The Source

I recently finished James Michener's epic novel The Source (#1,216) while traveling.  Set in Israel in 1964, this book was contemporary fiction when it was first published.  Although somewhat dated today, it is amazing how little has changed since then on the political front, and the quest for territory.  It is as relevant today as the day it was originally published.

The plot concerns an archaeological dig of a previously undisturbed tell, or mound, near the present day city of Acre.  Two exploratory shafts are sunk to bedrock, and the crew find sufficient artifacts to make the excavation site viable for at least a ten year period.  The plot switches back and forth between the tensions on the worksite and the neighboring kibbutz, and as each separate level of the site is exposed, an imagining of the lives of the descendants of Ur in succeeding time periods.  From the Stone Age to the British withdrawal from Palestine in 1947, each layer tells its own compelling story.

There is so much to explore here that my book club expanded its discussion to two meetings!

This is my first James Michener novel.  He was legendary for his research on his books, and I can tell you that I learned quite a lot as I read this fascinating book.  To really appreciate it, you'll need to devote a significant chunk of time to read it, but I think you'll find it's time well spent.