The Covenant: A Novel

I have just finished my second reading of this great book and glad that I did. Explains so much about the various peoples,cultures and history of this complicated country. A must read for anyone traveling to South Africa.

Always a big fan of James Michener, I was thrilled beyond words to be able to find and buy this hard covered book.
Michener is one of the greatest writers of this century and I would recommend everyone read his book's. His stories
come to life right on the pages, and the history and research that he brings in to play with his stories is a great delight.
Suggestion..... Buy one from the store and enjoy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book. Africa is a country I never knew much about. It opened my eyes to the struggles faced by both Black and White and the struggle for supremacy. Once I read the book, I had a much better understanding of what was going on over there.

I recently purchased another copy for my doctor who is from South Africa. He mentioned that he loves to read about South Africa. I asked if he'd read any Michener's books and he hadn't. I had a hard time finding the book though, because most of his books on locations are named by that location. A little persistence and I got it.

James A. Michener's historical fiction never fails to entertain and inform. This book about the country of South Africa is no exception. The story is fascinating and helps one to better appreciate that country and its people.

Like all of Michener's major works - when I finished The Covenant, I knew more about South Africa's legion of life forms, history. climate, geography, people, and politics - than I would, had I taken a six semester course on South Africa at an accredited college.

This book really surprised me since it differed a bit from other Michener works. I have never learned so much and enjoyed a book at this level in my life. The next runner-up would have to the "The Source". The Covenant is amazing!

I never really understood South Africa before reading this story. I feel now that I can understand the Boers and their point of view (not necessarily agree with them), I can understand the native South Africans and their point of view ( not necessarily agree with them), and as usual I can hate the English colonial policy of divide and conquer and class division of peoples (definitely don't agree with any of their policies!). All of these conflicting goals, creeds and life desires are woven into this outstanding book. For readers of other Michener books this book did not start with the first organism that washed up on shore (Ala Hawaii, and Centennial). I enjoyed this book .

Very good reading. It captures so much of the actual historical events. Having lived in Johannesburg for 17 years it brought back many memories. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about South Africa.

What can I say? I love Michener. The "Covenant" is a real page turner. have read and re read all of his novels. I have also found "Poland" which and a couple of others I didn't know were out (for ages). I read on my Kindle. If you want true, sad, actual history, yes, some fictional character's to complete a story of people around true history, James Michener has it. My favorite is "The Source" I understand the stories of the Bible so much better after reading this book. "Hawaii" use to be my favorite. Read it 3 times over the years. Never get tired of it. History is violent, romantic and heartbreaking. Michener tells it all.

This review would cover all of his books.

This book really surprised me since it differed a bit from other Michener works. I have never learned so much and enjoyed a book at this level in my life. The next runner-up would have to the "The Source". The Covenant is amazing!

I never really understood South Africa before reading this story. I feel now that I can understand the Boers and their point of view (not necessarily agree with them), I can understand the native South Africans and their point of view ( not necessarily agree with them), and as usual I can hate the English colonial policy of divide and conquer and class division of peoples (definitely don't agree with any of their policies!). All of these conflicting goals, creeds and life desires are woven into this outstanding book. For readers of other Michener books this book did not start with the first organism that washed up on shore (Ala Hawaii, and Centennial). I enjoyed this book .

Very good reading. It captures so much of the actual historical events. Having lived in Johannesburg for 17 years it brought back many memories. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about South Africa.

This is my first adventure reading James Michener. I have known about him as an author for years but have never read any of his work.

The story is in a nutshell about the colonization of South Africa. Fictitious characters but the actual scenario is historically correct. Sweeping novel covers the South African scene from 13,000 BC to 1979. Great fast moving story and there are not so many characters so yo have no problem keeping up with the story plot as it roams form scene to scene, character to character. If you like BIG books (its long) with a good story to tell you will enjoy this book. It is my intention to read other of his books in the future.

Historically accurate novel. I was , as always, amazed at the detail the author puts into his novels. I also was amazed at what I didn't know about South Africa and the continent itself. Apartheid was also something I totally didn't understand. This was the best way to get my history lessons.

Fascinating, captivating, page turner...hard to put it down. Having traveled to South Africa three times, this book really helps to explain the origins of race relations in this great country. Have been asking the store to provide the Kindle version of this book for over five years. Thank you.

Until I read this book, I knew almost nothing about the history of South Africa. It is engaging and educational without being too political.
Be warned - this is a very long book. Not a quick diversion.

The Covenant is especially timely with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. The Covenant tells the story of that area of south africa from earliest times to date of publication. It enthralls the reader and stimulates discussion amongst reader and colleagues.