Helpful Score: 4
If you like to read about nature, wildlife, history, justice, science, professional/personal relationships and/or international politics, you have to read this book. You would never believe that a historical novel could be so compelling, but this book proves it from the first chapters through to the end. This is the first Michener novel I have read, and I now know why he is such a respected artist.
Helpful Score: 3
The book begins a billion years ago. Its first characters are the mastadon and the woolly mammoth, followed by such other settlers as the Eskimos, Athapaskans, and Russians. Vignettes of characters as varied as the Danish navigator Vitus Bering, who explored Alaska for Russia's Peter the Great, and Kendra Scott, the young Colorado teacher who taught the Eskimo children during the recent Prudhoe Bay oil boom, illustrate the colorful history of this vast and exploited land.
Helpful Score: 2
A really awesome book. Please don't be intimidated by the size of it. Every single page is really worth it.
Helpful Score: 2
I read this book on my first trip to Alaska. Nice historical fiction which gave me more appreciation for the native people & cultures, and the colorful history of this state.
Helpful Score: 2
it was a really wonderful historic novel
Helpful Score: 2
If you like epic novels that while being fiction are still based on historical fact you will love this book and hate that there isn't more to read. This may well be the best book I've ever read.
The vast, untamed land of Alaska is revealed in awesome majesty. Native peoples of Alaska have spent millions of lifetimes confronting the fearsome elements of destruction - the bitter winds of Mother Nature, the unlimited might of great armies of the world. In a novel that ranges from the near-forgotten past to the highly technological present, from self-defense to self-determination, here is Alaska's emotional and violent history. It is a stirring portrait of a human community living on the edge of the world, claiming a bold heritage of survival against all odds.
Classic Michener - with his wonderful knack of describing scenes in exact detail!
Helpful Score: 1
I know this is a great book - but I just couldn't get into it. I bought it because we were traveling to Alaska, but never found the time to read it.
Helpful Score: 1
The history lesson is interesting and informative, but the stories are a little trite and very hyperbolic.
Helpful Score: 1
Very long. Slow getting started, but a true Michener saga in all its glory.
Helpful Score: 1
Hubby gives it an "4" -- says it's well-researched (typical Michener) and kept him turning pages.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book on a cruise to Alaska. It added a lot to my understanding of Alaska history.
A historical novel of the forty-ninth state.
I loved this book. If you enjoy fiction based on history, nobody does it better than Michener.
I read this before, during, and after a trip to Alaska and very much enjoyed it. At over 1000 pages, you need to be in the mood for an epic. The characters bring the different historical periods to life.
Amazing read. My first Michener title. I love the way he tied some good history to the fictional narrative.
Another epic from a great writer
Abridged Edition
This is a huge departure from my normal "Mystery/Thriller" genre. We all need a little variety in our lives, as well as in our reading/listening.
I have heard a lot of praise for this book from friends, and just decided to give it a try, and see for myself. I'm glad I did! I'm only sorry that I couldn't find and unabridged tape at the time I decided to listen. I'll find one somewhere ------
Don't get confused --- This book is about Alaska.
Written in 1998, this book is true to Michener's mode of the sweeping epic, historical facts and memorable characters.T he story is about Alaska in all of its glory. You'll see Alaska from all possible angles. I found the book packed full of the richest descriptive scenes and fascinating characters.
You probably think this HAS to be a dull book - well, you're wrong! The story is an action packed novel of the peole and places of Alaska.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with this one, other than maybe not being able to find an unabridged one, but look at this as a "primer" for the unabridged one when you do find it!
Wiley Coyote
This is a huge departure from my normal "Mystery/Thriller" genre. We all need a little variety in our lives, as well as in our reading/listening.
I have heard a lot of praise for this book from friends, and just decided to give it a try, and see for myself. I'm glad I did! I'm only sorry that I couldn't find and unabridged tape at the time I decided to listen. I'll find one somewhere ------
Don't get confused --- This book is about Alaska.
Written in 1998, this book is true to Michener's mode of the sweeping epic, historical facts and memorable characters.T he story is about Alaska in all of its glory. You'll see Alaska from all possible angles. I found the book packed full of the richest descriptive scenes and fascinating characters.
You probably think this HAS to be a dull book - well, you're wrong! The story is an action packed novel of the peole and places of Alaska.
I don't think you'll be disappointed with this one, other than maybe not being able to find an unabridged one, but look at this as a "primer" for the unabridged one when you do find it!
Wiley Coyote
Michener's trademark study of a particular region doesn't work well in this ponderous study of Alaska. Only the World War II sections spark the least bit of interest.
The exciting high points of this story of Alaska since the American acquisition are brought vividly to life: the gold rush either over the forbidding Chilkoot Pass or up the Yukon to Dawson, Canada, then later to the Golden Beaches of Nome; the tremendous growth and exploitation of the salmon industry; the discovery of oil and its social and economic consequences; the difficult construction over permafrost of the Alcan Highway, making possible the defense of teh territory in World War II.
Nice history of Alaska.
Having just taken the land tour and cruise of Alaska, I was excited to read this book. I loved how the author infused the characters to make an interesting story while giving true facts about Alaska. While reading about the places I actually visited, it brought back great memories. I really enjoyed this book.
Bought book for husband and he didn't want to read it, so has never been read. Very thick book, over 1,000 pp's
