An epic coming-of-age novel about the bonds and history between two men that intertwine their families togetherâfor better and for worse.
Steve is a seventeen-year-old runaway when he meets, Juan, the son of a fugitive drug lord. The two work together, deep in the Calaveras Mountains of California, on a large marijuana-growing operation run by Juanâs father. Their friendship is fueled by the brutal conditions and horrific events that define their day-to-day lives.
The utter loneliness of their world creates a lasting bond, and the boys finally escape. Steve knows the two will be friends for lifeâbut Juan hopes they will be something more. When they grow to manhood, Juanâs love for Steve endures. Steve marries, has children, and fulfills his dream of becoming a journalist for San Franciscoâs leading newspaper. Juan becomes a famous artist who loves Steveâs son as though the boy was his own, confessing to Steve that, âHe is the only part of you that I can ever claim.â
By turns heartbreaking, emotional, and provocative, And Yesterday Is Gone is a must-read novel about the changesâunexpected, unacceptable, and life-threateningâthat can alter our lives over the decades.