Tales of the South Pacific [B1432]

2014 PB re-print, with minor wear. The iconic, 1948 Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that inspired a Broadway classic and launched the career of James A. Michener, one of America's most beloved storytellers. This thrilling work invites the reader to enter the exotic world of the South Pacific and luxuriate in the endless ocean, the coconut palms, the waves breaking into spray against the reefs, the full moon rising behind the volcanoes. And yet here also are the men and women caught up in the heady drama of World War II: the young Marine who falls for a beautiful Tonkinese girl; the Navy nurse whose prejudices are challenged by a French aristocrat; and all the soldiers and sailors preparing for war against the seemingly peaceful backdrop of a tropical paradise. Praise for James A. Michener and Tales of the South Pacific "Truly one of the most remarkable books to come out of [World War II] . . . Michener is a born storyteller."-The New York Times "Riveting and emotional . . . Ever since James Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific, the dreamers among us have been searching for our own Bali Ha'i."-The Washington Post "Atmospheric . . . [Tales of the South Pacific marks] the beginning of Michener's long exploration of what happens when cultures connect, or fail to."-Los Angeles Times "Few writers changed the face of American fiction as profoundly as did James Michener."-San Francisco Chronicle.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "I recommend reading Tales of the South Pacific because it's good writing and because this book seems to me a surprisingly realistic depiction of life behind the lines during war. That many of the stories are told in a humorous vein adds contrast to the pathos experienced by soldiers and sailors trying to survive the horrors of war."; "A beautifully written narration of often-overlooked aspects of the war in the Pacific. The book weaves together striking stories-some confronting the reader with uncomfortable truths, others challenging us to reflect on our moral compass. The book illuminates the struggles of love and intimacy amid the tensions of ethnic and racial divisions, shaped by notions of superiority and prejudice. Yet, it equally portrays moments where love triumphs against these barriers. From today's perspective, the depth of these struggles can be hard to grasp. This narrative reminds us that less than a century ago, racism and sexism were not aberrations but the norm. It serves as a poignant call to appreciate the freedoms and equality we too often take for granted in contemporary Western society. But perhaps most importantly, this book is simply a pleasure to read."; "If you're expecting the musical in book form, you'll be surprised. This book is a lot more serious, much darker, and more focused on the actual war than you might think. The racism is starker, the war bloodier, and there is no happy ending."