The largest lake of California has a person thinking of lush green landscapes with a rich flora and fauna. It was the desertlike surroundings that struck me most when I first arrived. Ruinous houses everywhere, old piers indicate former water levels, stranded boats now only fit for scrap, inhabitants that seem a lot less euphoric than the postcards from the 1950’s promised. Wandering around in this wasteland words like desolate and barren come to mind. Why do people hold on to this place? For what reason do they stay and fight against nature although there is no recovery in sight?

The American Dream is a theoretical construct which serves as the base upon which an entire system of beliefs was built. Independence, freedom, the possibility to cultivate land and the conviction to be able to achieve everything by hard work are at the core. These agents have beckoned people to the new world for centuries.At times the American Dream can be adventurous, even hazardous. It may appear to be a path gone astray, even to be a lost cause. Considering the frontier spirit one might critically bring into question at which point holding on to a chosen path turns into an aberration. Does a secluded life in a desert qualify as a dream come true?

excerpts of Martin Lamberty´s book Dream for Sale

martinlamberty.de