The Source

Rating:
Summary: Historical Fiction At Its Finest
Review: This sweeping epic traces the fictitious history of Makor, a city in Israel, from prehistory to modern times. Starting in the 1960s, an archeological dig turns up artifacts in an ancient mound composed of the remains of successive settlements in Makor. Then, starting with the deepest, oldest artifact and moving forward in time, in successive chapters Michener chronologically describes the inhabitants (who are often descendants of characters in earlier chapters) and events in and around the city over thousands of years. In this way, he tells the fascinating story of the Jews and other local inhabitants, of Judaism and its role in the creation of Christianity and Islam, and of the establishment of the modern state of Israel.

This is the first book I have read by Michener, my interest having been piqued when a friend responded to my praise of Edward Rutherfurd's "London" by describing Rutherfurd as "a poor man's Michener". My friend's point was that Rutherfurd borrowed Michener's often-used story structure for historical fiction, a structure perhaps best exemplified by "The Source". As much as I enjoyed "London", it pales in comparison to "The Source", one of the classics of the genre. I recommend it without reservation.

Rating:
Summary: Epic telling of the History of the middle East
Review: One of Michener's early novels. His epic (this puppy is over 1000 pages long) writing style is definitely on display here though the overall construction of the book is unusual for Michener. The story starts with a "modern" day archeological dig (circa 1950). We are exposed to a range of relics of various types and ages dug up by the archeologists. There are 12 in all. The book then tells the "historical" tale surrounding each piece-12 stories. So, in essence, this is in reality a book of 12 interconnected and interrelated short stories-more novella's, really-- with a prolog and post-log involving the archeological dig.

Being an early effort and given it's unusual structure vis-à-vis Michener's traditional style the book lacks some of the elements of structure and style that so characterize Michener's later works-specifically, this book lacks the overall story line and continuity that characterize later efforts. On the whole I think this is actually a positive. A lot of Michener's books seem to weigh me down as I read them-the structure seems at times more important than the story and the stories so overblown as to be beyond the ken of merely mortal readers. Those aspects are absent here despite the books length. And while they book is more or less short stories/novellas, they are sufficiently detailed and expansive that interest is maintained but not abused.

The work is dated. While there is a sense that Michener was making a real effort to be apolitical and historically accurate, the fact is that the book nevertheless reflects the underlying predispositions of the time. I suspect if he were around to undertake this effort now the book would have a somewhat different flavor. This fac tin no way detracts from the viability nor the vitality of the stories, however.

On the whole, while this probably can't be adjudged Micheners best work from a technical or literary standpoint, I think it's his best work from readability and enjoy ability standpoint. A truly instructive and compelling read.

Rating:
Summary: Nobody Does it Better Than Michener!
Review: This is probably the best epic account of the history of the Jewish people in Israel. The story focuses on an archeological dig at a Tel in Israel. As new things are discovered at the Tel, Michener then goes on to give the story of what happened at the spot. The stories are so rich and told in such interesting fashion. A good starting point for those who no notheing about the history of the region.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding historical fiction
Review: The Source is essentially the story of Jewish history from about 10,000 BCE.
Michener is well known for making "place" the focal point of his stories, and in this book the "place" is an archeological dig in the Middle East near the Sea of Galilee. The earliest section of the book introduces the dig and the principle characters (the archaeologists) who begin excavating the tell (the mound that is the dig site) and unearthing artifacts. Each chapter then recounts the story behind each artifact they find and how it got there. The order is chronological, beginning about 12,000 years ago and ending in the mid-twentieth century.
It is essentially a very entertaining history lesson disguised as a historical novel. It is easily digestible, or "history light", but a great introduction for those not wanting to read what some refer to as the "dry history" of traditional history texts.
The archaeologists make brief appearances throughout the various stories and do a lot of philosophizing about the relations between the Jews, Christians, and Moslems and the various moral dilemmas each group has faced at various times throughout history. I found it interesting, though some may find it a bit forced.
Overall, if you do like historical fiction, this is one of the best!

Rating:
Summary: So far, the best book I've ever read
Review: Having only read 3 books by Michener, I know I'm not exactly an expert- But this book was phenominal in every way. I decided to read The Source in order to learn more about Israel before a trip I took there. It's the best decision I ever made- not only does this book give you a profound understanding of history and time in relation to the holy land, it draws you in with complex characters and facinating stories along the way. This book made me a Michener nut. I've since read "Centennial" and "Alaska". Both are great books that I enjoyed imencely, but what sets the source apart is the way every period of history fits into the whole. Set at an archeological dig at the ancient Tel of Makor, The first chapter finds the scientists digging strait down into 40,000 years of history. At each level they find an artifact. Those artifacts are the basis for each of the ensuing chapters. "The Source" is particularly wonderful because each time period is distinct and complicated by itself, but effects the ones after it and paints an incredible picture of time's span and history. While in Israel I visited Meggido, the site which Michener based Makor on, making the book that much better. If you read nothing else in life, read "the Source".

Rating:
Summary: Almost a religious experience....
Review: I cannot vouch for the absolute historical authenticity of this magnificent book. Even biblical scholars can't do that. I have read many religious texts that were supposed to inspire me, save my soul, help me approach God. They didn't quite measure up. Michener did not intend to write a spiritual text, but his convincing romp through the "evolution of religion" came close to turning my agnostic beliefs into those of a near-believer. Much more than the "Holy" Bible ever did. Fascinating, layered characterizations, riveting plots, and truly educational exploration of the meaning of mankind's place in the cosmos give The Source a top-ten ranking among my favorite books of all time. I was thrilled to see so many glowing reviews of this book, and so few negatives.

Rating:
Summary: The Source of all Evil
Review: James Michner's the Source is without a doubt one of the worst books I have ever been forced to read in my entire lifetime. Not only is it boring and confusing, it is also very graphic and repulsive. One of Michner's main characters, John Cullinane is confused as to which religion he is a part of. He is also a chauvenistic pig (which could only reflect upon Michner himself). I would not recommend it to anyone, unless they were alive in the time period (9834 B.C.) that the Source began in.

Rating:
Summary: The majority of the book was interesting.
Review: This book is over 900 pages, probably the largest book I have ever read. The storyline is interesting, and in reality is about a dozen stories taking place at one location over a period of thousands of years weaved together by a group of archeologists. The book has obvious religious and political themes involved. I found the book to be very interesting through the majority of it, but parts of the book were very uninteresting. The only reason I finished reading it was because I hate leaving books unread.

Rating:
Summary: Superb Book On The History of The Jews
Review: This was one of the first books I ever read by James Michener, and what an introduction! Don't be daunted by the size of the novel, for this book is a real page turner! Once you start, you will be drawn in and you won't want to put it down; however, being over a thousand pages, you will have to take breaks to eat, go to the bathroom, go to work, etc.! Only Michener can take a topic like the history of the Jewish race and weave an intricate historical fiction that captures the imagination, creates a sense of drama, and teaches the intellect. He begins with the earliest ancient settlement of a place called Makor, located in modern day Israel, and begins telling a truly fascinating tale based on archeological artifacts that are unearthed layer by layer by an archeology team digging in the present time. In the course of time, you will learn how the Jews first came to understand monotheism, the intricacies of their religion, and perhaps an understanding of why the Jewish people have been persecuted throughout history. There are 15 chapters and each is a mini-novel in itself. The Jews are truly a special people, and you will gain an appreciation of their beginnings, their unique travails as a race, and their nothing-short-of-a-miracle rebirth as a nation. You can read each chapter in a sitting and each chapter stands alone as a complete story, each fascinating and different. But put together, oh, what an epic Michener has created! I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in anthropology, archeology, history, or just good fiction. I guarantee this book will not disappoint! I have read to cover to cover four separate times and it has held my interest each and every time. It will end up on your personal list of favorite reads of all-time too.

Rating:
Summary: Can't Put Down
Review: Not all Michener is created equal. This is his very best. It tells the story of the formation of the three great western religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam using the metaphor of an archeological dig in Israel. As each layer is uncovered, heart-rendering stories of delightful lives, misery and tragedy are presented. This book helps anyone better understand and appreciate the benefits of religious and cultural tolerance.