The Review

In “California Golden,” Melanie Benjamin takes readers on a captivating journey through the turbulent and euphoric early days of California surf culture. Set in the 1960s, the story follows the Donnelly sisters, Mindy and Ginger, who grow up under the shadow of their mother, Carol, a legendary female surfer breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. As their mother pursues her surfing dreams, the sisters grapple with her absence, emotionally and physically, and find solace in the waves.

The narrative unfolds with a vivid portrayal of the sun-soaked beaches and glittering nights of California, where Carol’s daughters find solace and escape from their troubled home life through surfing. Mindy, naturally talented on the waves, navigates the path to fame and success, embracing beachside love affairs, parties at exclusive clubs, and a USO tour in Vietnam. On the other hand, Ginger, desperate for belonging and mortified of being left behind, is drawn into the counterculture of drugs and cults, seeking a sense of community.

Throughout the novel, Melanie Benjamin skillfully explores the complexities of family dynamics and the lasting impact of neglect and trauma on the sisters’ lives. The characters are well fleshed-out, making it easy for readers to feel both empathy and frustration for their choices. The backdrop of California surf culture is beautifully described, transporting readers back to a time when women were pushing against societal expectations. However, the excessive use of racial slurs, though time appropriate, were off-putting.

Overall, the book delves into themes of motherhood, sibling relationships, ambition, sacrifice, and the search for identity. Benjamin weaves a tale that tugs at the heartstrings, as the characters grapple with their emotional wounds and seek connection in a shifting society. The story effectively showcases the struggles faced by women in pursuing their passions and recognition in the male-dominated world of surfing. While there were aspects in the novel that I wish were developed more, I did still find myself emotionally connected to the characters. Ultimately, deciding to round this 3.5 star novel down to 3 stars on GoodReads.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

Primarily set in the late 1950s into 1960s, the Donnelly sisters, Mindy and Ginger, navigate the world of California surf culture. Neglected, and almost abandoned by their mother, a legendary female surfer, the sisters devise a plan to keep their mother around, and out of child protected services. They will find solace and escape in the waves their mother loves, to show they are not a hinderance to her dreams. The story explores themes of family, ambition, sacrifice, and the search for identity, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated world. Although the book has its strengths, including well-developed characters, some readers may find certain aspects, such as the use of racial slurs, off-putting.