Rating: 
Summary: A great introduction to a complex place
Review: This is the 1st Michener I ever read. It was recommended to me by a native South African when I asked him about books that would help me learn more about his facinating homeland. I had been to South Africa twice on business and wanted to learn more. I throughly enjoyed this book. The beginning was a bit slow but it kept getting better as it progressed. I finished reading this book shortly before touching down in Johannesburg for my 3d visit to South Africa, and I must say it gave me a whole new prespective on this complex nation. If I have any complaints they are that the period after the Nationalist party takes over isn't given much coverage, and that after finishing the book I was left wishing Michener would write a follow-up that covers from the last 20 years!
Rating:
Summary: Monumental
Review: This most fascinating of books tells the story of South Africa in the form of an Epic. It traces the history of South Africa, from the arrival of the first black Africans, through to the cementing of apartheid (the book having been first published in 1980). To a certain extent, the book traces the history of South Africa through the history of a certain (fictional) family, the Van Doorns. As the story strides through history, we see the various members of the family born, make their mark upon history, and then pass on. Along the way, the story takes many sidetracks, showing the history of other people and groups that also affected South African history, as they also join the narrative.It's hard to say too much about this book. It is simply monumental in its scope, and yet in execution it is wonderfully simple and easy to read. Having read this book (in two volumes), I now feel a much deeper understanding of the history of South Africa, and the varied people who live there, than I could ever have gotten from a history book. The book is very even-handed, showing the heights and the depths that people of all colors can reach to. Overall, I think that this is one of the most important books that I have ever read, and certainly one of the most masterfully written. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Rating: 
Summary: Informative Fabulous Story
Review: This was my first Michener's novel. Intend to read more of his. Presented a wealth of information about the history of South Africa. JAM's style of narration blending fact with fiction is interesting. This novel led me to look for more about South Africa in reference books.
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