First published in 1963, James A. Michener’s gripping chronicle of the social and political landscape of Afghanistan is more relevant now than ever. Combining fact with riveting adventure and intrigue, Michener follows a military man tasked, in the years after World War II, with a dangerous assignment: finding and returning a young American woman living in Afghanistan to her distraught family … after she suddenly and mysteriously disappears. A timeless tale of love and emotional drama set against the backdrop of one of the most important countries in the world today, Caravans captures the tension of the postwar period, the sweep of Afghanistan’s remarkable history, and the inescapable allure of the past.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener’s Hawaii.
Praise for Caravans
“Brilliant . . . an extraordinary novel . . . The old nomadic trails across the mountains spring into existence.”—The New York Times
“Romantic and adventurous . . . [Michener] has a wonderful empathy for the wild and free and an understanding of the reasons behind the kind of cruelty that goes with it.”—Newsday
“Michener has done for Afghanistan what . . . his first [book] did for the South Pacific.”—The New York Herald Tribune
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Caravans (1963) by James Michener. Although written many years ago this book gives an accurate view of the current Afghanistan that has remained virtually unchanged throughout the centuries while weaving an interesting and intriging storyline that I was loathe to put down. Good writing that has stood the test of time….Thank you, James Michener, may you rest in peace. I read Hawaii while in high school and I am fortunate to enjoy your amazing gift for writing again. This is not the first book of Mr. Michener’s I’ve read nor will it be the last.
Michener rarely disappoints. His novels are long enough that you can enter his world and live there for more than a few days. At the same time one learns much of history in various parts of the world.
One of the best books ever.
The author really gives you a feel for the time and place and adds unique characters to keep your interest. Very moving!
Great classic Michener
Great description of the Middle Eastern culture—as Michener saw it almost 100 years ago.
Well written and relatable to this day.
Michner’s shortest book but really good
Michener is always great reading. Tremendous research and always educational.
This book was not what I was expecting. I enjoyed it, but was disappointed that it wasn’t what I was looking for. I learned a lot about Afghanistan and it’s customs and the landscape. It is an entertaining book after all, it is Michener.
Greetings, adventure seekers, from the treacherous frozen north,
It’s your weary, wrestling wordsmith here with a great recommendation for you.
I recently read James Michener’s Caravans, published in 1963. I’m a big fan of historical fiction. I always see so many similarities between the historical fiction and the fantasy I read.
In my mind, I always lump R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones in with Ken Follet’s Pillars of the Earth Series. Both have nobles battling for power, characters with swaying morals, the grim realities of medieval life and romantic love stories woven within. The only real difference between the two series is that in the former there are Dragons and White Walkers, while in the later you learn about actual human history.
When I read Michener’s Caravans, I constantly felt like I was walking through some alien, science-fiction, fantasy world, but the story actually takes place in Afganistan in the 1950s. The plot, the characters, and the writing were like no others I had read before. The narrative is hardly a rollercoaster ride of action, yet it felt like the adventure of a lifetime. The mixture of cultures and contradictions were mind-boggling but familiar. You learn what Afganistan might have been, versus what it has become, and you start to understand a little of the country’s origins.
After reading the book, the one question I had, that was never truly answered, was what were the German’s doing in Afghanistan pre World War 2, and what were the American and Russians doing there post World War 2. I believe Afganistan might be the Middle East’s Poland, in that it is a strategic hub, necessary to hold if you want to dominate that part of the world, but I’m still not completely confident in that conclusion.
Whether you’re a history buff, or not, If you love adventure, I promise you’ll love James Michener’s Caravans.
Jeremy Mathiesen
Where Dark Tales Dwell
Well written novel about ar a of world unfamiliar to most Americans. Cultural issues understanding as well as entertaining.
I had not read a Michener Novel in about four decades, so was pleased to be reminded about what a great writer he is. While I had not remembered the plot of this one, there were a couple visual images that had haunted my imagination many times over the years even though I could not remember what book they were from (I thought maybe a Mika Waltari novel). Now I know! Images that stick with you are a hallmark of good writing. Michener spent considerable time in Afghanistan so he got the environment and the politics right. The story was set in 1946, written in 1963, and in 2018, Afghanistan hasn’t progressed one whit. The young American woman at the center of the story was running away from American materialism and had some pithy observations about our consumer culture, and the young man narrating expressed a love of adventure and the desert that was delightful to read. I kept hearing the theme song from Lawrence of Arabia while I read it (different desert, but same kind of themes).
Very good early book by Michener
Another classical Michener Novel not to be missed!
I loved every word! I learned many things about Afghanistan and her people . The characters were interesting. It’s a book I would reread .
James Michener is one of my favorite authors. This is one I hadn’t read and it was great. Love the way he gives so much history along with the great story.
Interesting story about time and place I had no idea about
If you want to learn about the Middle East, this is the book to read an exciting Historical Novel.
I really enjoyed this book. It provided insight into life , customs and manner of living in Pakistan in the 21st century. This story was interesting and entertaining.
I am a fan of Michener’s books and was pleased with this one.