I think that this is the first work of James Michener that I ever read and it made me a Michener reader to this day.
The book provided me with information, albeit partly fiction, about an area of the world that was merely a place on a globe.
Since my first reading, I have read the book a couple more times and it still sits on my shelf.
The book provided me with information, albeit partly fiction, about an area of the world that was merely a place on a globe.
Since my first reading, I have read the book a couple more times and it still sits on my shelf.
This is an interesting view of Afghanistan, especially in light of events over recent years. Published in 1963, this story is set based on "current" events and culture of the time, and provides some insight into the background and history that is a preface to our 21st century struggles in that part of the world.
Loved it, most of it. I felt like the main character was really there. I read later that Michener was in Afghanistan shortly after the time period the book is set, after WWII. I learn a lot about my assumptions of life in Afghanistan. Michener showed the love and the brutality. I found it fascinating Michener's presentation of their view of the western world. Michener departs from his usually plot of following several families over time instead follows several characters over a short period of time. The main character was great. The missing girl character was not. I felt the end of the book was an unrealistic and unnecessary love story. Overall I enjoyed the book, it took me a place I have never been. It was worth the read.
Not Michener's best, but still a good book. Timely too, in that it deals with Afghanistan.
An early novel from James Michener and a very interesting one. This provides an look at Afghanistan that existed what seems a long time past and we realize that the time period is not even a century ago. Dated? Yes but still a very good story from a great storyteller.
