Iberia
by James A. Michener
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Book Reviews of Iberia
Book Review: an impressively deep, honest and affectionate view of Spain
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not like most Michener books, which are generally fictional; this is his personal travelogue of his impressions of many travels all over Spain. It should be understood that it was published in the late 1960s and that much has since changed in Spain since that time. While 'Iberia' is normally taken (in the USA, at least) to incorporate Portugal, Michener is writing almost exclusively about Spain in this book.Michener clearly loved Spain and knew many Spaniards as friends. He discusses Spain's history, culture, art, literature, dance, geography, sports, and spirituality. Rather than putting all that into nice neat little buckets, he weaves it all together to paint an entrancing picture of the Spanish soul as he knows it.
Unlike many such authors, Michener uses photos very carefully to illustrate aspects of Spanish culture, from the assuredly adamant eyes of the Guardia Civil to the warm smiles of the poorest people. He also takes a lot of time to explain words that are difficult to translate and what they tell us about Spanish culture.
Recommended with equal enthusiasm whether from the viewpoint of history, religion, culture, or art. Also of special value to those living in Spanish-speaking countries or regions with large Hispanic populations, as Spain's influence on those cultures, as a mother country, is readily apparent.
Bravo, Sr. Michener. Faltan mucho a Ud.
Book Review: Not the Michener you know and love
Summary: 1 Stars
Bought this book for reading while on a recent trip to spain. Ive lived there on and off for a long time, and was hoping that Michener would paint a picture that would add to my trip, and my love of the area. Warning- this is NOT a typical michener book. This is a personal travelogue, and has nothing to do with the other novels we all love- Chesepeake, Alaska, etc. As a travelogue, it shows Michener not as the compassionate individual we would all come to expect, but as a whiny, sexist, individual I would NEVER want to have dinner with, let along travel in Spain with.
This book mostly features Michener whining about how Spain does not live up to his mythical image of what it should be. He complains that the flamenco is not genuine enough. That the mosques are despoiled. The only way this book is interesting is as a period piece- not about spain, but about american paternalistic, patronizing, and generally obnoxious attitudes when it was written.
I was hoping this book would make me love spain more deeply, and become more interested in Michener as an individual. It did the exact oppostite. Luckily I know enough about spain to see through it. If you do want a book to make you love Spain, and with a genuine warmth for the people who live there, I like "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Hemmingway.
Book Review: I SHOULD HAVE READ THIS BOOK MANY YEARS AGO
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I have read literally thousands of histories, geographies, and anthropologies over the years, I had always avoided Michener thinking he was a "popular writer" not an academic. After reading 'IBERIA', I know now that not only is he popular but is a knowledgable and insightful observer and analyst. He writes about Spain in a personal yet authoritative manner and manages to cover most of the major themes of the Spanish way of life without being pedantic. The only shortcoming I would ascribe to this book is that being written almost 40 years ago towards the end of the Franco regime, the book, in parts, is dated by more recent developments in Spanish history, politics, and societal change. This, of course, is to be expected in a book largely a history of then contemporary Spain. Michener has given us a snapshot of Spain as he knew it during the 1930's, '40s, '50s and '60s. Although Spain has changed along with and in many cases more than other parts of the world due to not having changed much for so long, Michener's descriptions and insights remain largely accurate and relevant even for readers in the 21st century. Even if some anachronisms are included, they still hold interest as a description of how much Spain has changed in the 25 years since Franco's death.Book Review: An Amazing Trip Through Spain
Summary: 4 Stars
"Iberia" is an amazing book. I can't believe that a person could research and write this book and get anything else done in one lifetime. It is a great book to read immediately before or immediately after a trip to Spain. Michener's enthusiasm for his subject is quite evident as he discusses nearly every imaginable aspect of Spain.
Make no mistake, this book represents a reading challenge. In the paperback version it is over 900 pages long and covers such a wide variety of subjects related to Spain that there is probably something to interest most readers. However, there is probably something to bore most readers as well.
I enjoyed Michener's personal travel anecdotes and his reviews of European history the most. Michener's reviews of paintings and sculptures go on at great length at times, but would probably be fantastic for someone who is more of an art aficionado than I.
The book was published in 1968 so it is a bit dated, but it is still a great review of all things pertaining to Spain.
Book Review: Profound insight and profound silliness
Summary: 3 Stars
I rather like the un-Michener form of this personal travelogue. It's a fun break from his usual format. Moreover, you can tell throughout the book that he was profoundly moved by Spain. His observations at times have profound clarity and hs writing in parts soars to pinnacles of great beauty. However a certain arrogance and petulance also shine through. The most trying times are when he is expressing the very partisan views of the French historian Louis Bertrand. These tend towards the extreme pro-conquistador and anti-moorish who dismisses mesoamerican civilization out of hand and explains the origin of Spanish personality quirks (at least in stereotypes) as having come from the moors. I prefer a little more balance, and a bit more support if one does make sweeping statements. But I still found it to be an enjoyable glimpse into Franco-era Spain.