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.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional and reflective of their time, showcasing strong roles and complex interactions amidst historical backdrops.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is detailed and immersive, blending history with vivid character portrayals, though it may be dense for some readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows multiple fictional families over centuries, showcasing their intertwined lives amidst historical events in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Setting:

The setting is focused on the Chesapeake Bay area, richly depicted through its geography and its impact on historical events over time.

Pacing:

With its considerable length, the pacing is uneven; some sections engage more than others, leading to a varied reading experience.

The island was low-lying, but its stately trees rose so high and so unevenly that they created an impression of elevation. Oak, maple, sweetgum, chestnut, birch, towering pines and iridescent holly gr...

Notes:

'Chesapeake' spans four centuries, from the 1500s to the 1970s.

The book follows fictional characters whose lives are interwoven across generations.

Michener presents a historical narrative through the lens of his characters' experiences.

Rosalind Steed is a strong female character who runs plantations and avenges her children.

The novel tackles the complex history of slavery and its impact on Maryland.

Michener avoids political correctness, staying true to the historical context of his characters' actions.

The narrative includes accounts of Native Americans, colonization, and significant events like the Civil War.

The book's structure features 'voyages' that explore different time periods and major themes.

Michener's writing highlights both human depravity and moments of admirable character.

The Chesapeake Bay serves as a continuous backdrop, embodying the region's history and changes over time.

Many readers appreciate Michener's detailed research and vivid portrayal of historical events.

Characters face various hardships, adding depth to the narrative and reader engagement.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, depiction of slavery, historical atrocities, and possible instances of sexual violence.

Has Romance?

Romance is present in the novel, integrated with the complex lives of the characters.

From The Publisher:

In this classic novel, James A. Michener brings his grand epic tradition to bear on the four-hundred-year saga of America's Eastern Shore, from its Native American roots to the modern age. In the early 1600s, young Edmund Steed is desperate to escape religious persecution in England. After joining Captain John Smith on a harrowing journey across the Atlantic, Steed makes a life for himself in the New World, establishing a remarkable dynasty that parallels the emergence of America. Through the extraordinary tale of one man's dream, Michener tells intertwining stories of family and national heritage, introducing us along the way to Quakers, pirates, planters, slaves, abolitionists, and notorious politicians, all making their way through American history in the common pursuit of freedom.

Praise for Chesapeake

"Another of James Michener's great mines of narrative, character and lore."-The Wall Street Journal

"[A] marvelous panorama of history seen in the lives of symbolic people of the ages . . . an emotionally and intellectually appealing book."-The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Michener's most ambitious work of fiction in theme and scope."-The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Magnificently written . . . one of those rare novels that are enthusiastically passed from friend to friend."-Associated Press

Ratings (5)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (1)

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Chesapeake?

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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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Chesapeake

James A. Michener