In an effort to broaden young minds and foster a deeper understanding of the world's intricacies, Mike Findlay, a Chicoan and retired anthropologist from Butte College and Chico State, has crafted a compelling novel titled "Seamus O'Leary's Taqueria." This cultural travelog, available on Amazon Kindle for $2.99 from Tlaxiaco Press, invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery alongside its protagonist, Seamus O'Leary.
The story unfolds in the late 1960s, introducing us to 22-year-old Seamus, affectionately known as "Sea," hailing from Ballycastle, a fishing town northwest of Belfast in Northern Ireland. As the tumultuous period known as "The Troubles" encroaches upon his homeland, Sea finds himself restless and yearning for new experiences. His decision to leave perplexes his father, who struggles to comprehend his son's desire for adventure.
Findlay's narrative is rich with serendipitous encounters that shape Sea's worldview. In Seattle, he befriends Garret, a fellow Irishman from the southwest, and later meets Elizabeth, a food critic specializing in Mexican cuisine, in a Tijuana restaurant. It is through Elizabeth that Sea is introduced to tacos, which he endearingly refers to as "the little folded things." This culinary revelation becomes a turning point for Sea, igniting his passion for exploring cultures through their cuisines.
The author skillfully uses food as a metaphor for cultural understanding. Sea develops a theory that sharing in the culinary traditions of others can foster global harmony. However, Elizabeth challenges this notion, pointing out that appreciating a culture's food doesn't necessarily translate to a deeper understanding of its people. This exchange highlights the complexity of cross-cultural relationships and the dangers of oversimplification.
As the story progresses, Sea's journey leads him to La Paz in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. Here, he settles down and starts a family, yet still feels adrift. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a devastating storm, a "Chubasco," strikes the region, profoundly impacting Sea's life and those around him. This event serves as a catalyst for further growth and self-discovery.
Findlay's novel is more than just a coming-of-age story; it's a nuanced exploration of cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and the power of food to bridge divides. The author draws on his background in anthropology to weave a tale that encourages readers to look beyond surface-level appreciation of other cultures and delve into the complexities that shape societies.
"Seamus O'Leary's Taqueria" is particularly relevant in today's globalized world, where Generation Z is traveling more than ever before. The novel offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of cultural immersion, providing young readers with a framework for approaching new experiences with openness and empathy.
In his afterword, Findlay eloquently summarizes the central theme of his work: "For me, food, place, and people are a nexus linked to an ever-expanding diverse human universe, a kind of cosmic taco if you please." This metaphor encapsulates the interconnectedness of cultural experiences and the potential for personal growth through culinary exploration.
Through Sea's journey from Northern Ireland to Mexico, readers are invited to reflect on their own cultural biases and preconceptions. The novel challenges us to consider how our understanding of others is shaped by our experiences and encourages a more nuanced approach to cross-cultural interactions.
"Seamus O'Leary's Taqueria" stands as a testament to the power of literature to broaden horizons and foster empathy. By blending elements of travel writing, cultural anthropology, and coming-of-age narrative, Findlay has created a work that is both entertaining and enlightening, offering readers a fresh perspective on the world's rich tapestry of cultures.
