The Way of Saint James: Journey to America

About the Book

The Way of Saint James: Journey to America is the story about a family with origins in Spain and their journey to America, including the United States of America and Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (the United Mexican States). The story focuses on the lives of two men, Mihail Gurevich and Baltazar de la Vega. Their families’ background, history, and the lives they led in Europe under conditions that motivated both men to immigrate to America to seek a better life are told. Both men departed when they were young and overcame several obstacles with a resolve to achieve a life in which they could live in freedom and prosper with hard work and dedication toward family. Both individuals were products of not only their place of birth but also the societies in which they lived. Both left what could have been a life not confronted by danger and the unknown. Both chose to venture forth, accepting whatever challenges and risks life may present to them. Their journeys occurred against the larger history of Europe in which they lived. Their journey is similar to the mystical El Camino de Santiago, the Way of Saint James, which served as a metaphor of their quest.

About the Author

Eugene Sierras was born in Tucson, Arizona. He attended local schools and graduated from the University of Arizona. After graduation he was called to active duty with the United States Navy. He received his commission as Ensign, USNR, and served on various ships and aircraft squadrons. He spent a total of eight years in fighter squadrons before being posted to several shore commands and staffs. After retiring from the Navy, he returned to Tucson and completed a career with the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a civilian employee assigned to dispatching and licensing duties. He currently resides in Tucson, Arizona.