Matecumbe (2007) is a novel by American author James A. Michener, published unfinished, posthumously.
| Author | James Michener |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | University of Florida Press |
Publication date | 2007 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Softcover) |
| Pages | 165pp. |
| ISBN | 0-8130-3152-4 |
Set in Florida, Matecumbe is a small, character-driven story detailing the relationship of a mother and daughter, both divorced and living parallel lives. The book was abandoned by Michener when Random House urged for more of his larger, epic-scope novels.[1] It was published during the 10th anniversary year after his death (and the 100th anniversary year of his birth) in its unpolished state.
Reception
editChristopher Reynolds of the Los Angeles Times wrote that the novel is "not much good" and that the "details don't particularly resonate, the insights don't arrive."[2] William McKeen of the Tampa Bay Times called it a "lightweight compared with earlier works" and wrote: "The dialogue is cloying and not believable; the story has no depth. The afterword claims Michener intended it as allegory. If so, he fired and missed."[3] Publishers Weekly wrote that the novel reads "like a formula romance with none of the formula’s pap pleasures."[4]
References
edit- ^ Michener: A Writer's Journey, Stephen May, University of Oklahoma Press, 2005
- ^ Reynolds, Christopher (22 September 2007). "Michener, short and slight". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ McKeen, Williams (18 November 2007). "NOT THE MICHENER YOU KNOW Series: SPECIAL TO THE TIMES". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ "Matecumbe". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
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