www.montereycountynow.com January 16-22, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 29 LIT In September, after nearly four years of labor, Justin Hébert published his novel Califia’s Crusade. Hébert moved his family to Marina in 2016. Here he discovered history he didn’t expect. He had never been taught about Monterey being the original capital of California. He certainly never heard about the origin of the state’s name. One of the versions claims that it came from a Spanish fantasy novel written around 1500, The Adventures of Esplandian, by Garci Rodríguez de Montalvo. “The author imagined that off the west coast of the recently-discovered Americas there was an island called California populated by—among the Indigenous people—Black Amazons who possessed griffins that killed any man who set foot on their island,” Hébert says. When Cortez sent scouts to explore western Mexico after defeating the Aztecs, they returned to inform him that there was an island off the west coast. “Being a huge fan of the book, Cortez named this island, which we now know was the Baja Peninsula, California,” Hébert explains. Montalvo’s original work has a long reach. In it there are elements of religious warfare and conversion. It was the first book burned in the fictional Don Quixote. For his novel, Hébert decided to link the Black Amazons of California with the original Amazons of Greek mythology. The novel is written from the Amazons’ proto-feminist perspective. Rooted in history and Homer, Califia’s Crusade is first of all a work of fiction “as weird as it can be,” Hébert says. The world he populates is incredibly complex. Due to many political maneuvers and their hatred toward Greeks, Amazons move to what today is California. Queen Califia is in charge, leading a feminist and, for the most, part lesbian society. Black Amazons reproduce using a special plant from the legendary continent of Atlantis (yes, Atlantis, just like the Trojan War or the Timurid Empire, are parts of the puzzle). They keep girls and give their boys to the native people. They ride griffins. They have one breast exposed. There are many reasons they left their native land for the New World, which must be read to be understood. With a novel of this complexity and depth of mythology, even spoilers could not tip a reader off. Califia’s Crusade by Justin Hébert is available online. Visit Justin-Hebert.com. DANIEL DREIFUSS Amazon Delivery A Marina resident’s novel is inspired by a piece of Spanish fiction from 1500. By Agata Popęda In Califia’s Crusade, Justin Hébert has developed a world of mythology, fantasy and ancient tales. Monterey Peninsula Voices invites you to join our spring season. Beginning January 20, practices will be held Monday evenings, 7-9pm, at Wellspring Church in PG. Come be a part of this fun gathering as we prepare “Celestial Voices” to be performed on May 10 & 11. Questions: www.mpvoices.org Calling All Singers (Male voices especially!) ARCADE SHOP 2 PLAYER 398 FOAM ST. STE A SAT/SUN 12-9 W-F 2-9 MONTEREY CA 93940 (831)324-0669 RETRO ARCADE - GAME REPAIRS AND MODS TABLETOP GAMING - USED GAMES AND MORE! 2playerarcade.com 2playerarcade DROP-IN DUNGEONS & DRAGONS $10 ENTRY Check our website for dates & details! WE BUY USED GAMES! CASH OR STORE CREDIT!! carmel plaza • carmel-by-the-sea khakisofcarmel • 831.625.8106 shop new arrivals selected sport coat reductions
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