The Source

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

Length: 54 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In the grand storytelling style that is his signature, James Michener sweeps us back through time to the very beginnings of the Jewish faith, thousands of years ago. Through the predecessors of four modern men and women, we experience the entire colorful history of the Jews, including the life of the early Hebrews and their persecutions, the impact of Christianity, the Crusades, and the Spanish Inquisition, all the way to the founding of present-day Israel and the Middle East conflict.

©2013 James A. Michener; 2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Fascinating...stunning...[a] wonderful rampage through history...Biblical history, as seen through the eyes of a professor who is puzzled, appalled, delighted, enriched and impoverished by the spectacle of a land where all men are archeologists." ( The New York Times)

"A sweeping [novel] filled with excitement - pagan ritual, the clash of armies, ancient and modern: the evolving drama of man's faith." ( The Philadelphia Inquirer)

"Magnificent...a superlative piece of writing both in scope and technique...one of the great books of this generation." ( San Francisco Call Bulletin)

Save yourself this painful experience

What did you like best about The Source? What did you like least?

I read this wonderful book back in the days when I actually READ books. It was captivating and, in light of today's political climate, I was eager to "read" it again. I'm horribly, terribly, awfully disappointed in the mechanical voice of the narrator. It absolutely makes enjoyment of the story impossible.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Listening to this book will take just about as long as the dig took to develop.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Larry McKeever?

Somebody who doesn't sound robotic.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Michener fans....if this Larry character is narrating the book you're thinking of buying...skip it.

Excruciating to listen to

Would you try another book from James A. Michener and/or Larry McKeever?

Not likely

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Over and over, one is endeared to a number of characters, only to find them destroyed in the most horrible fashion, including their children. Tough to persist through.

Wonderful was the unique approach of following the stories of a single town from stone age to modern. It makes you realise how much human drama has played out all around you everywhere you go.

Which scene was your favorite?

Level 8 (I think) regarding the architect of Herod.

Did The Source inspire you to do anything?

More research on Jewish origins

Performance diminishes journey!

A timeless human journey for anyone. Although mainly focused on the Jewish journey throughout history there is also much here for the Christian and the Muslim and even the atheist from Anywhere WORLDWIDE! Missioners imagination weaves so much history truth and reality throughout his novel you burn and entertain a wonderful thing! Although it was minimized by the poor performance!! I've heard worse but for 54 hours there should've been a better audio performer and although it would add to the cost I think if you had 3 to 6 different performers for different parts it would exponentially add to the experience. A 6 that easily could have been a 9++ still with patience ( and narration speed bumped up) a recommendable listen. My first review EVER but it's a 54 hr commitment

Long but awesome

Too bad he’s not around to write more books. They are looong but oh so awesome

Michener was a Quaker

Michener wrote from the scientific/historical slant not atheistic or religious. He was a Quaker. Pragmatic. Narrator is not good. Speeding it up sounds much better.

Epic Tale - No Problems Personally with Narration

Engrossing story makes up for somewhat of a lack of vocal variety in the performance. Very enjoyable and captivating novel that weaves an epic tale. Give it some time and listen to it in doses.

Wonderful narration of a classic

Whether the stories are true to form or not, this is an incredible saga of life over the millennia. People were treated so unjustly yet today folks whine over each word and expression.

A little glitchy

I really enjoyed the story and the reading. The problem was that there were some glitches where the sound would skip or repeat and a pretty significant issue came up at the last hour where a fairly crucial part of the story was impossible to understand because of this.

compelling sweep of history

confirming my guesses about the difficult struggle of civilization in the crossroads of conflict and religion. and clearly an unfinished story.
dry delivery, but worth every minute.

To begin to understand Israel a must read

Isreal and the Mideast in 2021 begins with this book. A powerful story, a fictional look at real history that torments us all today.