The Caribbean

The Caribbean
James A. Michener
Copyright 2005 (re-release)

Have I mentioned how much I love history and historical fictions?  Actually, I don't think I have.  So you are hereby put on notice, I LOVE HISTORY & HISTORICAL FICTIONS. That being emphasized, I have never read anything by acclaimed historical fictioneer (Yes, I feel as though I can now invent my own words), James, don't forget the A, Michener.

Almost 700 pages, Michener's tome expanses the practically the entire history of the Caribbean from the native explorations, European rule, to 1970-1980's unrest.  I don't know why, but the history of the region never sucked me in until I picked up this book.  You would think that my Floridian butt would care about the back story of my neighbors.

I had a hard time getting immersed in the book at the beginning.  I thought that was odd, but then I realized that the majority of the histories I read, be they factual or fiction, are biographies.  I eat up biographies because I love characterizations.  The Caribbean is a biography of a huge expanse and a variety of cultures.  That being said, since it is a historical fiction, there is a continuity because Michener uses the same families and ties them all together (and to the islands) in the end.  So, once I got into it, I was into it.  Thankfully, there is a prologue of sorts in the beginning telling you which characters were fictional and which were fiction because I truly forgot that most of the characters were not real and I was ready to track them down for either a kick to the shin or a hug. 

I really enjoyed the book.  Thanks to Jill for the thoughtful gift.  And as we sit, I am fighting the urge to pack up my bags and bring the book into the 21st century.

***Next up: The Ten, Make That Nine Habits of Very Organized People.  Make That Ten. The tweets of Steve Martin*****