Journey

Publisher's Summary

Gold fever swept the world in 1897. The chance for untold riches sent thousands of dreamers on a perilous trek toward their fortunes, failures, or deaths. Follow four English aristocrats and their Irish servant as they misguidedly haul their dreams across cruel Canadian terrain toward the Klondike gold fields.

©1989 James A. Michener (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

"The best novel of James Michener's career. " ( Milwaukee Journal)

"Stunning...Michener at his best." ( Houston Chronicle)

"Michener brings sharply into focus the hardships encountered by those who dreamed of striking it rich." ( Associated Press)

A Michener short story.

If you enjoyed Michener's Alaska, you'll enjoy Journey as well. If you're wondering whether you'll enjoy Alaska, start with Journey.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Disappointed

What did you like best about Journey? What did you like least?

Historical relevance and cultural discriptions were true Michener. However, the story was abreviated and the characters undeveloped. The narration was boringly mundane and without inflection. So glad to have finished it and will take the reviews more seriously before my next audio purchase.

Would you recommend Journey to your friends? Why or why not?

No. My friends would not listen past the first half hour of this narration. They could read a travel book of the gold rush era and find it more exciting.

What didn’t you like about Larry McKeever’s performance?

This narrator is like listening to a monotone professor in a required class...ugh!

Did Journey inspire you to do anything?

Yes, avoid narrations by Larry McKeever.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Robotic narration

I found myself wondering if the narrator were not a man at all but a computer.. I’ve always loved James Michener’s books but I find this narration unpleasant to listen to and won’t be buying any more of Michener’s books. The narrator’s words are clipped, his voice lacking a natural flow or any variation. He made all the characters sound like robots speaking to one another. I’ve bought Audible books I’ve never heard of because the marrator’s voice and cadence enhanced the story, but I found listening to this a chore rather than a pleasure.

I live in the Old West which made this a fun read.

I was quite interested in this topic because I live in the mountains of Colorado surrounded by our own gold-mining history.

Michener's book was full of adventure, history, and humor. I really enjoyed this story of five men who are chasing gold in the Canadian Yukon gold rush of 1897, and who chose to travel across Canada. Because apparently the easy route took you through American lands -- Alaska and simple to climb mountains. And what self-respecting Brit would choose to take that simple route over American soil when it is so much harder to go through British territory. I was a bit incredulous at all the crazy things they dealt with just to travel only on British lands. But I was also quite impressed. That type of stubborn streak can serve a person well.

Michener did his research. I really enjoyed the final chapter in which he told the reader about the things that inspired this book and how he found the information he needed. It was fascinating.

Feels like more an outline for a novel

Where does Journey rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the bottom. The plot was interesting but it seemed more like an outline for a novel, or even a short story - definitely not the depth that Michener usually puts into his books. My main issue with this audiobook, however, was with the narrator. I felt as if I were listening more to a dictated report than a story.

McKeever was the best there ever was

Another great story from Mitch. But if you are reading Michener you don’t need this review.

Captivating Story!

Well done. I found myself wishing this story could go on, but it couldn't! Makes you imagine yourself right there with the characters.