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Review
Praise for ‘People of the Book’ :
'Brooks expertly guides us to the conclusion that the world is made up of only two types of people: those who would destroy books and those who would give their lives to save them. This illuminating novel, like its predecessor, is well worthy of both Pulitzer and prime-time approbation.' Independent on Sunday
'These stories have a raw and visceral power. The book is full of historical detail.' Naomi Alderman, F.T. Magazine
'An irresistible subject, given urgency by its timeliness and poignancy by its paradoxicality: for the novel is based on the true story of an ancient Jewish codex saved from the fire by a Muslim librarian. Her performance will satisfy many readers.' Guardian
Praise for ‘March’ :
‘Brooks’s considerable historical research for “March” is pleasingly lightly worn. Her efforts have borne a rich fruit. It is a big, generous romp that manages to make clever use of “Little Women” without suffocating beneath it.’ Sunday Times
‘A tightly controlled novel in which, you sense, every sentence has been carefully weighed and calculated, and Brooks successfully balances narrative leanness with luxuriant language. “March” is that rare species: a serious popular novel that is not afraid to grapple with big ideas.’ Waterstones Books Quarterly
'Researched with great historical thoroughness, "March" hews faithfully to the spirit of Alcott's original … Louise May Alcott would be well pleased.' The Economist
Product Description
The new novel from Pulitzer Prize-winner Geraldine Brooks, author of the Richard and Judy bestseller ‘March’, ‘Year of Wonders’ and ‘People of the Book’.
Caleb Cheeshateaumauk was the first native American to graduate from Harvard College back in 1665. ‘Caleb’s Crossing’ gives voice to his little known story. Caleb, a Wampanoag from the island of Martha's Vineyard, seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts, comes of age just as the first generation of Indians come into contact with English settlers, who have fled there, desperate to escape the brutal and doctrinaire Puritanism of the Massachusetts Bay colony.
The story is told through the eyes of Bethia, daughter of the English minister who educates Caleb in the Latin and Greek he needs in order to enter the college. As Caleb makes the crossing into white culture, Bethia finds herself pulled in the opposite direction. Trapped by the narrow strictures of her faith and her gender, she seeks connections with Caleb's world that will challenge her beliefs and set her at odds with her community.
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They will have you believe that Caleb's Crossing is about the first Native American to graduate from Harvard University in 1665.
Don't get me wrong - this is central to the story and is the reason Geraldine Brooks wrote this book.
However, alongside it is the equally powerful story of the book's narrator, Bethia Mayfield, and her detailed account of life as a woman in the mid-17th Century.
I love historical fiction and also recommend two of Brooks' previous books:
* People of the Book: A book lover's delight - a book that tells the story of a centuries old book.
* Year of Wonders: The story of an English housemaid and her village during the 1666 plague.
In Caleb's Crossing, Brooks creates a work of fiction from scant historical fact. She goes to great lengths to recreate the life and times of the era, when Native Americans were commonly referred to as "salvages" and women were required to live in the shadow of men.
She creates a strong contrast between the fiery spirit of Native American traditions and the sobering repression of English Puritan ways.
While I enjoyed the story of Caleb, for me, Bethia's story was the real drawcard of this book.
As she narrates Caleb's story and his "crossing" to English ways, Bethia also introduces us to the issues facing women of her era.
It is saddening to see her sharp wit and intelligence silenced by the prejudices of her time.
It also made me wonder: if women had been able to speak up throughout the ages, how different would the world be that we live in today?
Click on my profile above to find more of my recommended reads and visit my website to register for free email updates.
Each time I pick up a book, fiction or non-fiction, by Geraldine Brooks, I look at the description on the jacket and wonder if I am going to like this one. By now, I should have learned that, no matter the subject matter, this author does not disappoint her readers. The depth of her research stands out. Her characters are always well developed, the dialogue is authentic, and she manages to convey the mood and atmosphere perfectly. Brooks manages to squeeze a wealth of facts into an easily-digestible package. I laughed and cried. I especially loved Caleb's explanation and opinions on the native and English gods. I enjoyed this novel more than I expected to. It was engrossing and enlightening. The afterword was especially interesting. Once again, Brooks gives us a wonderful read.
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