Chesapeake

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

Length: 50 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The central scene of Michener's historical novel is that section of Maryland's Eastern shore, hardly more than 10 miles square. To this point come the founders of families that will dominate the story.

©2013 James A. Michener (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Another of James Michener's great mines of narrative, character and lore." ( The Wall Street Journal)
"[A] marvelous panorama of history seen in the lives of symbolic people of the ages…an emotionally and intellectually appealing book." ( The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
"Michener's most ambitious work of fiction in theme and scope." ( The Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Magnificently written…one of those rare novels that are enthusiastically passed from friend to friend." (Associated Press)

Narrator

Probably because of where I live (Northeast), this is my favorite Michener Book. The narrator is just awful. Robotic, almost like a news telecast or a computer rendering of text. What a pity. Most all of his books have the same narrator. Just because of that I am not sure I will buy another. All of his books are so good. I guess I should give some credit to anyone who can orate for 50 hrs and 35 mins.

opinion

it was a pleasure to listen to thos book. the narrators was nice to hear. thanks

Great insight into Chesapeake history

the book was definitely long, but it was very interesting and insightful into history I'm in the area that I live near.

One hundred years - all new people.

Entertaining book! I love the characters and the stories, but I also love the dialogue that he has between opposing opinions of the current times. A Quaker discussing slavery with a plantation owner was particularly fascinating. Michener weaves together fascinating characters while still managing to bring up relevant issues regarding personal freedom, religion, racial relations and politics.

Chesapeake

I really enjoy Michener because his novels include lessons in History, Science, and human nature. But they are SO long and I’m such a slow reader, so listening as I drive long distances and then reading when I can helps me plow through the saga!

Great listening in the Michener style

Well written, Holds your interest. Michener is a great story teller. It is a great look into people's motives and how they are developed.

Michener again proves he is a Master Story Teller

Wonderful historical novel; description of slavery very painful and informative; much told from the viewpoint of racists, self-righteous bigots, people that twist what the Bible says, and James Michener gets it right. Many noble people.

Other listeners have complained about the pace of the narrator, but I love him. I often have to slow down the pace of other narrators to 75% so I can follow along. Larry McKeever very easy to follow.

Must Read

What made the experience of listening to Chesapeake the most enjoyable?

Well written and engaging the stories are captivating and the history weaved into the fictional stories and characters makes Chesapeake fascinating. If you are a history buff or in interested in the eastern shore of Maryland history Chesapeake is a must read or listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

To many to list the Turlocks were a great antagonists. Matt Turlock was a great character

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

He does a great job creating and and giving a persona to the characters in Chesapeake. I loved his portrayal of the Turlocks he brought them alive to me.

If you could take any character from Chesapeake out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Matt Turlock

Any additional comments?

This is an incredible story that made me laugh, cry, and even angered me but it is real, raw, and engaging. Thank you Mr. Michener for another amazing achievement God rest your soul.

I have lived in Maryland all my life my youth mostly outside Andrew Air Force Base. After high school my parents retired to Golden Beach in St Mary's county Maryland where we lived on the water and had an amazing time crabbing, fishing and enjoying the beauty of the Patuxent River that flowed in Chesapeake bay. I went to Towson University in Baltimore County and have have lived in Baltimore for 26 years. Being in Maryland all my life this book was very nostalgic for me.

I thought the narrator was a computer

How could the performance have been better?

Get a completely different narrator. It was like listening to the computer voice from the movie "wargames".

Learned a lot

Would you listen to Chesapeake again? Why?

No, interesting story, but I want to move on to other Michener books.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Chesapeake?

There were so many, no one stands out. Maybe the history of shipbuilding. Many interesting facts in the book.

What three words best describe Larry McKeever’s performance?

Not too bad. You get used to it. When he was narrating as a Quaker, it worked perfectly.

Who was the most memorable character of Chesapeake and why?

Too many to name.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the book and want to try others. I doubt if I would have the patience to sit down and read one, but with Audiobooks, it's pretty easy to listen to every word.