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Frank Tainter is an emeritus professor of forest pathology from Clemson University and has published more than 150 scientific articles. He describes his Peace Corps experience from 1964-66 at the Forestry Institute in Santiago, Chile at the most significant experience of his life. During his career, he has researched causes of tree diseases in the United States, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador. He currently resides in with his wife, Maria Magdalena, in Bozeman, Montana. 

¿Eres Tu? – Is it you? – Just before 1973, a young Robert, from Montana, travels to Chile to collect medicinal plants. He meets Rosa, the daughter of a shaman, or machi, who has much knowledge of the powers of medicinal plants. But, Robert must leave for Vietnam and can only return several years later after the military coup to learn that he has a daughter. This novel takes place in the Araucarian region of south-central Chile. Not only is it a story of love, it also presents a story of the region, its native people, their folklore music, and their plants with medicinal powers. 

“History, Science, and Romance in One

A fictionalized tale of love, science, and passion that will take us into the temperate rainforests of Chile, and unto the blood-soaked streets of the military coup that deposed President Allende. Frank Tainter presents a one-of-a-kind story in his book, ¿Eres tú?: A History of Lonquimay.

¿Eres tú?, which is a Spanish two-word question asking, Is it you?, follows the story of our hero, Robert, as he ventured into the temperate rainforest near Lonquimay village in southern Chile, in an attempt to gather medicinal plants for a small startup business, had a fated encounter with Rosa, the heroine of the story and the daughter of the machi (medicinal plant shaman). They fell in love, had a child, and went through a lot of hardships, especially when the military coup began. However, Tainter offers more than just the type we found love in a hopeless place, kind of plot. It is a preview of the reality of love. It’s not just about sticking up for each other during rainbows and butterflies. Love is also enduring the hardships and enjoying the adventure together.

On top of this, Tainter also introduces a little bit of the history of Chile. The timeline will transport the readers back to the time when the military seized control of the government from Salvador Allende, the first Marxist to be democratically elected. It also will give a glimpse of the medicinal benefits of some plants.

The book is certainly a breath of fresh air for anyone who loves romance and would want to expand their horizons and knowledge. Tainter’s manner of writing is also very laudable as it is academically enriching but does not compromise the entertainment value. Truly one-of-a-kind and certainly a masterpiece within its genre.”