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James A. Michener - writer of "faction" re: The Covenant

PostPosted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:26 pm
by bayside
In browsing through the posted archives about other writers of historical fiction about Africa, I couldn't find any mention of James Michener's epic novel of the colonial history of South Africa, THE COVENANT -- written in 1980. Michener likes to call his many works 'faction' rather than historical-fiction. I can see very little difference, except, perhaps, in the former genre the author tries to adhere a bit more closely to actual dates and places, but that's questionable. For those of you who have not read this epic novel, the story follows three families, starting in the mid 1600's thru the present. Families are: Zulu, Dutch, English (with a few more thrown in to enhance the story.) The rear blurb reads: "Adventurers, scoundrels and missionaries. The best and worst of two continents carve an empire out of the vast wilderness that is to become South Africa. For hundreds of years, their rivalries and passions have spilled across the land."

As with everything in history, many of yesterday's truths have become exposed as todays lies -- and are most often condemned out of context with the time, prevailing belief systems of morality, religion, and demands for national destinies. My personal belief is that today, many of our present "truths", wars, customs, beliefs, taboos, fears, etc., will become tomorrow's lies, questioned in the same manner by our great-great-grandchildren, who will say:"Why didn't they every learn?"

Re: James A. Michener - writer of "faction" re: The Covenant

PostPosted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:31 pm
by johnrogers
Hi Bayside

Great post and it has given me inspiration to read this book by James Michener.I have about 50 pages to read to finish Shogun and I will admit it was one of the greatest books I have ever read.My plan was to read the next book in the series but I think I will break off and read the Covenant instead - I am looking forward to it.

The number one thing that I get out of belonging to this forum is book suggestions so I thank you for your post.

Re: James A. Michener - writer of "faction" re: The Covenant

PostPosted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 4:11 am
by E-Hoog
johnrogers wrote:Hi Bayside

Great post and it has given me inspiration to read this book by James Michener.I have about 50 pages to read to finish Shogun and I will admit it was one of the greatest books I have ever read.My plan was to read the next book in the series but I think I will break off and read the Covenant instead - I am looking forward to it.

The number one thing that I get out of belonging to this forum is book suggestions so I thank you for your post.


Good lord, that e-book of yours is working overtime :wink:.

Sounds like a good read. Thanks for posting this bayside

Re: James A. Michener - writer of "faction" re: The Covenant

PostPosted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 2:01 pm
by johnrogers
The Covenant by James A Michener

I will have to go and purcase novel at bookstore - the Covenant is not available as a download from amazon - I was very surprised not to find this book in the electronic format.

Anyway The Covenant is on my list to read when I get a copy.

Re: James A. Michener - writer of "faction" re: The Covenant

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:04 pm
by Spock
love "The Covenant" and read it several times.

In 1986 I was taking a class in South African history and you could either do a paper on this book or an a particular individual from South African history.

I did the book.

Re: James A. Michener - writer of "faction" re: The Covenant

PostPosted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 12:29 pm
by annagram
I enjoyed James Michener's book, "The Covenant. Other books that he has written such as "Hawaii" and Centennial" are wonderful books as well. "the Source" is pretty good also, but many of his later books are not as well done.