My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read one Michener book, The Source, long ago … in fact, long before I became Christian … just as a compelling way to travel through the history and people of a region. I still recall much of it vividly.
Michener was brought to my attention recently when I was looking through Kindle samples and reviews of more recent versions of geographical/gigantic historical fiction. As I discarded author after author, I found myself captivated by the couple of Michener samples I’d downloaded (specifically Caravans and The Source). I also realized I’d forgotten his shorter fiction such as Sayonara and The Bridges at Toko-Ri.
This book reminded me most of an H.V. Morton travel guide, but with a fictional veneer. Michener takes the reader through myriad facets of 1946 Afghanistan ranging from city life to nomad caravans. He simultaneously ponders civilization, faith, and man’s essential nature. Written in 1966, this book also considers those who adhere to traditional thinking versus those who feel that progress means breaking away from civilization. Altogether a fascinating combination.
Thanks Julie,
“Tales of the South Pacific,” that’s my favorite Michener by far. He had a follow-up novel retracing his steps back to the ruins of the De Becque plantation, where he broke down in tears. This was all very real to Michener.
“The Source,” ended with those interesting points of debate. “Poland” answered quite a few questions. There is one section edited out of “Texas” that became a stand alone story of the loss of half of Mexico to the Gringos. That work casts light on our current “immigration-repatriation” debate. To whom does the SW quarter of the USA really belong?
Keep up the good work Julie!
God Bless,
Don
Thanks for sharing this. I was just thinking about James Michener the other day. He used to be a favorite author of mine, but for some reason, I stopped reading him a while ago. You have rekindled my interest!