If only someone in the US government had read this twenty years ago and truly understood how many invasions this land has endured... (or perhaps they did, but they believed they would be the exception to the rule?)

An embassy official embarks on a arduous trek across Afghanistan in search of an American girl who has fled to marry an Afghani engineer. This journey delves into the complex questions of societal progress versus freedom and sincerity. The diverse cast includes a wanted Nazi doctor who has converted to Islam, nomads, a man who conceals his Jewish heritage, mullahs in conflict with political leaders, and many more. It offers an interesting perspective on Afghanistan in the 1940s, revealing the rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and struggles that existed during that time.

The story not only highlights the challenges faced by the embassy official in his search but also sheds light on the broader issues of identity, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness in a war-torn country. It makes one wonder how much has changed in Afghanistan since then and what lessons can be learned from this historical account.

I read an extremely great book! It was truly amazing.

The story was so captivating that I couldn't put it down. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world full of adventure, mystery, and excitement.

The characters were well-developed and came to life on the pages. I felt like I was right there with them, experiencing all their joys and sorrows.

The author's writing style was engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It's definitely one that I will remember for a long time.

It has been an incredibly long time since I last picked up a Michener book. However, I specifically selected this particular one because I had never read it before. As I delved into the pages, I came to the realization that I have read very few books that are set in Afghanistan.

Interestingly, the best aspect of this book was indeed the setting. It vividly helped me to understand and process just how vastly different the country is from the more contemporary world that we currently inhabit. The descriptions of the landscapes, the culture, and the way of life were truly eye-opening.

That being said, though, I couldn't help but feel that the book was a bit dated. The writing style and some of the情节 seemed a bit old-fashioned compared to more modern works. Additionally, the character development wasn't as strong as I had initially hoped. The characters felt a bit one-dimensional at times, and I would have liked to see more depth and complexity in their personalities and motivations. Overall, while the book had its strengths in terms of the setting, it did have some drawbacks in other areas.

While I did appreciate the accounts that presented Afghanistan as a place and the depth of descriptions that accompanied them, the actual story within this work is disappointingly shallow and overly Ameri-centric. It seems to lack a more comprehensive and objective perspective. There is, however, one strikingly prescient quotation on page 171 that has truly stuck with me. It goes: "No one spoke. The meal was ready but no one seemed hungry, so finally Nazrullah said 'I tell you these things only to explain the terrible burdens under which Afghanistan has labored. Our major cities have been destroyed so many times. Do you know what I expect, seriously? When a thousand men like me have rebuilt Kabul and made it as great as The City once was, either the Russians or the Americans will come with their airplanes and bomb it to rubble.'" These brief moments of hindsight-based insight are unfortunately fleeting. They are of dubious value for anyone other than the most passionate enthusiasts of Afghan affairs. It makes one wonder if there is more to the story that has been overlooked or inadequately explored.

Greetings, adventure seekers, from the treacherous frozen north.

It's your weary, wrestling wordsmith here with a great recommendation for you. I'm a big fan of historical fiction, and I always notice so many similarities between it and the fantasy I read. In my mind, I often group R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones with Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth Series. Both feature nobles vying for power, characters with wavering morals, the harsh realities of medieval life, and romantic love stories intertwined. The only real difference is that in the former, there are Dragons and White Walkers, while in the latter, you learn about actual human history.

Recently, I read James Michener's Caravans, published in 1963. When I delved into this book, I constantly felt as if I was traversing some alien, science-fiction, fantasy world. However, the story actually takes place in Afghanistan in the 1950s. The plot, characters, and writing were like nothing I had read before. The narrative isn't a wild rollercoaster of action, yet it felt like the adventure of a lifetime. The blend of cultures and contradictions was both mind-boggling and familiar. You get to see what Afghanistan might have been like compared to what it has become, and you start to gain a bit of an understanding of the country's origins.

After finishing the book, one question that remained unanswered for me was what the Germans were doing in Afghanistan before World War 2, and what the Americans and Russians were up to there after World War 2. I think Afghanistan might be the Middle East's Poland, in that it's a strategic hub that's essential to control if you want to dominate that part of the world, but I'm still not entirely certain of this conclusion.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or not, if you love adventure, I guarantee you'll love James Michener's Caravans.

Jeremy Mathiesen

Where Dark Tales Dwell

The novel has its focus on Mark Miller, a young American diplomat who is stationed in Kabul in 1946. His task is to locate Ellen, a college-age woman who married an American-educated Afghan named Nazrullah and then vanished in Afghanistan. Eventually, he discovers her among a group of nomads. Meanwhile, Miller's traveling companion is Dr. Otto Stiglitz, a Nazi war criminal.

This story is set in Afghanistan in 1946. Written in 1963 about the then-largely unknown country of Afghanistan, it offers a wealth of knowledge about the very old, 'bronze age' culture and the interesting terrain. “Kabul today shows what Palestine was like at the time of Jesus.” Due to US wars, many names and places are recognizable. There is a plethora of historical information and travelogue scenery, which is why it earns 3 stars.

However, otherwise, the characters and story are rather flat, definitely outmoded, and there is no great depth of insight into the psychology of the characters. The story is weak. It is sufficient to keep one reading, but by no means enthralling. The travelogue, on the other hand, is magnificent.

Michener provided much insight into Afghanistan before the modern age, before modern powers became completely embroiled, before the height of the Cold War, before the Russian and US invasions, and before globalization brought America closer to Asia. His 3 Afghan characters shared their hopes and fears for their country as it moved towards modernization. This was truly loved, especially with our knowledge of what actually happened to the Afghans.

Michener also touched upon the political complexity for Afghans and their mullahs, the influence of the US-educated Afghans, the urban-dwellers versus the rural nomads, and the Americans, Russians, and English competing for an advantage. He even incorporated the Nazi atrocities through a German doctor.

I truly relished this book!

It was said that it would enhance your comprehension of Afghanistan, and indeed it did.

The culture, the people, the customs, and much more are unveiled beneath what appears to be a straightforward romance.

The author skillfully weaves together the story, allowing the reader to not only become engrossed in the love affair but also to gain a profound insight into the rich and complex tapestry of Afghan life.

From the bustling markets filled with vibrant colors and unique smells to the traditional festivals and ceremonies, every aspect of the country's culture is brought to life.

The characters are well-developed and their experiences and emotions are palpable, making it easy for the reader to empathize with them.

This book is not just a love story; it is a window into a world that many of us may not be familiar with, and it has left a lasting impression on me.

Relatively short for a Michener book, this one is about 1940s Afghanistan and was penned in the 1960s.

Back then, Afghanistan wouldn't have been a prominent topic in the news, and few people in the US would have even heard of it.

Michener, however, had a penchant for writing about places that were off the beaten track.

But to me, it's another story. His books often seemed to drag on interminably and lacked a sense of pace.

Michener had journeyed through Afghanistan, and his portrayal of the land and its people is indeed authentic.

Nevertheless, the story itself is rather lackluster and meandering.

However, the potential for never-ending conflict was already present at that time, and Michener predicted it in his conclusion.

Sure enough, I have witnessed Afghanistan being mired in a succession of bloody conflicts throughout practically my entire life.

I would have liked to know more about the history of Afghanistan. This is quite different from Michener's style. Usually, Michener would provide in-depth background information about the country, allowing readers to have a comprehensive understanding before delving into the story. However, in this case, the author does not follow that pattern. Instead, he begins immediately with the story.

This approach has its own advantages. It grabs the reader's attention right from the start and immerses them in the narrative. But on the other hand, for those who are interested in the historical context, it may leave them feeling a bit disappointed.

Afghanistan has a long and complex history, filled with wars, invasions, and cultural exchanges. Understanding this history can enhance our appreciation of the story and give us a deeper insight into the characters and their motivations.

I hope that in future works, the author will consider providing more background information about the setting, so that readers can have a more complete and fulfilling reading experience.

**"One of the world's great cauldrons"**

I had anticipated that "Caravans" would read in a similar vein to the only other Michener book I had perused, "Hawaii": a grand, multi-generational account that neatly ties together an engaging history of the kingdom(s) that evolved into a state. However, what I experienced was living through a year of a young American man's life as he matures in post-WWII Afghanistan. It's been a long time since I felt the urge to immerse myself within a novel. The prose is smooth, uncluttered, and堪称完美. The exotic settings are vividly described, and the characters are complex and lifelike. "Caravans" is not only wise and philosophical but also as refreshing as the night desert air that the author makes you seem to breathe, and as deceptively simple as the "primitive" culture that the main characters encounter. It is truly an epic journey that takes the reader on a remarkable adventure through a foreign land and time.

It offers a unique perspective on a part of the world that is often overlooked or misunderstood.

The descriptions of Afghanistan were so breathtakingly beautiful.

Afghanistan, a landlocked country in South Asia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Its landscapes are equally diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to vast deserts, and from fertile plains to deep valleys.

The country is home to many ancient cities and ruins, such as Bamiyan, Herat, and Kandahar, which bear witness to its glorious past. The people of Afghanistan are known for their hospitality and kindness, and their unique culture and traditions are a source of pride for the nation.

Despite the challenges and difficulties that the country has faced in recent years, the beauty and charm of Afghanistan continue to attract visitors from all over the world. Whether it is the stunning scenery, the rich history, or the warm and friendly people, Afghanistan has something to offer everyone.

The analysis on Afghanistan presented is truly very interesting and provides deep insights. It offers a valuable perspective on the complex situation in that country. However, it must be noted that the plot aspect is rather weak. There could have been more development and cohesion in the storyline to make it more engaging and impactful. Despite this drawback, the interesting and insightful content regarding Afghanistan still manages to hold the reader's attention to a certain extent. But to truly excel, a stronger plot would have been beneficial. It would have enhanced the overall quality and effectiveness of the piece, allowing the reader to not only gain knowledge about Afghanistan but also be fully immersed in a captivating narrative.