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Return to Paradise  By  cover art

Return to Paradise

By: James A. Michener
Narrated by: Larry McKeever
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Publisher's summary

James A. Michener, the master of historical fiction, revisits the scenes of his first great work, Tales of the South Pacific, the Pulitzer Prize winner that brought him international acclaim. In this sequel collection, Michener once again evokes the magic of the extraordinary isles in the Pacific - from Fiji and Guadalcanal to New Zealand and Papua New Guinea - through stories that burst with adventure, charm, and local color. For Michener's many fans around the globe, Return to Paradise is a precious second look at a land of enchantment by one of the most gifted storytellers of the 20th century.

Praise for Return to Paradise:

“A brilliant book and a worthy successor to Tales of the South Pacific.” (The Atlanta Constitution)

“This is a book that should be read by everyone.... All who have seen the South Pacific will find on every page the odors of frangipani, copra, blood, and beer.” (The New York Times)

“There’s drama and pathos and adventure and humanity...and a very high degree of excellence. Michener can write.” (Kirkus Reviews)

©2014 James A. Michener (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A brilliant book and a worthy successor to Tales of the South Pacific." ( The Atlanta Constitution)
"This is a book that should be read by everyone.... All who have seen the South Pacific will find on every page the odors of frangipani, copra, blood, and beer." ( The New York Times)
"There's drama and pathos and adventure and humanity...and a very high degree of excellence. Michener can write." ( Kirkus Reviews)

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What listeners say about Return to Paradise

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Excellent tapestry of history and storylines

The narrator is especially good. I totally enjoy Mitchiners works and how he blends history. A good story.

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one of the best books that I have read.

The description of the islands made me feel I was actually there.a great job indeed

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1 person found this helpful

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The many tales collection by James Michener

Return To Paradise, The World Is My Home, Tales of the South Pacific, The Drifters & many others; all enjoyed.
Bye for now, Glen Stinnett.

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Not what I expected

A bunch of short stories, good ones, and mostly interesting, but not the usual Michener book. Still good. Some stories more interesting an fun to listen to than others. Worth the listen.

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4 people found this helpful

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Another great Michener book !

I love all day research in history that goes into all of Michener books. I have yet not to enjoy all of his books and will continue to listen to all of them, and I wish to say I truly appreciate the narrator of his books as they are read like the Historical novels that they are. I strongly disagree with the criticism of so many. do not let their reviews discourage you from this wonderful book.

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3 people found this helpful

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Excellent novel

Very good narration. Long but in typical Michener writing style which I like. I won't get to the south pacific in my lifetime; however, Michener brought it to me.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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VERY disappointed with the narration

I have a few Michener audible books. But the narration on this one sounds like an electronic bot.

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Disappointed

Struggled to finish. Dry material. Even drier narration. If you are interested in Michener's experience in the South Pacific reading Tales of the South Pacific will be more rewarding.

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Michener was prejudiced in this novel!

I was very offended by Michener's constantly calling the Japanese "Japs". I suppose it was written shortly after WW2, but still! Other than that it was full of Michener's interesting stories about all the islands in the Pacific.

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Racist

I love travelling & learning about other cultures, but this author’s misogyny & racism are blatantly displayed. Do NOT recommend. Add in his overly wordy, absolutely boring, writing & this is a book & author I will avoid in the future. Terrible.

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