Chronicles the lives of individuals involved in the development and exploitation of the American West, particularly Colorado. A stunning panorama of the West, Centennial is an enthralling celebration of our country, brimming with the glory and the greatness of the American past that only bestselling author James Michener could bring to stunning life.
″The way we react to the Indian will always remain this nation’s unique moral headache. It may seem a smaller problem than our Negro one, and less important, but many other sections of the world have had to grapple with slavery and its consequences. There’s no parallel for our treatment of the Indian.″
Centennial: A Panoramic Portrait of the American West, Strengths and Stumbles
James A. Michener’s Centennial, a sprawling historical novel published in 1974, is a towering achievement, a sweeping saga that attempts to capture the essence of the American West through the lens of one fictional Colorado town. While undeniably ambitious and packed with meticulously researched detail, Centennial is not without its flaws, leaving the reader both awestruck by its scope and occasionally frustrated by its pacing and character development.
The core strength of Centennial lies in its sheer breadth. Michener doesn’t just tell a story; he builds a landscape. He begins long before the arrival of Europeans, meticulously detailing the geological formation of the region and the lives of the Native American tribes who inhabited it for centuries. This deep dive into pre-colonial history is crucial, establishing a foundation upon which the subsequent waves of settlers, entrepreneurs, and outlaws will build their lives and fortunes. The meticulous research is evident on every page, from the descriptions of buffalo migrations to the intricacies of cattle ranching and the political machinations surrounding water rights.
The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, each representing a different facet of the Western experience. We meet the Native American warrior Lame Beaver, the mountain man Pasquinel, the ambitious cattle baron Levi Zendt, and the relentless Indian Agent Oliver Seccombe. These characters, and many others, are woven together across generations, their lives impacting each other and shaping the destiny of Centennial. This generational approach allows Michener to explore the evolving values and challenges of the West, from the initial struggles for survival to the complexities of industrialization and urbanization.
However, this sprawling ambition also proves to be a significant weakness. The sheer volume of historical detail, while impressive, can sometimes overwhelm the narrative. The plot often takes a backseat to lengthy digressions into topics like beaver trapping techniques or the intricacies of agriculture. While these sections are undoubtedly informative, they can disrupt the flow of the story and leave the reader yearning for more character-driven moments.
Furthermore, while the characters are diverse, they sometimes feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals. Levi Zendt, for example, embodies the ruthless ambition of the self-made man, while Oliver Seccombe represents the bureaucratic arrogance and moral compromises of the government. While these characters are compelling in their own right, they lack the depth and complexity that would truly elevate them beyond their symbolic roles.
Another common critique of Michener’s work, and Centennial is no exception, is its uneven pacing. The early sections dealing with the pre-colonial era and the arrival of Pasquinel are captivating, filled with adventure and a sense of discovery. However, the later sections, particularly those focusing on the 20th century, often feel rushed and less engaging. The rapid jump between generations can leave the reader feeling disconnected from the characters and the overall narrative arc.
Despite these shortcomings, Centennial remains a significant work of American literature. It offers a panoramic view of the West, capturing its grandeur, its brutality, and its enduring appeal. The book’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to bring history to life, to make the past feel immediate and relevant to the present. While not a perfectly-crafted novel, Centennial is a testament to the power of storytelling and a valuable contribution to our understanding of the American West. It is a flawed masterpiece, a sprawling epic that, despite its stumbles, ultimately succeeds in painting a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a region and its people.