OMG, that was an extremely long book!!!!

I read it before, during, and after a trip to South Africa (Cape Town & Johannesburg). I'm truly glad I did. The book provided me with a comprehensive overview of the country's history. It helped me understand its crucial place in early human development, in the internationalization of Africa, and in the codification of race, religion, and oppression that became apartheid.

While reading, I constantly tried to remember how the perspective of the writer (Michener -- a white American writing in the mid/late 1970s) influenced the storytelling. White Afrikaners and British characters received most of the focus, and their family lines were interwoven throughout the centuries. There was one family of Zulu origin, I believe, represented by various male characters throughout history, but it really wasn't comparable. The female characters were few and far between, and they (not surprisingly) tended to be either no-nonsense salt-of-the-earth types or idiots (luckily it was mostly the former).

What I'll take away from the novel are the following:

- How the Dutch didn't originally intend to colonize South Africa. Cape Town was just a stopover for trading between their country and Java and other Asian cultures.

- How the deep bitterness between the Afrikaners and British settlers (who found SA to be surprisingly "uncivilized" when they took over in the early 1800s) led to a terrible war that included concentration camps where war prisoners and families of non-British fighters (black and white alike) were housed and often died due to neglect.

- How violence has been part of SA's history from the very beginning -- between tribes, between farmers and native cultures, between you-name-it, which informs centuries of grievances and aggression.

- How it's impossible to escape from this history, violence, and inequality. Apartheid ended in the early 1990s, but creating a new societal system takes time (generations), hence many of the resulting issues of inequality that are present in SA today, despite corporate and government corruption.

I'm still quite naive in terms of beginning to understand the complexity of South Africa's past and present. But this book was a wonderful introduction to major events, people, places, and locations. And I often referred to various historical elements from it while I was visiting the country. I might even, gulp, read another book by Michener next time I travel -- if he has something on a future destination. I mean, the writing isn't particularly amazing, but his research is extensive, and he explains things well by weaving together his storylines.

It is a good way to get to know the history of such a complex country. It helps you understand each group of people that makes up such a diverse country and the reasons behind each social change that has occurred in that land. It is very long and in some parts, the reading is a little less easy than the book in general.

This approach of delving into the history provides a comprehensive view. You can see how different ethnic, cultural, and social groups have interacted and evolved over time. The complex web of events and their causes becomes clearer, enabling a deeper appreciation of the country's past.

However, the length of the study can be a challenge. It requires patience and dedication to work through all the details. Some sections may demand more effort to understand due to their complexity or the use of specialized language. But overall, it is a rewarding experience that enriches your knowledge and understanding of the country's history and its people.

Ugh. I'm giving up.

I managed to reach page 453 out of 873. This has been such a tiresome endeavor.

It was a best seller in 1980, and since I wanted to read all the best sellers from the year I was born, I made the decision to pick it up.

I read Chesapeake several years ago and quite enjoyed it, but I just couldn't make it through this one.

Firstly, it was penned by a White American man. While that might have been acceptable in 1980, in 2021, it feels insincere to read a comprehensive history of South Africa that wasn't written by a South African.

Secondly, all the main characters are men, and most of them are White.

Finally, it is just brutally harsh. I can't bear to read about all the violence and misery, especially when I question the author's point of view and how that might have influenced his narration of the story.

Michener was indeed an accomplished writer, but perhaps his era has come and gone.

I think it's time to move on to something else.

**Republiek van Suid-Afrika: A Multifaceted Exploration**

The Republiek van Suid-Afrika is a land of strange and complex characteristics. This review delves into the fourth James Michener book on the subject, highlighting recurring themes and historical resonances.

The book showcases how different groups have followed a similar path of development, from bands to tribes, chiefdoms, and finally states. Trade has played a crucial role in bringing people together and establishing sovereignty. The tenacity of ethno-religious groups, such as the Boers, is remarkable, as they repurposed Old Testament myths.

The history of South Africa is filled with conflicts, from the Anglo-Boer war to the apartheid era. The excessive length of the book is not a drawback, as Michener skillfully weaves together a detailed and engaging narrative. Each chapter provides valuable insights into different aspects of South African history, from the Khoi-san people to the modern era.

The book also touches on various other topics, such as the resource curse, the role of missionaries, and the rise of figures like Cecil Rhodes and Nelson Mandela. Overall, it offers a comprehensive understanding of the strange and complex history of the Republiek van Suid-Afrika.

Despite its flaws, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about the history of South Africa. It provides a wealth of information and perspectives that will leave readers with a deeper appreciation for this unique country.

The glossary at the end of the book is a useful addition, helping readers understand the many unfamiliar words and concepts. However, the reviewer also extracted a list of words for further reference.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore the history and culture of the Republiek van Suid-Afrika. It may take some time to read, but the insights gained are well worth the effort.