Another epic saga from Michener has been crossed off my list!

I loved this one a little bit less than the others I've read, yet I still enjoyed it. The in-depth focus on one island per chapter was appreciated. Some islands were repeated as the book advanced towards modern times. There is so much about Caribbean history that I'm ignorant of (for example, just about everything). By concentrating on the extremely diverse backgrounds of different countries, it not only brought them into sharper relief but also emphasized how closely their fates were linked to world events, especially in Europe (and eventually, America).

This book took me an eternity to read. Partly due to lack of time, but also because at times the writing seemed really forced and cliched (especially as it approached modern day). Moreover, I became annoyed that there were no female characters who could exist independently without being attached to a romantic partner. Even (and especially) in the final chapter! Ugh. I have a feeling this might have also occurred frequently in his other books, but it was less noticeable, and there was at least one strong female character in each of the other books I've read by him.

Overall, it offers a fascinating perspective on world history as it unfolded in the Caribbean. I don't think I retained much of it, but it at least helped me realize how much I don't know - which is also significant!

Caribbean very well may have superseded The Source in terms of my favorite Michener novels.

The Caribbean, with its unique nature consisting of numerous separate island nations that have links to other distinct empires, prompts Michener to deviate from his typical style. Instead of tracing a single family lineage through an area's history, he opts to tell the stories of unrelated individuals from different islands. This approach truly worked for me.

The Caribbean is an extensive territory encompassing a plethora of nations and rich histories. This formula enables us to explore and witness all the wealth, racism, revolutions, and the inherent beauty that have shaped each island into what we know today. The Easter-egging of characters and places also mitigates the problem that I and others have had with some of Michener's other books.

In this particular one, the book steadily improves as it progresses, and the ending, in my opinion, is the most satisfying he has ever written!

Admittedly, it does have its slower moments, but overall, I truly adored it!

While I have been aware of Michener for many years,

I had not attempted any of his works as historical fiction holds a lesser interest for me.

However, spending 10 days in the “Spanish Lake” was the perfect setting for reading this particular one.

His combination of in-depth research and the seamless weaving together of historical events across several islands made for both interesting and satisfying reading.

Spanning over 600 years, he managed to make both famous historical characters and those of his own creation deeply engaging, effectively overcoming the limitations of character development within a single chapter.

While I would have preferred a more consistent through line, the themes of competition among nations, the extremely negative impacts of slavery, and racial / national identity came together to form a story with both an enjoyable conclusion and valuable real-world lessons.

Published in 1989, CARIBBEAN is an extensive 920-page work of historical fiction.

The story unfolds over sixteen chapters, with each chapter focusing on a distinct island and presenting a unique slice of its history through a single narrative.

The book vividly描绘s the force of man in the pursuit of fame and fortune, which is often accompanied by a great deal of despair, bloodshed, and barbarity.

The inhumane treatment of those who are different is a recurring theme that remains constantly in the forefront.

While I truly admire Michener's work, I found this particular book to be somewhat challenging to read at times.

The abundance of historical detail can be overwhelming and caused my attention to wander on occasion.

However, I was determined and steadfast in my resolve to complete the book, as I recognized the value and importance of the story it had to tell.

In ''Caribbean,'' Michener adheres to the formula that proved successful in numerous other novels such as Poland or Chesapeake. He jumps from one place to another, creates fictional characters who interact with historical figures, and elucidates historical events and their contexts through the lives of those characters. This approach worked masterfully in many of his other works but unfortunately fell short in this novel. I believe this is mainly because “Caribbean” lacks central characters or families that appear consistently throughout the book. The very diversity of the islands, each influenced differently by various Spanish, English, French, Dutch, and African cultures, tends to undermine Michener’s typical method of narrating the history of a region by following a few key fictional families over time. The vast cultural mosaic of the region necessitates a constant introduction of new characters with no relation to one another from chapter to chapter. Instead of a seamless history, we are left with a disjointed patchwork of stories awkwardly pieced together. Perhaps this itself offers some insights into the tumultuous history of the Caribbean Islands.

The novel spans almost 700 years of Caribbean history, commencing with the native Arawak Indians in the 1300s and concluding in 1989 when the novel was published. Despite the book’s flaws, Michener, true to his style, does not shy away from covering the disturbing history of mankind’s interactions, including the conquests, slavery, and colonialism that once thrived in the Caribbean and continue to influence the region to this day. It begins with the native Arawak Indians on the island of Dominica, who would be overrun by the fierce and cannibalistic Carib Indians.

The novel progresses with the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the 400-year period of Spanish domination in the “Spanish Lake,” and the subsequent rivalry between Spain and England. This backdrop is utilized to recount the adventures of Sir Francis Drake, Henry Morgan, and Horatio Nelson. What I found particularly captivating was the geo-strategic significance these islands held in European and world affairs. The wealth generated by the sugar plantations made many of these islands more valuable than most of the colonies on the mainland at that time. Similarly, the plantation owners on Jamaica and other British isles were able to secure seats in Parliament, enabling them to exert significant influence in forcing political decisions with consequences for the entire British Empire. For example, many of the onerous restrictions on the trade flow for the colonies on the American mainland were initiated by MPs whose seats represented the West Indies. This was a blatant affront to American patriots, popularizing the phrase “no taxation without representation” and undoubtedly directly contributing to the American Revolution.

Michener does assist in explaining the unique character of many of the islands. Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War are employed to recount the history of Barbados, commonly known as “Little England.” French versus English attitudes towards mixed-race (creole) relations and the export of the French Terror into the islands are used to描绘 a picture of life in Guadeloupe. The Haitian revolution is told through the story of fictional general Cesar Vaval. Communist Cuba is explored through the eyes of Cuban refugees who have established a prosperous new life for themselves in Miami. Michener delves, in excruciating detail, into the meaning and influence of Rastafarianism in Jamaica and other islands. He explores the introduction of Indians (from India) from lower castes into the islands to perform many of the menial tasks that former slaves refused to do after slavery was abolished.

While I have a much greater appreciation for the Caribbean, at over 800 pages, the book became a much more laborious read than his other works, and I found myself struggling to get through the last third of the book. Thus far, this ranks as my least favorite Michener book.

T.S. Eliot's quote, which can be paraphrased as "the world ending not with a bang, but a whimper," neatly encapsulates James Michener's "Caribbean." Just like in his other works, Michener uses a fictional yet historical lens to explore the conflicts and overall history of the Caribbean in "Caribbean." Larger-than-life depictions of real figures such as Sir Francis Drake, Henry Morgan, Admiral Nelson, and Fidel Castro roam around this golden sea, interacting with a host of made-up characters.

Unlike "Chesapeake," Michener abandons the approach of tracking a few families over the centuries and instead island-hops. Each chapter typically focuses on a specific island's role during a certain time period. The novel spans from before Europeans "discovered" the West Indies up to the late 1980s when it was published.

The good thing about "Caribbean" is Michener's writing style. Although it might be overly-romantic, it truly brings historical figures to life. The famous privateers, buccaneers, statesmen, and slave leaders are highly personified, and their near-accurate portrayals save this novel. As a fan of the narrative form history can take, I can overlook Michener's mistakes in prose because of his ability to tell a good story with memorable characters.

However, there are also some bad aspects. The quote I mentioned at the beginning of this review holds true. "Caribbean" mainly focuses on the violence and racism of these islands. While the first two-thirds of the novel balances these themes with real historical events, people, and issues, the last third deviates from this style due to one poor narrative decision. Michener creates the island of All-Saints, a metonym for the Caribbean as a whole, and sets several of the final chapters on this island. By using a completely fictional island and culture to emphasize the themes of unjust violence and spoiled grandeur, which were already prevalent in chapters set on real islands, Michener undermines the point he was trying to make.

Moreover, there is an ugly aspect. Aspiring authors should note that trying to force a romantic relationship in the last chapter of a 700-page book makes no sense and panders to the reader's expectation that everything must be neatly tied up in the end.

In conclusion, I by no means disliked this book. Michener, although not the best writer of prose or even historical fiction, does present an exciting narrative at many points in "Caribbean." To make a reference that one of his pirating characters might find amusing, there is treasure there - you just might have to dig for it.

Finally, I recommend you go read "Chesapeake."

**BLM....you are going after the wrong country**

In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, I find myself in quarantine or what feels like purgatory, rereading all of James Michener's books. I must say that while the BLM movement is involved in burning businesses and rioting, essentially acting as domestic terrorists, they are targeting the wrong country. They should leave the U.S. alone and perhaps direct their efforts towards Spain, France, and England.

I loved the story of Will, Ned, and Captain Morgan. No wonder I have a fondness for his rum! But then I woke up. Captain Morgan actually made me sick. He was such a horrible man.

In the past two days, I have learned more about slavery than I really wanted to know, yet I'm glad I did. It has opened my eyes to the dark history that still haunts our world today. We need to have a more informed and nuanced discussion about these issues, rather than simply engaging in mindless destruction and violence. Maybe then, we can start to make real progress towards a more just and equal society.

I am constantly astounded by the vastness of Michener's stories. The remarkable thing is that the narrative seamlessly traverses from the 1300s all the way to the 1990s, never losing its momentum or straying from the point. This is truly a feat to behold.

I thoroughly enjoyed how each story within every time period was distinctively unique. However, they all adhered to the same overarching theme that was established from the very beginning. Moreover, each story shared many common elements, which added a sense of cohesion to the entire work.

It was particularly pleasant to see a reflection on Joe in the last section of the novel. When we think of the Caribbean, we often envision the beautiful landscapes and vibrant cultures. But Michener also delves into the lives of the people who make up this region, and Joe's story is a prime example of this. Through his experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the Caribbean and its people.

I’ve read numerous books on the Caribbean and have had the privilege of visiting some of its breathtakingly beautiful islands. Therefore, I was truly captivated by this particular book.

Spanning across a vast number of years and encompassing multiple islands, the book offers a perspective on the Caribbean that extends far beyond its physical allure. It delves deep into the region's history, exploring the profound impact of invading and controlling nations, the dark era of slavery, the complex web of politics, and much more.

In particular, one chapter dedicated to Haiti left a profound impression on me and was deeply disturbing. It meticulously explains some of the colonial history between Haiti and France, shedding light on the terrible racial injustices and the horrifying violence that have persisted to this very day. This chapter serves as a stark reminder of the long and painful legacy that continues to shape the Caribbean.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and eye-opening exploration of the Caribbean, offering a deeper understanding of the region's rich and complex past.

Awesome book, as usual. I have never been disappointed with anything written by Michener. Of course, this one was also immense. It had over 800 pages. Although that's the shortest one I've read by him so far, haha. It took me quite a while to get through it, but it was utterly fascinating. Now I have a desperate desire to visit the Caribbean and witness this wonderful world with my own eyes!!!

Finally, finally finished this monstrous tome!

It took me almost a month to read this book. It is not recommended if you read yourself to sleep as reading with your eyes closed may cause the book to come crushing down on your head, especially if you are reading the hard cover edition.

This book is a collection of short stories that explore different parts of the Caribbean and the diverse people who inhabit the islands. It offers a rich tapestry of historical tidbits, political intrigue, and even tales of love affairs. Some chapters are longer and more detailed, while others are shorter and more concise. Similarly, some chapters are more engaging and captivating, while others may require a bit more effort to get through. To enhance your understanding, it would be beneficial to refer to a map and locate each of the mentioned islands. This will give you a better sense of the geographical context and help you visualize the settings described in the stories.

Overall, this book provides an interesting and informative look at the Caribbean region and its people.

This book is rather long and it presents a certain kind of reading commitment.

However, it managed to maintain my interest almost throughout. Michener has always provided history buffs with an abundance of engaging material for the reader to explore.

I have learned a great deal from this historical novel. There are numerous reviews of this book, and I hardly feel the need to replicate the many existing ones.

I discovered that it was well worth the time invested in absorbing its contents, which speaks volumes about its quality. Michener has always delivered excellent works for me, and as a result, I continue to read his books from time to time.

His writing style and the depth of his research make his novels not only entertaining but also highly educational.

Each of his works offers a unique perspective on different historical periods and events, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the past.

I look forward to reading more of his books and uncovering the many hidden gems of knowledge within them.