The Source

A Novel

By: James A. Michener

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

In the grand storytelling style that is his signature, James Michener sweeps us back through time to the very beginnings of the Jewish faith, thousands of years ago. Through the predecessors of four modern men and women, we experience the entire colorful history of the Jews, including the life of the early Hebrews and their persecutions, the impact of Christianity, the Crusades, and the Spanish Inquisition, all the way to the founding of present-day Israel and the Middle-East conflict.
"A sweeping chronology filled with excitement."
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Critic reviews

“Fascinating . . . stunning . . . [a] wonderful rampage through history . . . Biblical history, as seen through the eyes of a professor who is puzzled, appalled, delighted, enriched and impoverished by the spectacle of a land where all men are archeologists.”—The New York Times

“A sweeping [novel] filled with excitement—pagan ritual, the clash of armies, ancient and modern: the evolving drama of man’s faith.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Magnificent . . . a superlative piece of writing both in scope and technique . . . one of the great books of this generation.”—San Francisco Call Bulletin

It's well worth getting, despite the odd narration

This book had a profound effect when I was young, and it's great to come back to it and discover how it holds up (I considered 5 stars). It's Michener's best. So don't be put off my a narrator who is dry and pronounces the last letter so distinctly...it didn't spoil it for me, the story transcends.

A Quaker gone agnostic takes liberty with faith

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Not likely: I like the historical breath but not the perspective

What aspect of Larry McKeever’s performance would you have changed?

I know a lot of people don't like the reader, but I got very used to him in other Michener books like Poland and Iberia

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

good luck making it...

Any additional comments?

I don't like the passive, almost dispassionate tone of the writer and the liberties he takes with sacred subjects. Writers, once full of themselves, tend to take themselves too serious and write in such a way.

Narrator spoils the storu

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

no - could only down 3/4 of the book so can't recommend it - buy the book instead

How did the narrator detract from the book?

his voice is monotone and delivery robotic

Long

Long and tedious. The narration was read in a monotone voice which leaves a lot to be desired.

Prove You're Not A Robot

I have read many Michener novels. This one is my favorite.
Mr. McKeever's reading style is mechanical and distracting. I have The Drifters in my library but I am loathe to listen, the reason being his narration that one too.