Helpful Score: 1
Michener uses his tried & true formula here on the Caribbean, tracing the people and history of the region from the 1300s through the present day. The technique allows him to present an overview of a region's impact -- and in fact, the connections drawn between 17th century Caribbean and 21st century United States are probably the most interesting portion of the novel. The drawback is that no one period is allowed enough time on stage to fully develop the characters.
A huge sweeping novel -- very engrossing and powerful novel. Michner is truly amazing.
Good, but lengthy and there is a lot of military history that although it's important, I didnt' care for it.
James Michener is a writer's writer. He weaves history fact and fiction into his books. I began the book before a cruise but did not get it finished until I returned home - it is more than 800 pages long. Each chapter, however is separate yet ties into the whole. Visiting Panama and the town of Portobella, I had a greater appreciation of the history of the place.
"Remarkable & praisworthy... He treats his chosen region with immense respect, with a palpable decency that is utterly engaging & which deserves our close attention," writes The Washington Post Book World. "A grand epic... he sympayhizes with the struggles of the region's most oppressed, & succeeds in presenting the Carabbean in it's rich diversity...Mitchner will introduce a large audience to the Caribbean past." states The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Even American tourist familiar with some of the serene islands will find themselves enlightened bythe information the novel delivers...here there is a strong aura of truth behind the storytelling." quotes The New York Times.
Informed me about the complex history of the region that increased my understanding of the different island cultures and of the fascinating people who made them what they are.
Great Michener documenatry of the Caribbean as only Michener can describe it.
**** I have traveled to many islands in the Caribbean and wanted a historical fiction on them. If you have read other James Michener books, this is another good entry of his. Every chapter is about a different island; I enjoyed this book.
James Michener does it again. Oh, what a wonderful book. This is a must read.
An abridged version but is a good story and a nice commuter version.
melody
melody
From the 1310 conquest of the peaceful Arawaks by voracious cannibals to the decline of the Mayan empire, from Columbu's arrival to buccaneer Henry Morgan's notorious reign, from the bloody slave revolt on Haiti to the rise of Castro-Caribbean carries us through 700 dramatic years in a take teeming with revolution and romance, slavery and superstition, heartfelt characters and thunderous destinies. In this awesome and capitvating story of great scope and wonder, Michener has created his most spectacular and thrilling historical novel to date.
Michener at his best.
All Michener books are great. This one is no exception.
Master storyteller James A. Michener sweeps us off to the Caribbean, with a magnificent novel that caputres the eternal allure of that glittering string of islands and their tumultuous history.
Michener is the very best and this book is no different.
Classic Michener. Compelling story.
"A grand epic."
THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
Master storyteller James A. Michener sweeps us off to the Caribbean,with a magnificent novel that captures the eternal allure of that glittering string of islands and their tumultuous history. Beginning in 1310 and continuing through Columbus's arrival and the bloody slave revolt of Haiti to the rise of Castro, CARIBBEAN carries us through 700 dramatic years in a tale teeming with revolution and romance, slavery and superstition, heartfelt characters and thunderous destinies.
THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
Master storyteller James A. Michener sweeps us off to the Caribbean,with a magnificent novel that captures the eternal allure of that glittering string of islands and their tumultuous history. Beginning in 1310 and continuing through Columbus's arrival and the bloody slave revolt of Haiti to the rise of Castro, CARIBBEAN carries us through 700 dramatic years in a tale teeming with revolution and romance, slavery and superstition, heartfelt characters and thunderous destinies.
a long but interesting Mitchner book
You know this is a thick, heavy PB if it is by Michener, and of course it is, a book-of-the-month club selection..
Most copies have a red cover
