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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Not as good as some of her other books, but still worth the read.
Based on the true story of two Indian youth who attended Harvard in the 17th century. The author took scant historical references and created a delightful novel of an Indian “crossing over” into the English world and Christianity. The fictional narrator, Bethia, is an English girl of the same age who thirsted for learning but was denied such by her gender.
I became a fan of Geraldine Brooks after reading People of the Book. Her ability to hone in on a unique and obscure point in history and then spin it into a fascinating and compelling tale is exactly what she did again with Caleb’s Crossing. This peek at the establishment of higher education in America’s early years is fascinating. But I considered the peek into the prejudice of who could and could not be educated to be most enlightening.
A story of dreams, family, friends and the reality of living out your dreams in challenging times. Thought provoking book.
Haven’t read much history from this time period but this story drew me in so that I had to find more like it. Great characters. Insightful of the life, attitudes, superstitions, and challenges for a young woman as well as for settlers and natives in her world.
Caleb’s crossing is an extremely well-written, well-researched book, written flawlessly in the language of the 17th century. The main characters, Bethia and Caleb, are two of the most well-rounded characters I’ve ever come across in fiction and their journey will touch your heart. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction and American history.
Dragged. Didn’t finish.
1600 missionary family. The story Is about a Native American who graduates from Harvard. The story is told diary-style by the daughter of the missionary. It’s about love, loss, friendship, commitment, and overcoming. It is a beautiful but heart-wrenching story.
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.