South Pacific [Hardcover]

James A. Michener (Author), Michael Hague (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Renowned author James A. Michener brings the dramatic questions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical South Pacific to a new generation in this gloriously illustrated book. “If your library needs a retelling of South Pacific, illustrated with glowing, verdant art that re-creates a jungle island, this is most emphatically it.”-Booklist

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While the musical South Pacific has won a permanent place in American culture, a prose adaptation appears an odd choice for a children's book. Bestselling author Michener retells the story of the play, which is drawn from his own Pulitzer Prize-winning Tales of the South Pacific . The text, with a short introduction and a final "storyteller's note," is a distilled, unadorned version with little dialogue. Emile de Becque's two part-Tonkinese children (which might hook young readers' interest) barely make an appearance here, the story, though the issue of racism in the two parallel love stories is plainly stated. Hague's artwork displays certain technical flaws: his human figures are static and unrealistic, beginning with a bland cover depiction of Nellie. On the other hand, the artist's sense of color and design, particularly in stagey group scenes, works well in this exotic setting. Overall, a muted palette and somewhat stilted prose produce a drab effect that may well limit the appeal of this ill-conceived project. All ages.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- Michener has done himself, Rogers and Hammerstein, and children no favor by ``simplifying'' his own stories. The musical is based on two of the stories in Tales of the South Pacific (Macmillan, 1944), Michener's honest, gritty portrayal of life on the islands during World War II. Complex and adult, these intense stories succeeded in the musical format because the melodic and poetic line of song can convey that which cannot be baldly shown or stated. In this re-writing, Michener has ``novelized'' the playscript, even incorporating the phrase ``across a crowded room'' when describing the enchanted evening. The themes of love, racism, and war are too big to be watered down and this attempt just muddies a good story and might well cause a generation of confused readers to stay away from the play or movie. Except that probably very few will read it. Hague is a dependable draughtsman. However, in this book, he evokes a feeling of badly re-created '40s magazine illustrations. The result is odd and off-putting. While the island views, full of color and sunlight, set a lovely scene, the people's faces are unappealing and create no pull for their story. This is a peculiar choice for a picture book. Let's hope neither of these good craftsmen is judged by it.
- Sally T. Margolis, Deerfield Public Library, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich; 1st edition (September 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152006184
• ISBN-13: 978-0152006181
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 10.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #468,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Proud to own this!, December 2, 2001

By 

Matty - See all my reviews

This review is from: South Pacific (Vocal Score) (Paperback)

If you're interested in this, then don't hesitate to get it! This Vocal Score contains all music from the show (from the Overture to bows and exit music).

5.0 out of 5 stars Great music, March 13, 2011

By 

Goo baby - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: South Pacific Vocal Selections Revised Edition 6/04 (Paperback)

I am not the greatest piano player but do like to have music that isn't beginner level. These pieces are challenging but doable and they sound great!! I am loving playing them. The book contains all the songs from the show.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bloody Good Service, October 4, 2010

By 

Brian Larkin - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: South Pacific (Vocal Score) (Paperback)

the score came faster than I could whistle "I'm Gonna Wash that Man right out of my hair." Great service/ excellent condition and terrific price. I own a lot of these scores and the price NEW is almost out of reach, but this was a bargain.