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.
more
Historical novel, well researched, great writing!
It is truly difficult to both rate and review a book like this. Geraldine Brooks is THE genius of Historical Fiction; her books come alive for the reader and take you to the very place she is writing about. There were moments where all I wanted was to be on that same island that Bethia grew up on [I was born in Southern California, near the beach and being near water enlivens and refreshes me like nothing else], to feel that breeze and smell that air…I cannot even imagine how difficult it was for her to leave to go to Cambridge.
The “crossings” that everyone goes through in this book are many [indeed, I am not truly sure about the title of this book; due to a spoilerish nature I cannot comment anymore on that] and while they all seem different, they all are, in a way, the same. It is a story about love and denial and sacrifice. Much sacrifice. And it is a very excellent read.
Loved People of the Book and Year of Wonders. Caleb’s Crossing is also worth a read.
Absolutely loved this book!
Loved this book, enjoyed the “old world” style of verbiage, but very readable. Encouraged me to research that time period & the beginnings of Harvard. Women were so held back, but for someone with spirit as Bethia was it was refreshing!
A beautiful, heart-wrenching journey into a little known part of America’s past.
I recommend this book to anyone. You become totally involved with it.
Well researched book immersed the reader into both Puritan and Native American life. As such, the beginning had a slower pace as it introduced the main characters in that setting. There was a point where this reader was debating on whether to continue, but in doing so, was rewarded. It turned into an interesting story. While it is a fictional account, the book highlighted incredible achievements by two Wampanoag young men and the frustrations of a young woman denied easy access to learning.
I enjoyed the historical perspective on this part of the relationships for east coast tribes with the early settlers. It was a story I was unfamiliar with so I found it interesting, and wanting to learn more about the people the characters were loosely based on.
I loved the book and I would like to read more like this one.
I’ve read other books by Geraldine Brooks and have to say that this isn’t one of my favourites. She is an amazing writer regardless!
Very thought-provoking
Very engrossing. Although fiction it could be very real.
I would have enjoyed it more if it followed more chronologically. Too many gaps in time so lost interest in the characters.
It’s a depressing tale of the world beating down two inquisitive, intelligent, open-heated people.
Well-written and engaging.
excellant. read it twice
Great if you like historical fiction.
A bit ponderous at times, but a fascinating story if you enjoy historical novels.
The period of history and people’s lives at that time were really interesting as was the language. While not truly historical as a story the times and general history and main facts of the title character’s life were. The writing was beautiful.