The Source was my pick for this year's 'Michener December'. I created this tradition for myself to immerse in a long book during December, after meeting my Goodreads book goal. My previous choices were Hawaii, Alaska, and Centennial. This is the first Michener book not set in America. It focuses on a fictional Middle Eastern town, Makor. The story is told through the eyes of archaeologists examining 'The Tell'.

The book covers a vast span of time, from 9831 B.C.E. to 1964. We meet various civilizations and characters, each with their own beliefs and struggles. The storylines often involve religious and ideological differences, as well as the impact of war and invasion. One of the strengths of the book is Michener's ability to bring history to life. He creates a vivid picture of the past, with detailed descriptions of the people, places, and events.

However, the book also has some weaknesses. The lack of continuity between the different storylines can make it feel disjointed at times. The characters are also not as well-developed as in some of Michener's other books, perhaps due to the large number of them. Additionally, the 'talking to God' parts may not appeal to all readers.

Overall, I enjoyed 'The Source', but not as much as some of Michener's other works. It is a good read for those interested in history and the Middle East, but it may not be for everyone. I'm looking forward to next year's 'Michener December' and seeing which book I'll choose.

I have read this torn, twenty-five-year-old copy three times now. It's no easy feat, as it is one of the thicker Michener books.

The first time I read it, I was filled with such intense longing. I wanted to convert to Judaism and journey to Israel to live on a kibbutz. I dreamed of digging in the dirt, hoping to uncover relics and artifacts that would confirm the existence of God. I desired to be a part of the spirit that united the community of believers, scientists, and anthropologists - those who were educated and strong. I wanted to become tan, lean, smart, and worldly.

This book had such a profound impact on me. The second time I read it, I was a bit less idealistic and more pragmatic. I began to see the history as a backdrop for the beautiful love story that unfolded within its pages.

The third time, my desire was to travel to Israel and visit the Holy Land. Not necessarily to dig in the ground in search of something specific, but just to experience the essence of the place.

This book holds a special place among the top three books on my list. I have never read any other Michener works, but I've heard great things about him. However, for me, this one book was all I needed to be completely captivated.

I read this sometime in my early teens and thought it was amazing.

At that time, my perspective was relatively simple and innocent, and I was mainly attracted by the story itself.

However, as an adult, with the current conflict in that region and the contentious issue of land grabs and terrorism, my thoughts have become more complex.

I now wonder how these real-world issues might have influenced the events and characters in the story.

Would my initial perception of the story still hold true?

Perhaps I would view it through a different lens, taking into account the broader context and the implications of the actions and decisions made.

It makes me realize that our understanding of a story can change over time as our own experiences and knowledge expand.

I'm curious to revisit this work and see how my adult self interprets it now.

“The Source” by James Michener is truly one of my all-time favorites. It's a book that I return to year after year, and it welcomes me like an old friend who still has countless tales to share, even though I've visited it many times before. It's like a personal bible for me, ranking up there with my absolute devotion for works such as “Pride and Prejudice”, “East of Eden”, and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” While one can debate the depth of its literary significance compared to the other titles I listed, there's no denying that this book repeatedly poses hard-hitting questions. It makes us question what we mean when we refer to our “God,” the concepts of right and wrong, and the journey of two races born of the same land, engaged in a quest for independence over 2000 years.

The story begins with John Cullinane arriving at Makor, an archaeological site in Israel. Ostensibly, he's there to dig for a Crusader's castle, but in reality, he aims to find the very foundation of Makor, which means “Source” in old Hebrew. He's joined by Dr. Vered Bar-EL, Dr. Ilan Eliav, and Jamail Tabari. As the excavations progress, John endeavors to better understand the history of the Jews and Israel, realizing that the two cannot be considered synonymous. With the archaeologists unearthing artifact after artifact, the novel delves back to the earliest days of mankind when cavemen walked on Makor and the family of Ur began a more settled life, with farms and mud houses replacing hunting and caves. As the family of Ur achieves greater success in their endeavors, whether it's improving crops or weapons, the concept of “God” and forces beyond man's control start to take root in their family. This not only marks the beginning of a way of life that would later evolve into the modern world but also the concept of religion and fate, which would grip mankind's consciousness forever.

In true Michener style, the novel then advances by a couple of centuries, and each chapter touches on some of the greatest events in the history of the region, involving the Hebrews, the Canaanites, and later the Jews, Christians, and Arabs. It涵盖了from the cult of El Shaddai in the Bronze Age to the deportation of Jews to Babylon, the rule of King David and Herod, the Muslim conquest and the Crusades, and finally, the twilight of the Ottoman Empire. Throughout the ages, these events are intertwined with the story of the family of Ur and his descendants, and they interact with the present day and the artifacts discovered at the site. The novel provides a comprehensive look at the rise and fall of the fortunes of the family of Ur as they struggled, converted, dispersed, and then came together again in the land of Makor.

To start with, it's a powerful story. In just over 1100 pages, Michener attempts to tell the history of the troubled land of Palestine/Israel from the perspective of the common man who lived through various eras of cathartic and tumultuous change. The book tries to explain Jewish history while also clearly stating that seeing Israel solely through the Jewish prism is a mistake, as this land has always been shared by others – Canaanites, Romans, Christians, and Muslims. It's the blending of these two cultures that makes the land so special, and this is one of the main themes of the tale. Besides being a sweeping historical saga, it's also a very engaging story. Each chapter is a complete entity in itself, telling a gripping tale not only of religion but also of ordinary men and women, their courage, whether overt or hidden, and the choices they have to make, even the harshest ones for the greater good. The book presents men and women in all their glory, strength, and caprice, and constantly emphasizes the infinite ability of humans to survive even when all hope seems lost. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect and a characteristic that showcases Michener's caliber as a writer is the lack of judgment despite all the follies and failures of all religions and cultures, and the men and women within them. The book is written with great empathy and understanding, never pointing fingers and always presenting the white, black, and grey shades of life as they are, without any embellishments. Written in simple language, it's a massive read with several references to Jewish philosophy and a whole new perspective on Arab history during the Crusades. Despite its length, it's an easy read because the story grabs you right from the start and never lets go.

If I seem like a lunatic ranting on, read the book and you'll understand what I mean!

Michener has penned some outstanding historical fiction novels. In this particular one, we are presented with a history of Israel as seen through the eyes of archaeologists engaged in an ancient dig.

The foundation of this story is the fictional city of Makor. As the archaeologists progress through each layer of the dig, the narrative then transitions to that specific time period, and we are provided with a vignette about the people who resided in Makor during that era.

The story commences with the family of Ur, proto-Hebrews, who venerate the hills and lands encircling their city and name it "El". As time elapses, that deity evolves from El to El-Shaddai when Makor is sacked by the Hebrews and they subsequently occupy it (around 1491 BCE). From there, El-Shaddai gradually transforms into YHWH.

The book guides us through the extensive history of the city and also relates the story of the Jews. It is within this overarching meta-history that I discovered a great deal of worth. It not only chronicles the development of the Jewish religion but also presents a balanced view of the positives and negatives associated with any religion. It is especially enlightening to realize that there are diverse types of Jews and not a homogeneous group. From their harsh treatment at the hands of the Christian people to the ethnic cleansing practiced by Muslims, it will go a long way in explaining the trauma that shapes the mindset of modern Israel.

This is a great book. It entertains as a novel and also serves as a historical fiction backdrop to the state of Israel.

This book is quite long. It is truly a very good read, yet its length can be a bit overwhelming.

I would highly recommend reading another book simultaneously while going through this one. This way, you can avoid getting burnt out.

Nevertheless, this is an outstanding book, crafted by one of the top authors of our time.

The book vividly tells the history of ancient Israel and its religions in a captivating manner. It commences with a group of archaeologists who stumble upon the remains of an old city in modern Israel.

They embark on a digging expedition, and as they delve deeper, they unearth artifacts from increasingly ancient civilizations.

When they reach the oldest artifact, the setting of the book seamlessly shifts to the era when people used that particular artifact, which was during the caveman days.

Subsequently, it proceeds to narrate the story of those people, specifically when man first discovered the concept of deity.

The storyline predominantly follows one particular family. As the book progresses through time towards modern days, it traces this family line and showcases how the artifacts unearthed by the modern-day archaeologists interact with this family line and the culture of each era.

In overview, this book offers a profound appreciation for Jewish and Israeli history, placing great emphasis on religion and its profound impact on mankind throughout the ages.

It is an extremely deep read, filled with a plethora of underlying meanings. However, it can also be heavy and frequently depressing.

Therefore, once again, I firmly recommend reading it in conjunction with other books. But without a doubt, it is a great book and a truly engaging read.

I LOVED this book.

It is truly a remarkable piece of literature. At times, it delves into the depths of despair, presenting a side of history that is desperately sad. However, it also has the power to inspire and uplift.

It made me feel an overwhelming sense of pride in my Jewish heritage. I firmly believe that this book is a must-read for everyone.

Particularly for those like me, who may have had little formal Jewish education but possess a strong sense of Jewish identity.

By reading this book, you will gain a profound sense of your roots, understanding the struggles and triumphs of your ancestors.

It is a journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for your heritage and a deeper connection to your Jewish identity.

So, I highly recommend this book to all.

Pick it up, and let it take you on a powerful and life-changing adventure.

In my humble opinion, this is Michener's most remarkable book.

Although I have only read 8 of his works so far, this one stands out. It delves much deeper into the past, covering a broader expanse of human evolutionary history.

Rather than solely concentrating on the small settlement of Makor, it boldly ventures back to Europe and explores much of what occurred there before some of the peoples arrived in the Holy Land.

I am truly astounded by the sheer amount of research that Michener must have conducted to pen this book.

Out of all the books of his that I have read, I firmly believe this to be my personal favorite.

It offers a captivating and comprehensive look at the complex tapestry of human history, leaving the reader with a profound sense of awe and wonder.

Each page is filled with rich details and vivid descriptions that bring the past to life.

Michener's ability to seamlessly weave together multiple storylines and historical events is truly a testament to his literary genius.

This book is not only a great read but also a valuable educational resource that provides insights into the evolution of human civilization.

I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in history or a love for great literature.

This historical fiction epic is a remarkable work that delves into the personal saga of the Jewish people and the Jewish faith. It is framed by a fictional archaeological dig in Israel during the 1960s.

In the opening chapters, the archaeologists meticulously organize and commence their dig. Illustrations vividly depict the various objects unearthed from different historical periods as they penetrate deeper into a site that has been inhabited to diverse degrees since prehistory.

These artifacts are then utilized to introduce each chapter, forging a connection between the past and the present of the story.

The story is further framed by a family whose roots can be traced back to the prehistoric remains discovered in the tell. This family offers an additional layer of continuity for the reader. The characters themselves are largely oblivious of their connections to past eras of the epic, yet these connections are unveiled through the omniscient narrator.

The history spans from the inception of monotheism through biblical times, the Crusades, and up to modern Israel, where the story more directly links to the characters introduced on the archaeological team.

There is an abundance of tragedy and violence, with few individual stories culminating happily. However, there is also a wealth of real history, detailed insights into archaeology, and a vast cast of engaging characters.

Some of the politics may seem a bit outdated at this juncture, and perhaps some of the archaeology/history as well, considering the book is now approximately 50 years old. Nevertheless, I found it all to be highly engaging and felt that I learned a great deal.

This is an enormous epic, consisting of over 900 pages. Despite the constantly changing settings and characters, I was captivated throughout. There are some minor inconsistencies in the editing, particularly regarding point of view, but these did not diminish my enjoyment.

It's nearly impossible to pen a fitting review for such a comprehensive epic. Michener embarked on writing a fictionalized history of the land we now know as Israel, spanning from caveman times to the present day (as of its publication in 1965). The idea of chronicling the history of such an ancient land seems daunting, yet I believe Michener achieved it to a great extent. As I read, I could sense the enormity of time passing by.

The book's framework is an archaeological dig at a tell named Makor, or Source, in northern Israel. The archaeologists, aware of the Crusader castle on the hill, secured funding to excavate it and much more. They unearthed coins, pottery shards, fertility idols, engraved stones, caveman tools, and candelabras. The present-day archaeologists also engaged in philosophical discussions about the nature of Judaism and religion, offering Michener an opportunity to expound on the future of modern Israel.

From there, Michener delves back in time to narrate the story of how each excavated object ended up in Makor. Beginning with Ur, the first cave dweller to cultivate crops and construct a house, he tells tales with well-developed characters who have families, motivations, and histories. Each of these stories is almost a full-length novel in itself - this is no short book. And like real people, these characters had their good and truly dreadful days. One of my favorites was Hoopoe, the bird-like engineer who built a tunnel to the town's well to conceal it from invaders. I also adored the first-person account written by a contemporary and friend of King Herod who had dedicated his life to building places like Caesarea. But truly, I relished all the stories. They were all distinct from one another, and some of the people were more admirable than others, yet each person contributed to shaping history within their own small sphere.

This was also a history of religion, as any narrative set in this land must be. From the first ancient god, El, religion progressed through a variety of pagan deities (Ba'al was especially beneficial for the farmers) until the concept of a single god was introduced by the early Jews (who weren't Jews at the time, of course). Judaism then evolved and adapted, eventually leading to Christianity. With the advent of Christianity, inevitable religious conflicts began to surface. Conflicts and wars had existed before, but they hadn't been driven by religion, which was almost fanatical in its need to prove itself right. When Islam emerged, things became even more complex. Part of the book chronicled the history of the Jews following the Diaspora, and it was a history of such desolation: the people were fated to be expelled from country after country for 2000 years before it was time to return.

I don't think I'm alone in thinking that history is something that's over rather than something that's ongoing. Two hundred years from now, the world will look very different, regardless of how much we protest, fight, or disapprove of the changes. Some countries will vanish from the map, some (if not most) nations will be overtaken by a different group of people, many cherished ways of life will adapt or disappear, and the countries that currently hold power may find themselves mere bit players. And each of us will have left a legacy, however slight.

The book also made me reflect on the evolution of my own religion and moral beliefs. Some of the more inexplicable aspects of my religion can be partially understood by examining 6000 years of history rather than just a few hundred years.

The Source is a lengthy read but highly recommended.

I have owned this book for a considerable number of years.

When I was younger, perhaps in my 20s, I read several of Michener's books.

Recently, I decided to re-read this particular one because I recalled liking it a great deal.

However, it was quite challenging to read at this point in my life.

The book seemed dated, with elements that were sexist and racist.

I was particularly upset at the depiction of women in the story, where they were all described in terms of "long legs" and a desire for jewelry. Ugh.

On the other hand, I was interested in the portrayal of the development of the current Israel nation.

I wonder to what extent the book's depiction was based on truth.

According to the book, the British attempted to leave as much of Palestine to the Arabs as possible, but the Jews fought for the land.

The area around Galilee and Jerusalem has witnessed a great deal of conflict over the centuries.

It makes me reflect on the complex history and the different perspectives that may exist.

Overall, this re-reading experience has been both eye-opening and thought-provoking.

This book is truly an enormous investment of time,

yet it is entirely worthwhile. I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for characters from all walks of life and with diverse moral compasses.

The theoretical religious commentary and stories within its pages were utterly fascinating.

It delved deep into the realms of faith, belief, and the human condition, presenting ideas and perspectives that made me stop and think.

The author's ability to bring these complex themes to life through engaging characters and a captivating narrative was truly remarkable.

Each chapter was like a new adventure, leading me further into a world of thought and reflection.

Despite the significant time commitment, I never once regretted picking up this book.

It has left a lasting impression on me and has broadened my understanding of religion and its impact on our lives.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read.