The Source

Michener grounds the story in this dig and in the changing eras which are represented by the finds on the dig. Through this method, Michener creates intrigue and tension among the archaeologists, in personal, professional, political and religious terms. The fact that the archaeologists live in the modern era allows them, and the author, to comment on, and argue about, the significance of the events which make up the history and evolution of the Jewish people.

The book is, therefore, an historical novel which takes great liberties as it weaves the past and the present, creating characters who live in the present as well as in the past at each stage of the development of the Jews and their culture and religion. It is especially about the evolving, often difficult, and always mysterious relationship between the Jews and their God.

Michener brings together a motley group for the dig

---an Irish Catholic from the United States, an Israel-based Arab, a German Jew and his Jewish/Israeli fiancee, and a rich American who finances the dig. Using this group as a focus, the author gives the history of the Jews an added fascinat

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id. The treatment of these historical figures, however, is obviously fictionalized, for the author does not have knowledge of the details he presents. Still, the aim of the book is to humanize and particularize the jewish people, and as long as we keep in mind that this is a novel, we will not be misled into thinking we are reading true history. It is enough that Michener has told the story of an amazing people's history in such compelling terms. The main themes running through the book are both human and divine. They have to do primarily with the relationship of the Jewish people with their God, and with their relationship with non-Jews. For better or worse, the most fascinating sections deal with the conflicts between Jews and Christians and Moslems who want to oppress the Jews. The question explored fictionally in these conflicts is whether or not the three religions can co-exist to a more peaceful and ecumenical degree than they have in the past. Although this question cannot be answered by any man or woman, or any book, Michener seems to be generally hopeful about such ecumenism. Perhaps he is too optimistic in this area, considering the wars which have taken place in the Middle East since the book was written, and the con
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2175
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)

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