Description
In this sweeping epic, James A. Michener chronicles the turbulent history of South Africa through the interconnected destinies of three families—the Van Doorns, the Nxumalos, and the Saltwoods—whose legacies span centuries of ambition, conflict, and transformation. From the Java-born Van Doorn family emerges two distinct branches: one cultivating vineyards in the fertile Cape, the other venturing into the interior to establish themselves as the first Trekboers and Afrikaners. Meanwhile, the Nxumalos rise from a peaceful village to unite warrior tribes into the formidable Zulu nation, while the Saltwoods navigate their roles as missionaries and settlers amid the political upheaval that reshapes the continent. Michener masterfully weaves together tales of courage and heroism alongside betrayal and cruelty, exploring how ordinary people—adventurers, scoundrels, and idealists alike—carve an empire from wilderness and struggle to build a new world. The Covenant stands as a monumental testament to the human spirit's capacity for both greatness and darkness in the face of historical transformation.
Available Editions
paperback
Arrow
Published Jan 1, 1980
1079 pages
ISBN: 9780749311612
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Details
First Published
1980
Language
eng
Content Warnings
Content and trigger warnings for The Covenant by James A. Michener.