Chesapeake: A Novel
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
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
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Community Reviews
Excellent look at American history. So much of our country's history took place in an around the Chesapeake Bay. The story of the Native Americans, Jamestown colony, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War are all prominently featured. It is told through the voices of the various families: Pentaquod (Native American), The Steeds (Catholic, conservative, slave owners), The Turlocks (poor people who lived in the marshy areas), and the Paxmores (Quakers). It is also about the environment, the geese, the crabs, the oysters, and shipbuilding. This book touches on so many subjects: The Protestant Reformation, the Boston tea party, Irish potato famine, Fugitive Slave Act, and much more. Michener infuses the story with some occasional humor and shows great sensitivity to all the various people and ethnic group without ever appearing preachy. I LOVED the book, except the last part about Watergate. It did not seem as developed as some of the other sections and seemed more like it was tacked on to just finish the book.
Many compelling and illuminating parts, especially the early years that are more about the land. But the book is mostly about race relations and religious factions, and I had to take a break in the middle to read something less depressing. It certainly did offer insights into the character of the area, and cause me to do many web searches to research actual history on which Michener based his stories. A solid (if lengthy) read.
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