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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I loved this book.
I had a hard time finishing this book.
It was good light reading. Pretty predictable, and I expected more from it but it was a nice easy read.
Interesting to learn about this real-life person and her experiences with American Indians.
I loved this tale! It brings you close to the dangers and trials of women’s roles In a male dominated religion versus a prisoner in an American Indian tribe.
Very interesting history of colonial Massachusetts. The towns named are very
Familiar as we live and work in the area.
It was interesting to read about this period in history and how women were looked upon at that time. Informative about life and attitudes.
It offers a realistic view of daily life in the early 1600s when even existence was a challenge. But it offers hope in changing attitudes when the main character behind to understand that she does not always have to be subservient to her husband and to the beliefs of the rest of her society.
Set in Puritan society, a woman and her children witness a massacre and are taken captive by Native Americans. After 3 months they are released but rejoining the community is fraught with problems.
Interesting historical novel
I enjoy well-written historical fiction. Most of the characters are real, but the author has used imagination to personalize those people.
Excellent book about Puritan life in early America. The cultural divide between native Americans and Puritans is revealing. Mary was kidnapped by native Americans and lived among them for several months. Learning how loving the native Indians were and how they treated others with love and compassion was life changing. Mary had difficulty reentering Puritan life with rigid restrictions. I stayed up late to read into the early morning hours. This was a very worthwhile book to read.
Best book I have read lately. It is a view into the 17th century Indian ways.
Thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel to the point that it made me seek out and read the actual narrative that she wrote.
I loved this story. It was very well written. I didn’t want to put it down and the fact that is based on a historical figure made it even more intriguing. Once again, by reading a piece of historical fiction, my eyes are opened to an additional piece of history I knew nothing about.
Excellent book! If you enjoy history, you’ll enjoy this book. The characters really come to life in this book.
This is historic fiction with a compelling story about a settler’s capture by Native Americans and her life with them. When she returns home, she faces surprising conflicts within herself, stunned by the differences between the tribal lifestyle she experienced during her capture and the oppressive life she faces as a dutiful wife upon her return. The story is engaging because of its eventful, unpredictable plot — complicated, evenly-paced and, at times, tense. The characters are realistic and complex, facing dangerous, challenging situations and uncertain relationships. Some of the characters adapt with courage, grace, and flexibility; some stubbornly refuse to change; and some are defeated and haunted by their experiences. This is a story that transports us to both worlds: the settlers’ life in early America and the Native American nations they intend to conquer. The descriptions of Native American tribal customs and daily life — and those of a pioneer housewife — offer intriguing insight into the cultural norms that identify us, whether white or Native American.
Not for the faint of heart. It starts with a very graphic Indian attack on a small village. But Mary Rowlandson is a fascinating character living in an incredibly difficult time.
Learned a lot about Puritan and Indians in early US.
Very good I loved it.