In 1963, James A Michenerpublished “Caravans” which ostensibly describes the attempt of a state department employee at the American Embassy in Afghanistan to “find a missing American girl whose parents have not heard from her since her impetuous marriage to a young Afghan engineer.”
Like other Michener books, the novel is less about plot and more an opportunity to explore the history and cultures of regions and peoples through the experiences and discussions of its characters.
Set in 1946, the book remains relevant for 2011 Afghanistan and is a valuable read for those concerned with America’s continue role in that country.
Here is an excerpt:
[Foreign officer:] “I was impressed by the road west, for it led through fruit groves and well-established farms, each protected by high mud walls with box-like structures at the corners. What are the boxes for’, I asked.”
“Nur laughed and said, ‘Those are melon fields.’”
“I still don’t get the boxes.”
“They’re for the lookouts,’ he explained. ‘Growing melons in Afghanistan is extremely difficult. During the entire month they’re ripening the farmer has to station armed men at each field to shoot thieves.’”
“I must have looked as if I thought he was teasing me, for he said gravely, ‘My father raised melons, and at the age of nine I stood night watch with a shotgun. Otherwise every melon would have been stolen.’
“’Why do you permit such thievery?’, I asked.”
“We’re a brigand society,’ Nur said. ‘Our king doesn’t rule in Kabul the way our president rules in Washington. In this country we murder kings.”
