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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Flight of the Sparrow is a novel based on the true story of Puritan Mary Rowlandson. In 1675, Mary and her children were captured in a raid by Native Americans during King Phillip’s war. Enslaved, Mary battles hardships and witnesses horrors but also experiences extreme kindnesses that are foreign to her Puritan lifestyle. This book is the fictionalized account of her story but reads very true to both history and Mary’s own account of her experiences. Flight of the Sparrow is artfully written with a loving, sympathetic, almost lyrical tone that is very easy to read. 4.5 stars.
This stark and poignant look at early relations between English settlers and native Americans will appeal to fans of Lori Benton, Laura Frantz, and J.M. Hochstetler. I absolutely loved the nuances and complexities Amy Belding Brown carefully wove together in each of the main characters. My reading of this was likely enhanced by my earlier reading of the nonfiction book, Unredeemed Captive by John Demos, which I highly recommend as well. But even if you don’t read Demos, if you have any interest at all in early America, don’t miss Flight of the Sparrow. An excellent choice for book clubs.
This was based on the true story of what happened to Mary Rowlandson during King Philips’s War in the late 1600’s. Well, worth the read.
This book has been on my top favorites list for the last few years. I enjoy Native American historical novels. The real story of Mary came alive in the page.
Flight of the Sparrow draws the reader into Mary’s story as she becomes a part of a whole other experience—living with the natives. The exploration of the division in cultures paints a compelling picture and leaves one asking, “Who are the savages?”
Poignant and profound. The cover drew me right in and the story, while sad, is fascinating and very moving. Graphic warfare warning.
I learned a lot about Indian-Settler history while enjoying an inspirational read.
This is a fine book, an interesting and easy read. I was left wanting more depth as to Mary’s feelings and experiences with the Indians. Some were communicated only in retrospect. And frustratingly she so often she kept silent instead of expressing the thoughts we knew she was having. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book for it’s educational value.
Very interesting historical setting and characters. It is based on a true story. It is an eye opener to the lifestyles of the Puritans in the 1600s and the Native Americans they interacted with. Women’s rights have definitely come a long way!
Beautifully written
I enjoyed the book. It talks about slavery in Massachusetts, Indian wars and Puritan beliefs which are very strict and don’t include love as much as they do punishment
Finished it quick because I wanted to find out what happens to the characters.
This book is based on an actual historical event, Native Americans attacking a small enclave of Puritans in 1676, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They kill many and kidnap women and children and march them to their land to use them as slaves. The story centers on Mary Rowlandson, who loses one child in this attack, but loses sight of her other two during the March. In the following months she learns a lot about the Native American way of life and family relationships. But she learns even more about herself and her Puritan faith, and begins to question her Puritan beliefs. It is an easy read, with realistic characters in an exciting story.
From start to finish I couldn’t put it down. A good book to see how one
person’s mind can be changed from bigotry to understanding. Loved it.
This story was taken from real life events with colonist and Indians in Massachusetts in the 1800s. Reveals the hidden truths and injustices of both the Indians and the settlers. How greed and power played a part in terrible events with heartache on both cultures. Women and children taken captive and enslaved on both sides. Once returned to their families how they were treated. The encouragement is how they overcame in there own ways when possible.
I am familiar with and have read Mary Rowlandson’s story. I live in the area where she was redeemed and especially enjoyed all of the references to local and regional sites. I found this fictionalized version compelling and fascinating to get inside the minds of the primary characters. Reading this has prompted me to investigate more on the topic of early American settlers and their relationship to the natives as well as native culture.
A very revealing examination of a woman’s life in the Puritan colonies.
I wasn’t a fan. Had a hard time getting into it.
Once I started reading … couldn’t stop! Wonderful history lesson set in early America. The true history is wonderfully wrapped up in a romance. Plenty of action. Very connected to women & mothers, but something a man would enjoy, also.
This book is an interesting historical fiction based on the true story of a woman’s capture by Indians in colonial New England. The main character is compelling and before her time questioning the stifling Puritan restraints on women. The story shows both the dark and compassionate side of the American Indian culture and people. It is well-written with a strong sense of place.
Really had a hard time putting this one down. I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but after living near Old Deerfield I guess I have read a fair number of captivity novels and histories. This fits well into that tradition, incorporating a lot of fascinating facts in compelling original fiction without ever giving me the sense of note cards being industriously put to use. Brava! I look forward to reading more by this author.