The Source

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Summary: THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN ONE BOOK
Review: Yes, it is the history of the world in one book. How could a writer, not a historian, put together a novel (I would not call it a historical novel) full of adventure, love, and knowledge? Of cause, James Michener was a great writer, but this book is above the "great writing". I do recommend it to everyone, young and old alike. I think this book should be studied at school.

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Summary: THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD
Review: How could a writer put the whole history of humanity in one relatively small book? Mr. Michener did it. It is not just a book it is about you and I.

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Summary: A deep read, but exciting, too.
Review: My wife had been suggesting I read this for years; I wished I'd started sooner. It's chilling, sobering, heartening, and thrilling. It's a long read, but I found myself more engrossed as I proceeded.

It's an insight into Judaism, for myself. This book also leaves me with a vivid reminder of mankind's historical tendency to slaughter his fellow man, be it four thousand years ago, or four years ago. In that respect, we're all equal.

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Summary: An Entertaining and Relevant Chronicle of the Middle East
Review: Even though this book was written in the 60's, I found it to be insightful to contemporary issues. It gives a solid background and understanding of the current on going Iraelie and Palestinian conflicts. The book is a collection of stories mostly taking place in the current Palestine/Isreal region covering a time span of the past several thousand years. The stories generally are linked by family lines (ie. the ancestor of the character in the previous story is a character in the later story). While following these family lines the stories also chronicle the developments of many world religions and especially Judaism, Muslim, and Christianity. The stories were compelling even though often depressing. The author really tried to emphasize the hardships faced by the Jewish while also portraying their fortitude and resilience. This book has inspired in me an interest in the Middle-East.

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Summary: L.A. Dood
Review: I read 'The Source' while I was an exchange-student In Peru during my high school years. I learned more about the religious conflicts in the world, and more poignantly, the Middle-East conflic that haunts the world still to today. Read 'The Source' if you want a good history on religion from the archaeological side of the equation.

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Summary: Synopsis: Digging through the layers of The Source
Review: Level 15 - The Bee Eater (9834-9831 BCE): Cave
Ur is a cave-man and bee-eater who begins the evolutionary journey from hunter to farmer.

Level 14 - Of Death and Life (2202-2201 BCE): Canaanite (Pre-Abram)
Urbaal is a rich farmer obsessed with the temple prostitute Libamah. This episode also features Urbaal's wife Timnah, and his fellow farmer Amalek.

Level 13 - An Old Man & His God (1419 BCE): Patirarchal (a few generations after Abram)
Zadok is a patriarch and worshipper of El-Shaddai (and is commanded by El-Shaddai to go west out of the desert into the promised land of Canaan) who clashes with Uriel, a governor and worshipper of Baal.

Level 12 - Psalm of the Hoopoe Bird (966-963 BCE): Davidic (End of King David's reign)
Jabaal (nicknamed Hoopoe) is the engineer and rebuilder of Makor's wall, and is a Canaanite married to Kerith the daughter of a Hebrew priest. This episode also features Mehab the Moabite slave, and Gershom the psalm singer who seeks refuge at the altar as a murderer.

Level 11 - The Voice of Gomer (606-605 BCE): Babylonian (Beginning of Babylonian era, Egyptians defeated by Babylonians at Carchemish)
Gomer is a prophetess who prophesies the exile to Babylon by Yahweh due to Baal worship.

Level 10 - In the Gymnasium (167 BCE): Hellenistic (Judah the Maccabee under Greek Seleucid ruler Antioches Epiphanes)
Jehubabel is a proverb quoting traditional Jew who refuses to compromise the ritual of circumcision and is forced to stand up against Governor Tarphon (the local representative of the Seleucid ruler Antioches Epiphanes), and so embodies the spirit of Judah the Maccabee.

Level 9 - The King of the Jews (4 BCE): Herodian (Birth of Jesus Christ under Herod)
Timon Myrmex is a friend of vicious king Herod, who testifies that in the conflict between Jews and Rome, Herod's terrible cruelty doesn't silence the cry of Jewish faith "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one."

Level 8 - Yigal & His Three Generals (40-67 CE): Vespasian (Jews under Josephus, in time of emperors Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, and especially the destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian)
Yigal is a simple farmer who incites Jews to die rather than worship the emperor as god.

Level 7 - The Law (326-351 CE): Byzantine (Judaism is forming the Talmud, and Christianity is resolving conflicts over the person and natures of Christ at the Council of Nicea)
Rabbi Asher and other scholars in Tiberias are producing the Gemera, in the line of Rabbi Akiba who produced the Mishna, these two works later becoming the Talmud, a codification of centuries of oral law. This law excludes Menahem, bastard son of Yahanan the stone-cutter, from the congregation, but Menahem finds that he is welcomed in the Christian congregation, later becoming St. Mark of Antioch. A basilica commissioned by the Christian emperor Constantine's mother Queen Helena is being built under the Byzantine Father Eusebius.

Level 6 - A Day in the Life of a Desert Rider (635 CE): Muslim (The spread of Islam, shortly after Muhammed's death)
Abd Umar is a slave of the Prophet Muhammed (descendant of Ishmael) and conquers Makor with the new religion of Islam. This episode also features Shimrith, a Jew raped by her brother-in-law Aaron, and unprotected when Jewish laws are mishandled by an ineffectual rabbi.

Level 5 - Volkmar (1096-1105 CE): Crusader (The first crusades)
German Count Volkmar and his brother-in-law Gunter are persuaded by Peter the Hermit to join the crusaders. After devastating losses on the way to Jerusalem, they settle in Makor where they are aided by the local Shaliq ibn Twefik (Luke) and build a Crusader's fortress.

Level 4 - The Fires of Ma Coeur (1289-1291 CE): Marmeluke (The last crusade)
Count Volkmar VIII has lived in truce with Muslim empire, now in the hands of Marmalukes who occasionally allow the Christians to go on pilgrimages to holy places. But the last crusade ends this peaceful truce, and the Crusader fortress of Ma Coeur is beseiged and falls forever.

Level 3 - The Saintly Men of Safed (1521-1541 CE): Kabbalistic (Christians [eg Spanish Inquisition] are persecuting Jews, and in Safed the Kabbala makes its place alongside the Torah and Talmud in Judaism)
Rabbi Zaki from Italy, Rabbi Eliezer from Germany and Rabbi Abulafia from Spain all flee persecution and oppression of the Jews by Christians by going back to Israel, to Safed, where they are instrumental in the next stage of development of Judaism.

Level 2 - Twilight of an Empire (1855-1880 CE): Turkish (As the power of the Turkish Ottoman empire fades, Jews begin resettling in Israel)
The Russian Jew Shmuel Hacohen pays extensive bribes to the Arab Governor Faraj Tabari to purchase land near Tiberias for repatriated Jews to begin working the land.

Level 1 - Rebbe Itzik and the Sabra (1948 CE): Independence (The establishment of the state of Israel after World War II)
Eliav and Vered represent a new brand of Jew, trained in warfare, who are outnumbered but defend Safat in a remarkable victory over the Arabs after the British withdraw. Traditional Judaism is represented by Rebbe Itzik.

Level 0 - The Tell (1964 CE): Kibbutz (Modern Israel)
Vered marries neither Eliav nor Cullinane, but Zodman and moves to America.

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Summary: WOW !
Review: This may very well be one of the most breathtaking books you will ever read. Based somewhat on fictional characters and places in the middle east you are still transformed into history as it had occured.

After reading this book I had learnt so much about the prosecution of the Jewish people and the barbaric nature of humans in those times, particularly concerning the sacrifice of children. I have taken a passage from the book about this to give you a taste of 'THE SOURCE' James Michener wrote ' The last child was a boy of nearly three-his parents had prayed that the years had passed when he might be taken-and he was old enough to understand what was happening, so with frightened eyes he drew back from the priests, and when they lifted him to the god he screamed, trying to hold on to the stone fingers and save himself, but the priests pulled away his small, clutching hands and with a violent push sent him tumbling into the flaming mouth.'

The story begins in modern times of the 1960's and then takes you through 15 short stories all connected to each other but in different times in history.

The book has 1032 pages but the best part of it is the short stories which I found very readable and easy to follow. I particularly loved how in the book, the life and times of Jesus are mentioned as it was an important event during those times in the middle east but not dwelled upon in the story as the book is not about Jesus but about the people that lived during BC and AD.

Be prepared as it is a sad book and as you are finishing each short story you find yourself hoping that it will end with a happy ending - but, it rarely does and this is why I found the book so remarkable, because it is true that events in history and our present times had never seen a happy ending BY ALL.

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Summary: Analysis: Glorious historical snap-shots.
Review: This is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. It is impossible to do justice to this epic tome of over 1000 pages in less than 1000 words. Ostensibly, Michener presents it as the story of a group of archaeologists excavating the tell of Makor, an Israeli site between Akko and the Sea of Galilee. The central characters at the dig are representative of the three great religions: Jews, Christians and Moslems. There is an Irish Catholic (director Dr. John Cullinane), an Arab (archaeologist Jemail Tabari), and two Jews (the pottery expert Dr. Vered Bar-El, and the chief administrator Ilan Eliav). Several other Jews also figure prominently, including the secretary of the kibbutz (Schwartz), the American millionaire supporting the project (Paul J. Zodman), and an Israeli soldier, diplomat and statesman (General Teddy Reich). Together this cast of characters uncovers precious remnants that tell the tale of Makor's history.

But this is just the beginning. Starting with the oldest level of history, Michener then weaves a fictional story around each item discovered by the archaeological dig. There are 15 levels in total, all representatives of key events and phases in the history of Israel. In turn, Michener paints a picture of each level: Cave, Canaanite, Patriarchal, Davidic, Babylonian, Hellenistic, Herodian, Vespasian, Byzantine, Muslim, Crusader, Mameluke, Kabbalistic, Turkish, Independence, and modern Kibbutz (p1028). The archaelogical dig is the framework that ties these levels together and gives the entire novel an inherent unity. But actually each chapter/level is an independent story that can be read on its own, and functions as a microcosm of an era, embodying its spirit and religious conflicts. Each archaeological fragment represents a fragment or snapshot of history, which Michener uses as a literary device to portray a glimpse into each time period.

This approach naturally has weaknesses ' the novel lacks a tight unity, and is in the end a collection of mini-stories with somewhat of an unmistakable scholarly historical tone. And the historical snapshot only gives a slice of a historical era, and so sacrifices a complete picture of each era. Moreover, uneducated readers may find it hard to distinguish fiction from fact because the two are woven seamlessly ' although the knowledgeable reader will have no difficulty discerning the difference. Yet the brilliance of Michener's approach is that unlike historians who paint history in broad strokes, Michener zooms in on a fragment with detailed and vibrant strokes, weaving together history and fiction to give us a colourful and convincing idea of what it really might have been like.

Not only does Michener provide lasting insights about Israel's history, but especially its religion. Makor, appropriately, is Hebrew for The Source. Michener uses this brilliantly on two levels ' outwardly it signifies the water source crucial to Makor's life, but metaphorically it signifies the religious source of the three great religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. 'The Source' is ultimately not just a chronicle of history, but a study of religion, and the source and interaction of these three religions: 'We are digging among the foundations of three great religions.' (p26) Michener portrays the constant struggle of the three different faiths, as they deal with synthesis and antithesis. This makes 'The Source' not just a novel, but a thrilling textbook of history, psychology, sociology, and religion all at once. It is hardly a light read, and at times you find yourself wading through piles of information. But that's what gives this novel ' unlike most modern offerings ' an enduring quality.

Unfortunately Michener's mini-stories are not of equal brilliance. The first quarter of the novel is more tedious and speculative ' not surprising because it chronicles a much more ancient history. Michener is evidently a disciple of critical scholarship - his portrayal of the early beginnings of Judaism is clearly evolutionist and evolutionary (p169,209,251-2), and sacred Scriptures are presented as the product of human development rather than divine revelation (p173). Those committed to the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible will find much speculation and inaccuracies to criticize in the first few chapters. But as the novel progresses these weaknesses are no longer evident, and the second half of the novel more than makes up for this. One of the highlights is the chapter entitled 'The Law' which gives real insight into the intentions and practices of Judaism as it developed after the arrival of Christianity. The climax describing the war for the Independence of Israel after the Second World War rivals a thriller novel.

First published in 1965, it would be unfair to criticize 'The Source' for not touching on the most recent forty years of Jewish history. As it stands, it is a remarkable achievement that gives an incredible insight into the deep roots of Israel and of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. If you want to know the source of Israel's political and religious conflicts, come to a deeper understanding of our modern world, and have a great read at the same time, go to 'The Source'. Highly recommended!

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Summary: Difficult to review
Review: I find this novel somewhat difficult to review because it works on so many different levels:

Historically, this novel is excellent. Not only does you learn the history of present day Israel, you also learn about the evolution of religion. What makes this work is the context in which Michener teaches us about the historical events.

Purely from a fictional standpoint, I thought this novel was somewhat weak. When you break it down, it is essence twelve separate stories, each with its one place in history. Once you get interested in a character, the story terminates and you shift to a new period in history. But then again, I have learned to expect this from Michener, albeit his characters usually have more of a linkage between eras. I though Michener spent a little too much time during the Crusades and the ending was a little labored. I found myself struggling to finish it. However, once I looked back on the novel, I was extremely glad I had chosen to read it.

Seeing as this novel was written in 1965, I felt that its perspective was a little out-dated. Michener does do a good job in giving different points of view (Catholic, Jewish and Islam) throughout the eras with his Tell sessions. Based upon recent Israeli history (since 1965) I thought Michener would have taken a different approach to the Source had it been written at a later date.

All in all, it's a great historical lesson given in a great context. If you don't mind laboring through certain parts and are interested in the history of the Jews, give this one a go.

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Summary: one of my all time favorites
Review: This book is a wonderful compelation of short stories that follows the evolution of religion. Michener weaves these stories into a brilliant tale, depicting the colorful history of a specific town. It is incredibly compelling and hard to put down. In fact, I read it a few years ago and it still remains my favorite. I recommend it to everyone.