From the author of Emily’s House comes a “compelling, emotionally gripping”* novel of historical fiction—perfect for readers of America’s First Daughter.Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1676. Even before Mary Rowlandson was captured by Indians on a winter day of violence and terror, she sometimes found herself in conflict with her rigid Puritan community. Now, her home destroyed, her children lost to … home destroyed, her children lost to her, she has been sold into the service of a powerful woman tribal leader, made a pawn in the ongoing bloody struggle between English settlers and native people.
Battling cold, hunger, and exhaustion, Mary witnesses harrowing brutality but also unexpected kindness. To her confused surprise, she is drawn to her captors’ open and straightforward way of life, a feeling further complicated by her attraction to a generous, protective English-speaking native known as James Printer. All her life, Mary has been taught to fear God, submit to her husband, and abhor Indians. Now, having lived on the other side of the forest, she begins to question the edicts that have guided her, torn between the life she knew and the wisdom the natives have shown her.
Based on the compelling true narrative of Mary Rowlandson, Flight of the Sparrow is an evocative tale that transports the reader to a little-known time in early America and explores the real meanings of freedom, faith, and acceptance.
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So well written. A subject I would not usually choose; however, so glad I did. Just a great read.
A new slant on the feelings of the Indians.
The story of a pre revolutionary Indian captive, this novel is engrossing and intelligently written while using the vernacular of the times.
A really good read
I loved it.couldnt put it down.
wonderful writing.
I truly enjoyed this book. I’ve read all of the books written by or about victims taken hostage by the American Indians. This book grasped and portrayed the reality of their predicaments.
What is interesting about these stories is how the different personalities adapted to the environment. How the survival mode kicks in. They were considered slaves and treated as such. Who’s property you were did impact how successfully (or not) a captives existence turned out. The codes, boundaries and rules that each tribe upheld is also a major factor and this book delves into all these aspects extremely well.
Highly recommend fir those interested in this topic.
The question is, “Just what is slavery?” Great book, makes you think.
contrast of cultures and women’s obstacles during a historic time confirm the continuous struggles and expectations women and men must endure.
I always rate a book by how long the themes stay with me. I have not been able to get the plot, characters and themes of this novel out of my mind. I have gone back to re read passages many times. I am somewhat familiar with life in the colonies during the time of the Puritans, having read Hawthorne, etc, but nothing prepared me for being as moved as I was by this novel. It is a rapid read, but not at all light. This work will provide you with plenty of food for thought.
I love historical fiction. This was a well researched book. I know very little about this colonial time in American history so I found this book to be very informative and enlightening. It amazed me and made me reflect on what is happening today regarding immigration issues that this country is experiencing and our continually ill treatment of the American Native.
Not really inspirational