Texas: A Novel

by James A. Michener

book data

1,063 ratings, 3.80 average rating, 91 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		26%
4		37%
3		29%
2		5%
1		2%

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published

November 12th 2002 by Random House Trade Paperbacks (first published 1980)

details

Paperback, 1120 pages

isbn

0375761411 (isbn13: 9780375761416)

description

From the first Spanish explorations to the Alamo to the oil fields, here is alarger-than-life history of a larger-than-life state.

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Dec 18, 2009

Lindsey rated it:

(review of isbn 0394541545)

Read in December, 2009

The only other book of Michener's I have read thus far was "Chesapeake," and while I enjoyed that as well, "Texas" basically blew it out of the water. As I said when I finished it, "'Chesapeake' was interesting because it told the story of the start of the country and that's a necessary base for any American history. But 'Texas' is where all [American:] stereotypes come from."

I love the way Michener writes, mixing fact and fiction, storytelling with li...more

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Dec 18, 2009

Karen rated it:

bookshelves: historical-ficiton

Read in January, 2010

Oh, this was such a long read. I have never read a Michener work before, but my dad just moved from California to Houston, TX, and I wanted to get some information about that great state.

Michener does a masterful job creating a storyline that crosses counties and generations in ways that gives a great context for the innumerable details packed into this 1,000 plus page novel. I was very captivated in learning about the various stages of Texas' history:

The Spanish explor...more Oh, this was such a long read. I have never read a Michener work before, but my dad just moved from California to Houston, TX, and I wanted to get some information about that great state.

Michener does a masterful job creating a storyline that crosses counties and generations in ways that gives a great context for the innumerable details packed into this 1,000 plus page novel. I was very captivated in learning about the various stages of Texas' history:

The Spanish explorers, the Spanish presidios and missions, the Mexican rule, the influence of the French to the east, the independent state of Texas, the influx of Yankees, Germans, Southerners, black slaves and freed blacks, the role of the Texas Rangers, life in the frontier Forts, etc. The contributions of some amazing women, toiling on the frontier. The mixed loyalties as all these influences clashed, mingled and melded.

More than half of the book focused on the decades from 1830 to 1880, but these were years of great growth, turmoil and changes, and each perspective / venue offered insight into what serves as the soul of Texas. I feel as though I got a very good feel for the origins of San Antonio especially. And, of course, I learned about the significance of the Alamo as well as the events leading up to it and the subsequent fall out.

The last few chapters showed Texas changing because of the oil boom and it explained the state's passion for football. And then the novel had trouble coming to closure. I think it's harder to write about history without decades of perspective, so I found the chapters about the 1980s as little unfocused and ridiculous. The final conflict centered on observations that Texas had great claims of power, but very few claims to culture. In other words, Texas was brawn and even technical brains but no soul or insight. Consequently, I wonder how this novel was received -- upon publication 20+ years ago -- by Texans themselves.

Nevertheless, I found this an invaluable tutorial on the basic themes, peoples, and landscapes of Texas. I was completely consumed until about page 700, and then I just had to push through to finish. But I'm glad that I did. I may wait a long time before reading another Michener. At least now I know what to expect. (less)

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Feb 28, 2010

Weathervane rated it:

bookshelves: historical-fiction

Read in March, 2010

I liked the book overall. Michener has incredible skill when it comes to narrative. Unfortunately, the epic scope of the novel comes at the expense of character development. The people populating Texas never transcend basic sketches, and as a result, the reader ends up running out of steam near the end. There's just not enough invested.

Part of the problem is that Michener loves his details. Not details of description, but the minutiae of plot points, like the exact cost of every item...more

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Aug 29, 2009

Jason rated it:

Read in August, 2009

You wouldn't think there would be such a thing as "too much information about Texas." This book was like being in a warm bath of Texas; it's comfortable and unchallenging and it can go on forever and eventually you have to get out or puke. I made it about 30% of the way through it, so this doesn't count as a point for me.

This book was based on a new used book store algorithm: find the book with the most copies on the shelf and that's going to be a good book. The flaw wit...more

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Feb 15, 2010

Mom Coulongue rated it:

Read in February, 2010

I dearly loved this book and can hardly wait for Vol.II to arrive via interlibrary loan.

Long -615 pages- heavily researched and exciting. With a daughter's family and a granddaughter's family living in Texas, this was even more intriguing to know the conflicts, successes and characters who made history. Even his fictional characters are realistic. Of course, my favorite is Otto and I hope there is more about him in the Vol.II.

Want it, Val?
The Vol.I is mine, but...more

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Jul 17, 2009

Rachel rated it:

bookshelves: history, literature

Read in December, 2009

I finally finished it. Not quite history, not quite fiction, this book was... well, historical fiction. And it really taught me why I don't like historical fiction. Many of the made-up historical "facts" are pointless, the characters are one-dimensional, and everything about Texas has to make it into the plot, no matter how unrelated. Armadillos... football... hunting... Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders... chicken-fried steak.

That said, there were reasons I kept reading th...more I finally finished it. Not quite history, not quite fiction, this book was... well, historical fiction. And it really taught me why I don't like historical fiction. Many of the made-up historical "facts" are pointless, the characters are one-dimensional, and everything about Texas has to make it into the plot, no matter how unrelated. Armadillos... football... hunting... Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders... chicken-fried steak.

That said, there were reasons I kept reading this 1096-page behemoth. Since moving to Texas three years ago, I have become curious about Texas history and culture, and this book familiarized me with both, and gave me perspective on the character and political views of Texans. It had just enough plot to keep me reading, on a cheap level. But that's about it. Some of the sentiments, while perhaps true in the minds of many Texans, had no place in a historical work:

"[Scottish descendants:] would govern India and South Africa and New Hampshire, and wherever they went they would leave schools and hospitals and libraries, for they were the seeds of greatness and of civilization." p. 269

"When it seemed that Santa Anna... was about to trap the fleeing Houston and his entire ragtag of defenders, one of those romantic miracles occurred which still convince Texans that God is on their side."

"The slave, Cobb reflected, lived well, under the loving care of kind masters." p. 592

"Around the world, in all times and places, whenever men go on an ethical rampage they feel that they must discipline women. 'Your dresses are too short.' 'You tempt men.' 'Your behavior is salacious.' 'You must be put in your proper place.' This stems, of course, from the inherent mystery of women, their capacity to survive, their ability to bear children, the universal suspicion that they possess some arcane knowledge not available to men. Women are dangerous, and men pass laws to keep them under restraint..." p. 853

Um, may I propose that it actually stems, of course, from the inherent agressiveness of men and their need to feel superior to women? I mean, whose perspective are we coming from here? Sometimes Michener expresses such sentiments as thoughts of the characters, but sometimes they come from the anonymous narrator. It is clear that such quotes, while hopefully not representing the attitudes of Michener or of modern Texans, represent primarily the attitudes of white male Texans throughout Texas history. Yes, there is positive discussion about women, Indians, slaves, and Mexicans, but the unseen narrator is decidedly a white male. This aspect of the book left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

All in all, I would prefer to read my history from a history book. But the Alamo chapter was great.(less)

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Mar 26, 2008

Garrett rated it:

Read in November, 2008

Kind of hard to get through. Very dense stuff. There are some jewels in here, and the way he choose to structure the book is very interesting: the story within the story.

Well, after about 2 years I have finally managed to complete this one.

The first third was very hard to get through (remember that the entire book was over 1300 pages). The middle part was really pretty good and enjoyable. The last third was just OK. I read the final two thirds in 4 months. However, I only...more Kind of hard to get through. Very dense stuff. There are some jewels in here, and the way he choose to structure the book is very interesting: the story within the story.

Well, after about 2 years I have finally managed to complete this one.

The first third was very hard to get through (remember that the entire book was over 1300 pages). The middle part was really pretty good and enjoyable. The last third was just OK. I read the final two thirds in 4 months. However, I only read it here and there when I was in the mood.

I'm not sure how to rate this book. Is it a historical? Is it historical fiction? What is the author's angle of vision/slant on this? How accurate were the accounts? I really don't have anything to base or judge these questions.

So, I'll forego my usual analysis of character, setting, plot, and conflict. Instead, I just want to talk about my reactions.

Obviously, I have trouble getting into it. The most interesting time period for me was the late 1700s to early 1800s. I grew to admire the spunk of some of the people he wrote about. Some I detested even though they were praised in the book. I think the early part of the book was so difficult for me to get through because nothing seemed important or to matter. There didn't seem to be a point - no overarching message or topic (except, of course, Texas).

I can say, after reading this, that I am glad that I've never lived in Texas and I will definitely not consider it in the future (which may have been the opposite effect from what the author or other Texans would anticipate). Sure, some of the history was compelling and interesting. But, I can't say that I felt proud of the accomplishments of Texas. Maybe it's the hauteur, maybe it's the forbidding landscape, maybe it's the provincialistic nature of the people there. I just know that the author did not paint a captivating enough picture for this reader.

Would I recommend it? Not really. If you are interested, listen to the abridged audio - it will be less painful to get through. (less)

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Sep 04, 2007

Jamie rated it:

bookshelves: fiction

Read in February, 2008

recommended to Jamie by: my brother
recommends it for: Americans

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 06, 2010

Trisch Cronin rated it:

Read in December, 2009

A deeply historical book, Texas took me by surprise in it's in-depth descriptions of the many twists and turn that made Texas. I enjoyed getting to know the families used to tell the tales of Texas history and through them came to understand some of the idiosyncrasies. This book was a long read, but it kept me interested by not laboring too long on a topic. If you like history and you want to better understand the very unique state of Texas, this book will give it all to you.

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Feb 19, 2010

Aaron Lecciones rated it:

Read in October, 2004

TO read this and Mexico go hand in hand with all the other great books he wrote on the region. Fantastic story-telling, mind-blogging adventures. After reading this, it feels like I've been in Texas for hundreds of years! Particular interest is how religion is treated in the book as well as the fantastic intimate story about how a river crossing turns into a business empire.

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Jun 28, 2009

Joe rated it:

Read in August, 2009

This is a great book with a great story, it doesn't ramble as much as some of his books and at the end the various story lines are tied together very well. At no point was the book exceptionally difficult to put down, but it was always easy to pick up and to read. The only problem with this is that it was very very long. A 1300 page book is fine if there is a great deal of information to present, or if it is a page turner that you can't put down. In this case, it was 1300 pages of enjoyable ...more

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Feb 24, 2010

Faye Heath is currently reading it

bookshelves: currently-reading

I thought I hit all the Michener books when I was younger but this one slipped by me. It's the perfect build-up to my Texas trip next month. I'm not quite half way through it. The Alamo just fell and Goliad is next. Sam Houston is biding his time, waiting to kick a little ass at San Jacinto.

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Feb 24, 2009

Josh rated it:

long......
so i have a tendency to like long books, but this one, even though terrific, i just didn't care anymore once i got to page 995 or so.

too many generations of families to keep up with over too long a reading period.

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Mar 20, 2009

Cindy rated it:

(review of isbn 0394541545)

Read in July, 2005

I have lived in Texas for 17 years, in Fort Worth and San Antonio. After reading this book, I understand so much more of what Texas is all about. Fascinatingly researched, brilliantly documented. Michener does it again!

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May 14, 2009

Anita added it

Read in May, 2009

This is my 3rd Michener book. I've thoroughly enjoyed all three. I love the history and keeps you involved with the characters through generations. Don't let the length of the book scare you. It'll go by quickly

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Apr 23, 2009

Roberta rated it:

Read in January, 2002

It took me over 2 years (resting to read other books in between, of course) to finish this. I liked it more than "Mexico" but not as much as "Caribbean" and definitely not nearly as much as "Centennial".

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Sep 13, 2009

Jenny rated it:

Read in October, 2009

recommended to Jenny by: Dad

This is a comprehensive novelization of Texas history spanning from the Spanish discovery of the area in the 1500's to the more modern 1980's. The fictional stories are based on true historical prototypes that cover the many aspects of Texas development through Mission conversions, settlers from various countries, the time of the Texas Republic (Remember the Alamo!), Rangers, Civil War, cowboys/indians, forts, frontier living, religion, and football. A long read, but worth the effort if you want...more

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Apr 21, 2009

Grandma rated it:

Read in April, 2006

The most exciting book I ever read. Definately recommend for anyone who has an interest in the old west and for all Texans

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