Caribbean by James A. Michener
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Book Reviews of Caribbean
Book Review: Euro-centric rather than Caribbean-centric, but a good read
Summary: 3 Stars
This was an interesting blend of fact and fiction, and it was different so I recommend it. However, I am from the Caribbean, have lived in 4 Caribbean countries, and know the historical, cultural and social events that make these islands who they are. The author did not catch the pulse of the Caribbean - although it was a well-researched effort. I give hime credit for exploring the sugar cane industry and cricket, 2 very important aspects of Caribbean history and culture. However, the movement towards independence was completely ignored - a crucial period in the islands' history. The attempts at Caribbean unification, and all the political intrigue behind it was slightly touched upon, but largely ignored - another major issue. But most importantly, the black majority population was largely ignored or portrayed as victims - unless they happened to have mixed ancestry. This is such a false portrayal of the Caribbean, where a large black middle and upper class exists and has existed for a very long time. I give it 3 stars because despite these defects it was well researched - maybe the best portrayal possible that an american outsider could possibly provide.Book Review: a good read!
Summary: 3 Stars
Being from the Caribbean myself, I enjoyed how Michener attempted to thread the histories of the many diverse islands (one of which is my home)...however I agree with another reader that as soon as you get caught up in one section of the novel, we are taken to another island with another history...the novel will start with the true natives, the Tainos and Caribs...it will even take you to the backdrop of the Mayan civilization briefly..."the Spanish Lake" was my favorite part of the book....the battles between the Spaniards and the British are skillfully sketched, displaying the best and worst of both sides...the fistional island called "All Saints" in the book I found unnecesary...no reason to invent a history of an imaginary island in a book of this nature which is already struggling to cover the diversity that is the Caribbean...all in all, I enjoyed the book and the author held my interest...I would say it is a fun way to read history....I also recommend Galeano's "Memory of fire" a triology of the Americas....Book Review: Historical, but not too engaging
Summary: 3 Stars
A word of advice: When you are tempted to purchase one of Michener's books, take a look at when it was published. If it was after, say, 1985, just put the book back on the shelf. This great writer slowly sank into the sunset long before he ceased publishing. The works in his later years have the tone of a stodgy, old man. Take Caribbean, for instance. It was published in 1989. If you have little or no idea about Caribbean history, it will give you a pretty good rundown. But it is dry, passionless, bloodless. In the few places where Michener tries to convey a romance, it is laughable, pathetic and unbelievable. This book is good for history, but as a novel, it's a loser. I give it three stars. I am being very generous.Book Review: Getting a bit long in the tooth
Summary: 3 Stars
Overall this was an interesting and informative book. From an historical perspective Michener covers all of the bases in good style. While he makes history interesting, his perspective appears slanted and euro-centric. His language, when speaking for the native population, is awkward and unrealistic. "Me go hut..., we not join them..." His take on Jamaica and the Rastas is unrealistic. He has little to say about Jamaica in the '70's, a seminal period in that island's history and a key to understanding the Caribbean.I last read Michener a long time ago. His writing has not aged well.
Book Review: Atypical Caribbean
Summary: 3 Stars
When Michener wrote this book he must have discovered his Carribbean roots.The book has neither rhyme nor reason to it.It is also typical of this authors method of writing.Being of caribbean origin I was able to relate to the people and places in this story.The book is a good mix of truth and fiction and a execelent read.In the past I have read other of his books,the source, caravans and paradise lost but although I enjoyed them I was sort of lost.After reading this one the light went on.A real shame he is gone,I think he was the greatest story teller of our time.