⋙ Libro Gratis Caravans A Novel of Afghanistan James A Michener Steve Berry 9780812969825 Books

Caravans A Novel of Afghanistan James A Michener Steve Berry 9780812969825 Books

Download As PDF : Caravans A Novel of Afghanistan James A Michener Steve Berry 9780812969825 Books

Caravans A Novel of Afghanistan James A Michener Steve Berry 9780812969825 Books

I had expected "Caravans" to read like the only other Michener book I've read, "Hawaii": a sweeping, multi-generational narrative holding together an entertaining history of the kingdom(s) turned state.

Instead, I lived a year of a young American man's life as he comes of age in post-WWII Afghanistan.

I can't remember the last time I wanted climb inside a novel. The prose is fluid and clean and perfect. The exotic scenes are richly described, the characters layered and living.

"Caravans" is wise and philosophical, but crisp as the night desert air he makes you breath, and as seemingly simple as the "primitive" culture main characters witness.

An epic journey.


Tags : Caravans: A Novel of Afghanistan [James A. Michener, Steve Berry] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. First published in 1963, James A. Michener’s gripping chronicle of the social and political landscape of Afghanistan is more relevant now than ever. Combining fact with riveting adventure and intrigue,James A. Michener, Steve Berry,Caravans: A Novel of Afghanistan,Dial Press Trade Paperback,0812969820,Historical,Afghanistan,Afghanistan;Fiction.,Americans,Americans - Afghanistan,Americans;Afghanistan;Fiction.,Fiction,Adventure thriller,FICTION Historical General,FICTION Literary,FICTION Romance General,FICTION Sagas,Fiction - Historical,Fiction-Coming of Age,Fiction-Historical,GENERAL,General & Literary Fiction,General Adult,MICHENER, JAMES - PROSE & CRITICISM,Romance - General,Thriller suspense,United States,historical fiction; adventure books; adventure; afghanistan; fiction; historical novels; Family Saga; Literary Fiction; 1940s; 20th century; american; asia; historical; history; michener; middle east; travel; historical novel; saga; historical fiction books; historic fiction; drama; genre fiction; literary historical fiction; historical books; historical book; historical fiction novels; historical fiction novel; historical fiction book; historical fiction saga; historical fiction sagas; historical saga; historical sagas; sagas,historical fiction;adventure books;adventure;afghanistan;fiction;historical novels;Family Saga;Literary Fiction;1940s;20th century;american;asia;historical;history;michener;middle east;travel;historical novel;saga;historical fiction books;historic fiction;drama;genre fiction;literary historical fiction;historical books;historical book;historical fiction novels;historical fiction novel;historical fiction book;historical fiction saga;historical fiction sagas;historical saga;historical sagas;sagas,FICTION Historical General,FICTION Literary,FICTION Romance General,FICTION Sagas,Romance - General,Fiction - Historical,Michener, James - Prose & Criticism,Adventure thriller,General & Literary Fiction,Thriller suspense

Caravans A Novel of Afghanistan James A Michener Steve Berry 9780812969825 Books Reviews

I have read several Michener novels and all have been amazing but so far this one is the best I have read. It covers ~13,000 years of religious history from a archeological point of view. I know that sounds dull but it isn't at all. Michener brings to life characters from each era represented in a "tell", or mound created by thousands of years of civilization starting at 11,000 BCE up until 1964. Although it stops at 1964 it is relevant today because it shows the origins of all the religious conflicts(except Hindu/Muslim) of today's world and explains much about why the middle east is such a mess. If you've read Michener before but have missed this one you have to check this out. If you've never read him or have been intimidated by the 1200 pages of small print typical of a Michener novel, this one is definitely worth your time. Highly recommended.
The book traces the rise of religion in general but primarily Judaism. It is told, in typical Michener style, as a series of shorter interconnected stories. I particularly appreciated the educational aspects of the novel as I learned a lot about foreign religions and cultures that I probably wouldn’t have learned on my own. Great book for a reader familiar with Michener’s style and interested in religion and its roots.
This was the perfect book to read before I left for Israel, when I was in Israel, and after my trip to Israel. It is 1200 pages and it did take several weeks to go through it. I found it to be very entertaining and informative. I could actually visualize the places that Michener drew us to with his historical stories. I learned so much and a great time reading the chapters as I traveled through these areas. It was a an added bonus to learn about various religions and understand how they are so interwoven.
FINAL REVIEW ...
OK - I finished - - and I’m GLAD I did. The reading remained somewhat tedious through the 85% mark but (as one might expect from an author of Michener’s stature) his intent gradually became crystal clear and, I guess, some of the tediosity was necessary. He was building an analog (in words) of the archaeological site for which he describes a discovered history. The analog IS a word picture for the Jewish peoples - of the area of the Middle East and Europe - with references to the American diaspora.

Ultimately, this word picture weaves together to provide the reader with a very clear “explanation” for Israel’s collective mentality (if it is at all fair to assume that there IS such a thing any longer) and approach to the rest of the Middle East - - and, indeed, the world.

Israel came into existence during my childhood - - but the struggle necessary to achieve said existence escaped my pre-teen attention. Michener BROUGHT it to my attention (even if only through only a small example) and made it crystal clear why Israel - as a nation - may seem “overly-defensive” today. (Had I been part of the struggle to establish and build the country - - - I would have been - and would likely remain - JUST as defensive!)

Israel is ENTITLED to its “defensiveness” - as are Jewish peoples in the rest of the world. “NEVER AGAIN!” must remain a vivid and active watchword - - for them - - and for ALL of us!

ORIGINAL REVIEW...
I'm about 60% of the way through this tome and I am finding it to be - in a word - TEDIOUS. I will finish - - but I can hardly wait until I get to the end of this brick.

Michener starts in "present day", flits back to many centuries BCE and then slogs his way through history (with occasional side trips back to present day). Through much of the first half of the book, it seems to be a novelized history of the Jewish peoples, their trials, tribulations and laws. Not being a fan of ANY "organized religion", I find this presentation barely retains my attention.
Michener creates a compelling story of a search across Afganistan, of a desert journey by jeep and then journey by foot/horse/camel that allows him to portray some of the grandeur and history of Afganistan and its people post World War II. The relevance of this country has only increased in current times, which contributed to my fascination with his portrayal of life in the late 1940s. Michener's story addresses universal questions about the nature of evil and forgiveness through invoking the particulars of a German doctor/war criminal who has taken refuge in Afganistan who unknowingly tells his story to a Jew, Mark MIller, the protagonist. Mark's desire to take vengeance but his ultimate ability to have compassion give rise to questions about the meaning of forgiveness. This theme gets repeated in interactions between the 'missing' American' young woman, whose rejection of gender and societal expectations in post-War America lead her to a series of unconventional choices and relationships, and her husband, and the other men who love/desire her. Ultimately, her utter self absorption mars the reader's ability to empathize with her, but we are reassured that she will embrace whatever adventures come her way and land on her feet. Michener weaves a compelling tale and his fascination and love for the land come through vividly. A worthwhile read that is still relevant and carries universal themes-- a 'coming of age' novel set in a country with a dramatic history and people.
I had expected "Caravans" to read like the only other Michener book I've read, "Hawaii" a sweeping, multi-generational narrative holding together an entertaining history of the kingdom(s) turned state.

Instead, I lived a year of a young American man's life as he comes of age in post-WWII Afghanistan.

I can't remember the last time I wanted climb inside a novel. The prose is fluid and clean and perfect. The exotic scenes are richly described, the characters layered and living.

"Caravans" is wise and philosophical, but crisp as the night desert air he makes you breath, and as seemingly simple as the "primitive" culture main characters witness.

An epic journey.