Centennial

A Novel

De: James A. Michener

Narrado por: Larry McKeever

Duración: 50 h y 13 m

Resumen del Editor

Written to commemorate the Bicentennial in 1976, James A. Michener's magnificent saga of the West is an enthralling celebration of the frontier. Brimming with the glory of America's past, the story of Colorado - the Centennial State - is manifested through its people: Lame Beaver, the Arapaho chieftain and warrior, and his Comanche and Pawnee enemies; Levi Zendt, fleeing with his child bride from the Amish country; and the cowboy, Jim Lloyd, who falls in love with a wealthy and cultured Englishwoman, Charlotte Seccombe. In Centennial, trappers, traders, homesteaders, gold seekers, ranchers, and hunters are brought together in the dramatic conflicts that shape the destiny of the legendary West - and the entire country.

©2014 James A. Michener (P)2015 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A hell of a book.... While he fascinates and engrosses, Michener also educates." ( Los Angeles Times)

"An absorbing work.... Michener is a superb storyteller." ( BusinessWeek)

"An engrossing book...imaginative and intricate...teeming with people and giving a marvelous sense of the land." ( The Plain Dealer)

Classic Michener

This is one of my favorite Michener novels. As a child of Colorado (and still a resident of the Great Plains) it is an interesting look at the history of the region and westward migration. Even though fictionalized, the historical truths of the book ring true. As with most of Michener's works the final chapter feels very dated as he transitions to what was at the time of the writing contemporary. Invariably they are the weakest chapters of his works.

The biggest weakness with the audio book is the work of the narrator. He is very flat - borderline monotone. It takes me a while to get used to him, but eventually I am able to do so. I wish that the people behind Michener's works had selected a more dynamic reader. He also has some interesting pronunciations (sometimes technically correct, but not usual pronunciation), and at times is wrong at least as to how the region pronounces things - drove me nuts that he insisted on pronouncing the Arkansas river (which is pronounced like the state of Arkansas [Are-can-saw] as Are-Kansas river - the only place that says it that way is in the state of Kansas.

Overall a very worthwhile listen if you can get used to the narrator.

Decent story that keeps you interested.

Would you consider the audio edition of Centennial to be better than the print version?

It's no wonder that Colorado barely has any Indian Reservations. This is essentially the story about how "native" Colorodoans (settlers) brutally wiped out the truly native inhabitants. I wouldn't be so proud about my "Colorado Native" sticker or "Colorado Pioneer" license plate after reading this book. Bloody and shaming.

Any additional comments?

Good character development. Interesting story, although brutal and sad.

The quintessential storyteller

I was a little late to discover James Michener but thank goodness I did. After being totally blown away by Chesapeake I decided to pick up Centennial. His depictions of the land, the people, and the times they lived are mesmerizing. The narration was a little flat and monotone but I found it did nothing to distract from this fascinating book. I would recommend this audible book to anybody who enjoys history and a great story.

Colorado!

the rich and diverse history of Colorado
as written by a true master. excellent to be sure

The Best Insight

Want to understand and feel American history...this book is for you. Michener at his best.

Struggling with the reader

My first Michener - I wish the reader inspired as much as the story. I'll finish it because my husband keeps telling me it will get better. I won't listen to anything else narrated by this reader.

History of Colorado

McKeever seems a perfect match for Michener’s prose. Enjoyed his reading of Hawaii and he does another great job here. A wonderful listen.

Stunning Landscape and Dreamscape

Michener in the spoken word is phenomenal. The scope, breadth and detail of his novels are utterly remarkable. His insight into universal truths and human emotion ate breathtaking.

Centennial is Micheners love story to America on its Bicentennial. So he writes Centennial as Colorado celebrates its 100 Years of Statehood in 1976.

On to the next Michener classic

Nod of the cap to Paschanal, Levi Zendt, Potato Brumbaugh, Pat Garrett and of course James Michener.

long but wonderful listen

learn the entire history of why and how colorado grew into such a great state.

Better than the movie

I enjoyed it immensely, it brought back memories of the 1976 series that I loved so much. All the details were better than I could have hoped for. Well worth the one credit.