The Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Alexander Adams

In this riveting, ambitious novel from James A. Michener, the renowned chronicler of epic history turns his extraordinary imagination to a world he knew better than anyone: the world of books. Lukas Yoder, a novelist who has enjoyed a long, successful career, has finished what he believes to be his final work. Then a tragedy strikes in his community, and he becomes obsessed with writing about it. Meanwhile, Yoder’s editor fights to preserve her integrity—and her author—as her firm becomes the target of a corporate takeover; a local critic who teaches literature struggles with his ambitions and with his feelings about Yoder’s success; and a devoted reader holds the key to solving the mystery that haunts Yoder’s hometown.

Praise for The Novel

“Michener explores some of the deepest issues raised by narrative literature.”—The New York Times

“A good, old-fashioned, sink-your-teeth-into-it story . . . The Novel lets us see an unfamiliar side of the author, at the same time portraying the delicate, complex relationship among editors, agents and writers.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Michener loves literature, and his information about some of his favorite reading is almost as alluring as his explanation of how to handle a manuscript.”—Associated Press

“So absorbing you simply will not want [it] to end.”—Charleston News & Courier

Critic reviews

“Michener explores some of the deepest issues raised by narrative literature.”—The New York Times

“A good, old-fashioned, sink-your-teeth-into-it story . . . The Novel lets us see an unfamiliar side of the author, at the same time portraying the delicate, complex relationship among editors, agents and writers.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Michener loves literature, and his information about some of his favorite reading is almost as alluring as his explanation of how to handle a manuscript.”—Associated Press

“So absorbing you simply will not want [it] to end.”—Charleston News & Courier

Great Book

I was pleasantly surprised to find Audible now has James Mitchener novels available. I read The Novel many years ago and it's a book I would recommend to friends. I enjoyed listening to it and still recommend to all my friends. Audible Rocks!

Great Michener style.

Loved the book and reader was very good. He flavored it very well with tone and inflections.

The writing.

I loved that it is Michener. A Very powerful novel about publishing and then writing a powerful novel.

insiders look at the world of publishing

James A. Michener was always a favorite author. I discovered three of his works I had not read.I started with The Novel. The book does not have the hundred pages of setting the scene but draws it for you throughout while uncovering the characters, writer, editor, agent, critic, mentors, students and the readers. The essence of each flows in first person narrative filled with human traits of ambition, fear, secrets, hardship, jealousy, love, and greed. The characters live as in all Michner novels.

One of his best .

English professor and novelist merge seamlessly to tell an entertaining and thought provoking story. I will think about the books I read in a new way in the future.