A bestselling tale of passion and belief, magic and adventure from the author of The Secret Chord and of March, winner of the Pulitzer Prize.Bethia Mayfield is a restless and curious young woman growing up in Martha’s vineyard in the 1660s amid a small band of pioneering English Puritans. At age twelve, she meets Caleb, the young son of a chieftain, and the two forge a secret bond that draws each … forge a secret bond that draws each into the alien world of the other. Bethia’s father is a Calvinist minister who seeks to convert the native Wampanoag, and Caleb becomes a prize in the contest between old ways and new, eventually becoming the first Native American graduate of Harvard College. Inspired by a true story and narrated by the irresistible Bethia, Caleb’s Crossing brilliantly captures the triumphs and turmoil of two brave, openhearted spirits who risk everything in a search for knowledge at a time of superstition and ignorance.
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Historical fiction, if done well, reminds us of who we were and what we have become. Sadly, the differences are sometimes difficult to discern. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and the parts they played in centuries past.
Love the writing of Geraldine Brooks.
Interesting biography to complete the tale of one of the greatest adventures of exploration in what is now the US
This book has a historical perspective on the relationship between indigenous tribes in Massachusetts and the white Anglo peoples, plus the connection to Puritan religious views and the native peoples’ belief systems and practices, AND connections to educational methods, Harvard University around 1638 and racism.
Not great, didn’t finish it. Very predictable.
Historical fiction of Martha’s Vineyard in the 1600s, beginnings of Harvard University, relations between the Native Americans and the European settlers. Riveting!
This a book that delves into the early Puritan-Indian relationships in Massachusetts, as well the early days of Harvard University, based on historical records. Brooks does a great job of character development in her key figures that move the story along and fills each chapter with fascinating detail.
I have always felt that the early colonists took enormous advantage of the American Indians and this book reinforced that feeling. It was not one of my favorite books, but I do think it was a worthwhile read and I learned more about the time period. It was basically a tragic book because you don’t know whether to be happy for the Indians who were “Americanized” or cheer for those who fought against it. They were both losers!
Thought-provoking.
Ending rather unresolved but an excellent read for the period detail and atmosphere.
Very good historical fiction about Massachusetts in the 1600s, education, relations between Indians and English settlers.
Very well written as are all of Geraldine Brooks’ books.
Informative, unexpected and interesting take on an historic time.
Great historical fiction, something I probably wouldn’t have sought out, that’s what I like about bookbinding.
It just didn’t hold my interest, so never finished
I had difficulty with the sadness of the main character and her situation. It kept getting worse until I had to put the book down.
While sometimes difficult to read (because of the subject matter), this is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. It was one of those that grabs your attention so completely, that you can’t stop thinking about it once you read the last page. I had to wait a couple of days before I could start anything else.
I have read all of Geraldine Brook’s books. Sadly, this was not one of her best books although it kept my attention. Most of the characters were well thought out and kept me engaged enough to finish the book.
I find any book written by Geraldine Brooks worth reading. Caleb’s Crossing was no exception. I read it when it was first published. I bought it in hard cover. Didn’t want to wait for the paperback. It was worth every penny. Strong characters and a beautiful bittersweet story. It’s a great bookgroup read. Lots to talk about. Though I seldom read a book more than once. This one is an exception.
Very insightful about how different cultures resolved some issues remain with us yet.