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An intimate early novel from James A. Michener, now remembered as the beloved master of the historical epic, The Fires of Spring unfolds with the bittersweet drama of a boy's perilous journey into manhood. David Harper is an orphan, seemingly doomed to loneliness and poverty. As an adolescent con artist and petty thief, David spends his days grifting at an amusement park, the place where he first learns about women and the mysteries of love. Soon he discovers that his longing to embrace the world is stronger than the harsh realities that constrain him. Featuring autobiographical touches from Michener's own life story, The Fires of Spring is more than a novel: It's a rich slice of American life, brimming with wisdom, longing, and compassion. nbsp; Praise for The Fires of Spring nbsp; "A warm-hearted, readable story, crammed with lively incident and remarkable characters."--The Atlantic nbsp; "Heartfelt . . . immensely readable . . . Michener is a born writer."--The New York Times nbsp; "Michener is a gifted storyteller."--Kirkus Reviews nbsp; "Brilliantly done."--Library Journal… (more)
User reviews
He falls in love with a couple of women one of whom is Mona Meigs, an aspiring actress who uses him whenever she is out of money or finds another man who she thinks can take her further in her career. Marcia Paxson is the other love of his life who is a Quaker and thus struggles with his life style and her religious beliefs.
Early in his life, he works in a carnival as a barker and we learn much about the life of a carny in a 1920's carnival especially the illegal activities of the carnies.
The novel started out slowly but eventually it was difficult to put it down and gives a wonderful picture of the activities of a traveling theatre troop in 1920's America.