Caribbean

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Alexander Adams

Length: 32 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

In this acclaimed classic novel, James A. Michener sweeps listeners off to the Caribbean, bringing to life the eternal allure and tumultuous history of this glittering string of islands. From the 1310 conquest of the Arawaks by cannibals to the decline of the Mayan empire, from Columbus's arrival to buccaneer Henry Morgan's notorious reign, from the bloody slave revolt on Haiti to the rise of Cuba's Fidel Castro, Caribbean packs 700 dramatic years into a tale teeming with revolution and romance, authentic characters and thunderous destinies. Through absorbing, magnificent prose, Michener captures the essence of the islands in all of their awe-inspiring scope and wonder.

©2015 James A. Michener (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Michener is a master." ( Boston Herald)

"A grand epic... [James A. Michener] sympathizes with the struggles of the region's most oppressed, and succeeds in presenting the Caribbean in its rich diversity." ( The Plain Dealer)

"Remarkable and praiseworthy... utterly engaging." ( The Washington Post Book World)

The last paragraph!

I read this book years ago when I was in my thirties. Having it read to me again now in my sixties I was saddened multiple times by mans inhumanity to man. Not to spoil it for those who haven't read it......the last paragraph of this book makes it worth the read!

Great accompaniment to a Caribbean cruise

This is a terrific overview of Caribbean history and sociology. It was a delight to take along on a 2 week trip in the Caribbean and Panama Canal. Gave me a huge added dimension to the trip.

Wow!

I am a novice SCUBA diver drawn from the cold water of murky Midwest quarries to the sparkling blue water of the Caribbean. I began listening to this book in sips about a year ago. Diving has taken me to some of the places described, and I have rationed this book to drives, flights, and soaks in the tub. I just returned from Grenada, a Paradise of great beauty and of gentle, lovely people beaten down by hurricanes and a history replete with slavery and domination. My experience was made far more meaningful for what I learned through my listening. I just finished the book, listening to the last two chapters, unwilling to respond to interruptions. Do not be dissuaded from this treasure by the review alluding to man's inhumanity to his fellow man being too hard to bear. I am tenderhearted also. It is tough truth, but the author does not wallow in the cruelty or appeal to prurient tastes. I am very glad to have the book. Two thumbs up.

The details of misery

Finally gave up on this in Chapter 15 and have no regret about moving on. The story starts well enough and I was drawn in by the history of places I've never been and/or never studied much about. Obviously one cannot tell the epic story of this part of the world without a discussion of slavery and its impact. However, hour after hour after hour of specific and detailed description about unlimited human barbarity overwhelms anything useful from the telling of the tale. I got the point and don't need to keep reading another ten or so chapters to understand the 'moral of the story'.

Michener when he is at his best

Would you listen to Caribbean again? Why?

While this is a very long audiobook (32 hrs), it is a fast pace story that covers hundreds of years of Caribbean history, told from the view of single characters and families. It starts with the indians and continues with the arrival of Columbus, goes through almost each island's history, the colonial powers, the slave era, the wars, smuggling, piracy and the hardships as well as the beauty of the Caribbean sea, its people and cultures.

What other book might you compare Caribbean to and why?

Hawaii, Chesapeake, Alaska, Centennial all by Michener.

What does Alexander Adams bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Alexander is a very good narrator, but personally I like Larry McKeever better. Alexander has a high pitched voice which does not lend as much depth to Michener's storytelling as Larry's does.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The film would be impossible to make without destroying the broad and deep story telling of this book.

Any additional comments?

For anyone who likes history, read Michener. Even though his books are novels, he did an awful lot of research to put his novels into historically correct events, places and people. Michener was a master of story telling that keeps you troll bound.

excellent

a classic work by Michener truly great. highly recommended. cause me to see the Caribbean a new light

A (long) pleasure

Not knowing much of the history prior, and recognizing some of the fiction, this was a wonderful education.

Michener ....

I enjoyed the book, however it lack a bit of momentum as it headed to the end.

Must Read!!!

My mother (this is her account) read many of Michener's novels when I was growing up. To this day she speaks highly of Caribbean and South Pacific and many other of his novels. After traveling to Jamaica, Cozumel, Grande Cayman, and my favorite place Martinique, I felt it only right to read THIS novel. What a lesson in history that makes today make so much sense. There is SO much to this story I would fail miserably to try and describe it! Wish this was a book that I had been made to read in middle or high school! - Michelle R

Enlightening and enjoyable

With a proposal and a kiss . Well done . I'll have to find another book to read. It will be a hard act to follow. Thanx