Wednesday, July 3, 2002

About 'White Gold'

"White Gold," a premiere novel from author Dennis Chase, introduces us to lead character Jeff Anderson, an unlikely hero in the world of the "white gold" of the Orient ­ ginseng. Jeff has been chosen as a guide for a secret organization that keeps the world from being destroyed by people who use ginseng in a less than honorable way. Jeff encounters new and mysterious friends while learning of his destiny as a guide with this clandestine group. In this fast-moving story, events unfold that are both startling and unimaginable as Jeff faces new experiences in a war within the Vietnam War. Jeff learns that this mostly unseen conflict reaches far beyond Southeast Asia, even extending back to his home in Minnesota. The author opens the doors to the world of "sang" as he weaves the tale of Jeff's adventures in the jungles of Vietnam and in the world of those who hunt for and protect ginseng.

Ginseng has been hunted for its root that is dried and sold to dealers who ship large quantities to ports throughout Southeast Asia where demand is high. Indeed, many ginseng hunters in the United States were able to survive the Great Depression and otherwise augment incomes during lean times by finding and selling ginseng in the Southeast Asia market.

Drawing on his own experiences as a Vietnam veteran, Chase takes us on a wild ride through Vietnam in his novel that is filled with twists and turns and the escapades of the villains and saviors who all have one thing in common ­ ginseng.

This book is a captivating adventure intertwined with a story of ginseng ­ a subject that will likely be new to many readers. But, in fact, ginseng has been the backbone of the Asian culture for thousands of years where it is more than a root or an herb. Rather, "sang" represents power, peace and knowledge and is well worth the hunt.

- excerpt from the book cover

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