The Source by James A Michener

As with most Michener novels, the road to knowledge in The Source is not a short or easy one. However, all 1,088 pages are well worth the reader's effort due to Michener's elaborate portrayal of historic detail and vivid, gripping writing style. In 15 separate stories, Michener traces a two thousand years in the history of Judaism.

Interspersed at regular intervals throughout are the trials of present day archaeologists as they dig up the ruins of an ancient tel in Israel. After reading this book, I felt as if I somehow traveled back in time to walk along the walls of Jerusalem with King David, rode in the desert with an Islamic warrior, and stormed the Holy Land with the crusaders.

The Source is about the ancient struggle of man to understand himself and the world around him. The struggle may not afford many happy endings (many accounts of torture, sacrifice, and brutal abuse are recorded), but somehow victory is obtained by many on the strength of their all-consuming loyalty to and passion for their god, whatever name he may be called.

It is moving, even riveting, to experience, in some sense, the tremendous hardships and yearnings of generations of people. Whether or not you consider yourself "religious," reading this book provides insight into the profound phenomenon of religion.

Review by John Hanley, Jr.