This is a sweeping, immersive doorstop of a novel, perfect for anyone who loves epic historical sagas with rich detail. Michener unspools centuries of South African history through vibrant, interwoven family stories - from the earliest peoples to the turmoil of the 20th century. If you love learning about world history through fiction, or you’re fascinated by the roots of modern societies and cultures, this book will pull you in. Fans of Michener’s other works, like Hawaii or Poland, will feel right at home with The Covenant’s blend of fact and fiction.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If long books aren’t your cup of tea, be warned - this is a hefty 1,200+ page read! Some readers felt a lack of deep character connection due to the sprawling cast and timeline, and others found parts repetitive, particularly in retellings of ethnic and racial conflicts. The focus sometimes leans heavily on European perspectives, which can leave those looking for more indigenous voices wanting. If you prefer fast-paced novels or more character-driven stories, this might not hold your attention.

A grand, meticulously researched historical epic that will transport patient readers to the heart of South Africa’s complex past - but may feel overwhelming or repetitive to some.

About:

'The Covenant' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical fiction novel that covers the history of South Africa over 500 years, starting from the early San peoples to the era of apartheid. The book follows the stories of several families - one Dutch Afrikaner, one English, and one native - providing a fictional account of the founding of South Africa through well-researched storytelling. The writing style of Michener presents the history of South Africa through different time periods with extremely interesting characters, giving readers a comprehensive introduction to the country's complex past.

Characters:

Characters represent a diverse array of cultural perspectives, but the focus tends to be more on historical events than on deep character development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by extensive descriptions, a narrative approach that blends history with fiction, and spans multiple time periods.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot encompasses the historical progression of South Africa, illustrating major conflicts and cultural dynamics from early inhabitants to the establishment of apartheid.

Setting:

The setting effectively encompasses the geographical and historical landscape of South Africa over centuries.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and extensive due to the book's length, often leading to repetition within the narrative.

While these narcotic names infected him with their sweet poison he stayed on deck and watched the moon tiptoe across the waves of an ocean he still could not comprehend, and grudgingly he admitted tha...

Notes:

James Michener is known for writing historical fiction about contested lands.

He wrote about various places including Israel, Korea, and South Africa.

The Covenant covers South African history from the San peoples to apartheid.

It details the arrival of Zulu tribes and Dutch settlers in South Africa.

The book illustrates different perspectives on land ownership based on cultural histories.

The Boer War and its aftermath, including the establishment of apartheid, are significant themes.

The narrative includes a mix of fictional characters and real historical events.

The novel spans about 500 years of South African history.

Readers often find Michener's works very well-researched despite their length.

The Covenant is noted for being engaging but can feel repetitive in its themes.

Some readers appreciate the exploration of how apartheid began without defending it.

It combines the experiences of various ethnic groups and their struggles in South Africa.

Many readers consider Michener's storytelling style engaging yet sometimes lacking depth in character exploration.

The book serves as an introduction to South African culture and history.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of violence, colonialism, exploitation, and racism, as well as the historical context of apartheid.

From The Publisher:

James A. Michener's masterly chronicle of South Africa is an epic tale of adventurers, scoundrels, and ministers, the best and worst of two continents who carve an empire out of a vast wilderness. From the Java-born Van Doorn family tree springs two great branches: one nurtures lush vineyards, the other settles the interior to become the first Trekboers and Afrikaners. The Nxumalos, inhabitants of a peaceful village unchanged for centuries, unite warrior tribes into the powerful Zulu nation. And the wealthy Saltwoods are missionaries and settlers who join the masses to influence the wars and politics that ravage a nation. Rivalries and passions spill across the land of The Covenant, a story of courage and heroism, love and loyalty, and cruelty and betrayal, as generations fight to forge a new world.

Praise for The Covenant

"A prodigious endeavor . . . Nowhere else could an American reader unfamiliar with South Africa get so full an understanding of its problems in so engaging a form."-The New York Times Book Review

1980

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495 pages

Ratings (5)

Loved It (3)
Liked It (2)

Reader Stats (13):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (4)

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About the Author:

James A. Michener was one of the world's most popular writers, the author of more than forty books of fiction and nonfiction, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific, the bestselling novels The Source, Hawaii, Alaska, Chesapeake, Centennial,…

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The Covenant

James A. Michener

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