and rescue his family and his friend before he can make his escape from Delano.

The Road to Delano is the path Jack and Adrian must take to find their strength, their duty, their destiny.

Marc Grossman of the Cesar Chavez Foundation wrote in the book's Foreword, "The novel … embraces the moral courage it takes to make the difficult decisions in life often imposes on us…"

DeSimone became intrigued by Cesar Chavez's use of non-violence while teaching freshman writing at Biola University. Using a reader on the history of non-violence, he came across Chavez's story. Further research over several years developed into a novel.   

"I couldn't believe that I understood so little of the critical history of my own state," DeSimone said. "Chavez is a seminal figure in the labor movement in California, but after years of research, I realized he is also a cultural hero, someone who inspired people across all cultural, ethnic, and religious lines. When I began to formulate the story, I asked myself what the teenagers were thinking and doing during this time." This led the author to focus on two high school seniors who were both affected by the conflict.

Deeper issues drove the author to spend five years researching and writing the book. "I believe the meaning of Cesar Chavez's life is relevant today, not only for his use of non-violence but his willingness to stand up for the weakest in society without tearing others down."

Since his death, 27 years have passed. In remembering his passing, we also remember how he lived--a controversial figure in the eyes of some, but an example of a sacrificial life in the eyes of those he advocated for.

There is power in non-violence and in standing up for justice, but there is also a cost.

John DeSimone is a novelist, memoirist, and bestselling co-author. You can read more about him at www.johndesimone.com

Published by Rare Bird Books, Los Angeles

Available March 10, 2020

Author: John DeSimone

What the critics are saying:

"An original and deftly crafted novel that showcases the authors... impressive flair for originality and ... narrative storytelling style that keeps the reader's total attention from cover to cover..."

--- Midwest Book Review

"This whole story is an absolute triumph!"
― The Hauntedfae Book Blog

"...a fast-paced thriller with a social conscience."
― Online Book Club

" The Road to Delano is a compelling story that will leave readers thinking about its surprise ending long after the final confrontation comes to a head."―
California Bookwatch

"Five Stars. Outstanding writing, fast-paced. A must-read for people who love history..."
― Reedsy Discovery

"It's more than a little Steinbeck, in a very good way…."

--- Leigh Ann, Book Sirens

For interviews or further information, contact John DeSimone (jrd@johndesimone.com)

For review copies contact Jessica Szuszka | jessica@rarebirdlit.com 213.623.1773

Author: John

DeSimone jrd@johndesimone.com 714-244-0554