'Tales of the South Pacific' by James A. Michener is a collection of linked stories that portray life in the South Pacific during World War II. The book delves into the experiences of American soldiers stationed in the Pacific, highlighting their struggles, relationships, and daily life on the islands. Through a mix of humor, tragedy, courage, and friendship, Michener paints a vivid picture of humanity amidst the backdrop of war, offering a nuanced exploration of individual coping mechanisms and the impact of conflict on ordinary men and women.

Characters:

The characters are a diverse mix of Navy personnel, locals, and nurses, presented with depth and humor, reflecting both relatable traits and period-specific biases.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines descriptive and engaging prose with humor and seriousness, although dialogue can be awkward at times.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative consists of interconnected short stories depicting the lives of Navy personnel in the South Pacific during World War II, emphasizing daily life over battle details.

Setting:

The setting vividly encapsulates the South Pacific during World War II, highlighting both its beauty and the challenges soldiers faced.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally effective, with a mix of engaging and less exciting stories contributing to a gradual emotional build-up.

I WISH I could tell you about the South Pacific. The way it actually was. The endless ocean. The infinite specks of coral we called islands. Coconut palms nodding gracefully toward the ocean. Reefs up...

Notes:

Tales of the South Pacific is a collection of interconnected short stories.

It was James A. Michener's first published work and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1948.

The book serves as the inspiration for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific.

The stories are set during World War II in the South Pacific, focusing on American military personnel and their experiences.

The characters include soldiers, sailors, nurses, French planters, and local inhabitants.

Many of the stories deal with themes of race and cultural understanding, reflecting the social attitudes of the 1940s.

The writing showcases both the beauty of the islands and the horrors of war, alternating between humor and tragedy.

Michener wrote the book based on his own experiences as a naval officer during the war.

The narrative includes detailed descriptions of military logistics and the human cost of war.

Tales of the South Pacific has been praised for its vivid characterizations and emotional depth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes medium content warnings for themes of racism, loss, and the harsh realities of war.

Has Romance?

The book contains medium levels of romance as it weaves together multiple love stories amidst the wartime setting.

From The Publisher:

Tales of the South Pacific is the iconic, Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that inspired a Broadway classic and launched the career of James A. Michener, one of America's most beloved storytellers. This thrilling work invites the reader to enter the exotic world of the South Pacific and luxuriate in the endless ocean, the coconut palms, the waves breaking into spray against the reefs, the full moon rising behind the volcanoes. And yet here also are the men and women caught up in the heady drama of World War II: the young Marine who falls for a beautiful Tonkinese girl; the Navy nurse whose prejudices are challenged by a French aristocrat; and all the soldiers and sailors preparing for war against the seemingly peaceful backdrop of a tropical paradise.

Praise for James A. Michener and Tales of the South Pacific

"Truly one of the most remarkable books to come out of [World War II] . . . Michener is a born storyteller."-The New York Times

"Riveting and emotional . . . Ever since James Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific, the dreamers among us have been searching for our own Bali Ha'i."-The Washington Post

"Atmospheric . . . [Tales of the South Pacific marks] the beginning of Michener's long exploration of what happens when cultures connect, or fail to."-Los Angeles Times

"Few writers changed the face of American fiction as profoundly as did James Michener."-San Francisco Chronicle

Ratings (2)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (1)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (2)

What can you read after
Tales of the South Pacific?

See the list (100 books)

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,…

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More