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heidilreads's review
3.0
it was alright. i think the part i liked best was that it was a time period that i haven't read that much about. however, if you're looking for a page turner, this wasn't it for me.
kitkatsbookden's review
4.5
This was a fantastic read. I loved the way it was written and the story of Caleb and Bethia was really interesting. Definitely a time period I would like to read more about!
4.5/5
4.5/5
abay2's review
2.0
I was interested in this book for the historical aspect and while the setting seemed appropriate, the story was slow and I was unable to connect with the characters. The author seems to be leading the reader down one path and I felt the most interesting part of the story remained unresolved. The final section was my least favorite as it gave the ending away, eliminating the suspense/interest of finding out what is going to happen. I was not a fan of the style of writing overall.
leasummer's review
3.0
3.5 stars but not enough to round to 4 (which doesn't totally make sense I know). I really enjoyed this book from about the mid point on. I'm a fan of Brooks' writing and have read all her previous books. I liked Bethia's pov and the language is fascinating but not much was happening. Once Anne came to the school I was sucked in and finished in that sitting.
The historical context seems legit, I appreciated the limited actual historical information at the end. Brooks' writing and the way she can paint a scene with her words is what kept me in this book. It's a beautiful story.
The historical context seems legit, I appreciated the limited actual historical information at the end. Brooks' writing and the way she can paint a scene with her words is what kept me in this book. It's a beautiful story.
rmbolton's review
4.0
Started this book Tuesday night and finished it Saturday afternoon. While working 16 hour days and preparing for vacation. It is that good.
Bethia, the narrator, is human and heroic and the story she tells of Caleb, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Harvard, and Cambridge is heart rending. Consider this, Caleb was the first Wampanoag to graduate from Harvard. He did do in 1665. Thus year, 2011, the second Wampanoag will graduate from Harvard College
Bethia, the narrator, is human and heroic and the story she tells of Caleb, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Harvard, and Cambridge is heart rending. Consider this, Caleb was the first Wampanoag to graduate from Harvard. He did do in 1665. Thus year, 2011, the second Wampanoag will graduate from Harvard College
amymcn's review
3.0
I loved March and Year of Wonders and wanted Caleb’s Crossing to be equally engaging, but I just couldn’t get into the characters or the story. I was disappointed, especially because I’m intrigued by the true story of Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk. I’m glad I didn’t read Caleb’s Crossing first - I would not have picked up Geraldine Brooks’ other books.
bethsandford's review
5.0
Geraldine Brooks is one of my favorite authors. She has an incredible ability to take a true event and create a beautiful historical fiction story. Caleb's Crossing is the story of one of the first Wapanaog Indians to attend Harvard College in 1661. The story is told as a diary written by Bethia, the daughter of a minister on Nantucket Island. The story shows the difficulty for women during this time, the struggles between whites and Indians, and the hardships of living on an island. Truely a beautiful read, just like Year of Wonders.
gillianberglund's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
chloew's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction — the blend of truth and fiction gets to me. But I did enjoy the dive into local history. The narrative arc was a bit tired (young girl is frustrated with her station in life, finds a way to create the life she wants, interwoven with history).