James A. Michener's long novel follows the history of Maryland's Eastern Shore, from the arrival of a Native American called Pentaquod through the first colonial settlers to the twentieth century. Over time, several families appear, including the Steeds, the Paxmores who are Quakers, the Turlocks who are poor watermen, and the Caters, who start out as slaves. Michener describes the tobacco farms, the oyster beds, the geese and the Chesapeake Bay itself, along with major events such as the Revolution, the slave trade, the Civil War and the modern conservation debate.
It's for readers who like a large, sweeping family saga based on a place. If you enjoy Michener's way of combining history and fiction, it makes a long and engaging read.
Outward-looking and clear-cut; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1978
- Language
- EN
