Miracle in Seville

By James A. Michener

Book Overview

James A. Michener, the Pulitzer Prize-winning master of the historical saga, returns to his beloved Spain with this magical novel of Seville at Easter time, a season of splendid pageantry, thrilling bullfights, deep piety--and the possibility of miracles. An American sports journalist has come to the city to report on efforts by the rancher Don Cayetano Mota to revive his once-proud line of bulls. Not only does Mota pray to the Virgin Mary, but he takes on herculean acts of devotion during the solemn celebrations of Holy Week. With treacherous enemies waiting in the ring, Mota's struggle taps deeply into life's mysteries, shaking the newspaperman's skepticism and opening his eyes to the wonder of faith. Featuring illustrations by the American bullfighter John Fulton, Miracle in Seville is Michener at his most dazzling.

Praise for Miracle in Seville

"Eloquent . . . a vintage demonstration of Michener storytelling . . . What emerges most strongly is the real admiration and awe that lovers of bullfighting feel for the toro bravo."--The New York Times Book Review

"Compelling . . . told with an understanding of and appreciation for a culture where matadors are artists and miracles are possible."--Chicago Tribune

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812986814
• ISBN13: 9780812986815
• Release Date: December 2015
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Keep the faith

This is a nice brief read that emphasizes the power of faith. Although it is a story about a bull ranch breeder , his bulls and the bullfighters, the story draws strongly on mystic beliefs of the the gypsy as well as the grace of religion and the Virgin Mary. The story takes palce during Holy Week in Spain and the pagentry of the religious street processions and the ring are told with great detail. Michner is a marvelous story teller. Remember this is a novel, therefore creative liberty is expected and usually the norm when it comes to presenting a story. One annonymous reviewer here was offended by the inaccuracies. Suffice to say, there is a difference between fiction and non-fiction; this work is a fiction novel. One of the highlights of this lovely story is the tremendous art work by the late American matador de toros, John Fulton. The twenty-six drawings are mini-art treasures to be appreciated as you read the story of the arrogant gypsy matador Gomez, his ally sister, the fortune teller Magdalena Lopez,the cross-eyed Virgin Mary known as La Bizca, Mr. Shenstone and Don Cayetano Mota and his bulls. Reading this story with the illustrations is a experience that brings life and color to the pages. This is a great story , told in the manner that only James Michner can that will captivate the imagination while you are reading about the exploits of the various characters. Recommended for lovers of exotic fiction steeped in the power of faith.

It is about the enchanting mystery of the powers of Faith.

I found that this book captured the beauty of Seville in all of it's grandeur. It described the love and passion of bullfighting and how it is reflected in the religous faith of it's most devout. The book accurately describes the love and devotion that the Spanish in Seville have for Our most Holy Mother. She is love and she is above all things. The book tells of how Our Lady peforms all kinds of miracles for those good and devout to her.

A Story Beautifully Told

Hearing about the bull fights before visiting Spain I thought how cruel and terrible. My opinion was based on ideas I do not share and a culture I do not understand. In Madrid, I experienced a bullfight sitting next to a local. What I learned to appreciate that day. Now reading "Miracle", again my perspective has been changed. And isn't that what truly good reading does - changes our perspective? Michener teaches about the history and glory of the bullfight creating an understanding with the reader. While still not my choice of sport for the treatment of the animal, I better understand the bullfight. Thanks, Michener!