Books Like...

'Hawaii' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical novel that covers the history of Hawaii from its formation by volcanic forces to its induction as a State in 1959. The book delves into the arrival of the original inhabitants from other Polynesian islands, the influence of American missionaries and merchants, and the immigration of Chinese and Japanese to work on the sugarcane and pineapple plantations. Through a large cast of characters, the novel portrays the rich Polynesian culture being impacted by various external influences over the years.

The writing style of James A. Michener in 'Hawaii' is praised for its attention to detail, thorough research, and ability to present a vast historical span in a digestible fashion. The author's intricate storytelling weaves together the lives of different characters, showcasing the interconnectedness of the island's history and the diverse cultural influences that shaped Hawaii over the years.

Chesapeake by James A. Michener is a historical novel that spans over 700 years in the Chesapeake Bay area, following the genealogy of multiple families through various historical periods. The book provides a detailed narrative of the region's history starting from the Native American settlements, through pre-revolutionary America, the Civil War, Industrial Revolution, and into modern times. The story is told through different perspectives and incorporates changing geographical landscapes, showcasing the evolving dynamics of the area across centuries.

"Texas" by James A. Michener is a historical fiction novel that takes the reader on a journey through the rich history of Texas, from its early days as a Spanish mission to its time as a republic and up to the present day. The book delves into various aspects of Texas, including oil, water, outlaws, rangers, Hispanics, Anglos, settling the frontier, power, and money. Michener masterfully weaves together historical events with fictional characters to bring the history of Texas to life, providing a vivid and real portrayal of the state.

The narrative of "Texas" is filled with adventure and history, captivating readers with its detailed exploration of the spirit of the people and the place. Despite its length, readers find the book compelling and engaging, immersing themselves in the stories of generations of Texans and the founding of the state. Michener's writing style, although criticized by some as stale or containing unnecessary parts, manages to keep readers entertained and informed throughout the book.

'Alaska' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical novel that covers the colorful history of Alaska from ancient times to the present day. The narrative weaves together the tales of various characters, from mastodons and woolly mammoths to Eskimos, Russians, gold rushers, and modern settlers. Through vivid storytelling, Michener explores the struggles of man against nature, the colonization of Alaska, and the exploitation of its valuable resources, offering a rich and absorbing narrative that captures the adventurous spirit of the land.

provides a detailed overview of Alaska's history, from prehistoric times to the recent past, with a focus on the struggles and triumphs of the people who have inhabited this vast and rugged land. Michener's writing style combines fictional storytelling with historical facts, creating an engaging and informative read that delves into the complexities of Alaska's development and the challenges faced by its inhabitants over the centuries.

"The Source" by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical novel that delves into the vast history of the land of Israel through the lens of an archaeological dig at Tell Makor. The book intertwines various historical eras and characters, exploring the evolution of religion in the region from ancient times to the modern day. Each layer of history is portrayed with rich storytelling, blending facts and archaeological evidence to paint a vivid picture of the cultures that inhabited the fictional coastal village.

The narrative structure of "The Source" is unique, with interconnected stories for each time period discovered during the archaeological dig, tracing the history of Judaism and the introduction of Christianity and Islam into the region. Through vignettes involving both real and fictional characters, the book explores cataclysmic events that shaped beliefs and ideologies, offering a comprehensive panorama of Jewish history filled with passion, pain, and strength.

'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.

'Poland' by James A. Michener follows the history of Poland through eight centuries, focusing on the stories of three families - the Counts Lubonski, the petty nobles Bukowski, and the peasants Buk. The novel covers significant historical events from the invasions of the Tatars to modern-day Poland, highlighting the pride, heritage, and solidarity of the Polish people. The narrative touches on themes of national pride, ongoing tensions, and the struggles faced by the people of Poland throughout the centuries, including invasions, rebuilding, and the impact of tyrannies.

'London' by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans over two thousand years of London's history, following the lives of multiple families through various eras such as the Roman invasion, Shakespearean times, The Great Fire, and post-World War II. The book is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each depicting a different period in London's evolution, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of how the city has transformed over time.

The narrative style of 'London' is praised for its ability to seamlessly weave together fiction and historical facts, offering readers a captivating journey through London's rich and diverse history. Readers appreciate the detailed exploration of different aspects of London life, from the origins of place names to architectural features, providing a well-rounded lesson in the city's history while following the fates of various families across generations.

Noble House by James Clavell is a vast, sprawling novel set in Hong Kong in 1963, focusing on the high-stakes business dealings and power struggles of the trading company Struan's, known as the Noble House of Asia. The story follows Ian Dunross, the tenth tai pan of Struan's, as he navigates through a week filled with espionage, financial double-dealing, natural disasters, and political intrigue, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Hong Kong. The book is known for its detailed portrayal of the era and the intense business world of the time, with a large cast of characters and complex interwoven plotlines that keep readers engaged throughout the 1,200+ pages.

James Clavell's writing style in Noble House is characterized by rich storytelling, intricate plotting, and a deep dive into the cultural clashes and power dynamics of the time. The novel captures the essence of Hong Kong in the 1960s, painting a vivid picture of a city teeming with money, flesh, opium, and power, while also delving into the personal lives and moral dilemmas of the characters, creating a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the high-adventure world of the Noble House.

New York by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping epic historical novel that traces the lives of several families in New York from 1664 to 2009. The author skillfully highlights various parts of history, showcasing how New Yorkers adapted to events through highs and lows, wars and peace, and joy and sorrow. The novel delves into poverty, wealth, and race issues, although not in great depth, and successfully brings historical events to life within a captivating narrative.

The book follows generations of families, offering a perspective on the city's development from its earliest days with Native Americans and trappers to more modern times. While some readers found the latter part of the novel less interesting, the overall portrayal of New York's history and the intertwining of various families throughout the centuries make for an engaging and informative read.