The Source – James A. Michener

Posted by Frankly Francis on January 23, 2010 under Books/Authors | Be the First to Comment

I really enjoy reading Michener.  And fortunately for me, he wrote a lot of books.  I have historically travelled through time to Alaska, Spain, Poland, Texas, Hawaii, Africa, The Caribbean, Chesapeake Bay, Colorado, Mexico, and so forth.

Not too long ago I stumbled upon “Caravans” – a book centered in Afghanistan, written in the early 1960’s.  Funny how the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Michener could have published it today with minimal updating if he were still alive.  And the foregoing is more than a subtle hint to remember the lessons of history.  But I digress…

Anyways, that led me into the abyss of my library to look for other Michener gems yet to be read.  Low and behold, “The Source” was still waiting for me.  Published in 1965, the story alternates between the histories of the initial inhabitants of the land that is now Israel to the modern dynamics of building a state in a hostile place.

Jewish history is primarily delved into, but the Arabs, Romans, Greeks and Europeans get their share of attention.  Along with Baal, the Greek and Roman Gods are profiled, but the main focus in this regard is upon the Creator that the Jews do not refer to by name.

Let me say that I am pleased that I was not placed in direct lineage of God’s Chosen People.  I do not think I am worthy.  And even if I am, I much prefer not to have that target placed upon me by the other dwellers of planet Earth. I’ve got enough problems.

For the record, I do feel a very deep affinity with and respect for the Jewish People.

As usual when reading Michener, I found it interesting and enjoyably educational.  He does have a tendency to write at length, but when you have a big topic, what choice do you have?  There are other authors on my “must read” list, but I am looking forward to perhaps finding other books by Michener that I have not had the pleasure of reading yet.

Oh, I should mention that it was Michener who sparked my determined interest in running the bulls – something that I look forward to doing before this is all over, whatever this is.

Frankly,

Francis