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jedore's review
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Does any woman ever count the grains of her harvest and say: Good enough? Or does one always think of waht more one might have laid in, had the labor been harder, the ambition more vast, the choices more sage?"
If you're looking for a captivating blend of history and women's fiction, Caleb's Crossing is a must-read. Set in the U.S. colonies in the early to mid-1600s, the story follows Bethia, a young Protestant woman living on Martha's Vineyard, and Caleb, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. Despite its title, the narrative primarily revolves around Bethia's struggles and experiences.
I absolutely loved this book! Not surprising since it weaves a woman-centered tale that delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and religion in the U.S. of the 1600's. While Caleb's journey to Harvard serves as a backdrop, it's Bethia's story of resilience and self-discovery that truly shines.
As I mentioned, the title totally threw me. I was expecting Caleb to be the main character, so I was quite surprised to find out it was actually Bethia. It was all good though as her compelling story had the added benefit of shedding light on the plight of women AND Native Americans in colonial America.
Despite its slow pace and the seriously depressing exposé of the negative impact of Christianity on women and Native Americans, the story held my attention to the end because of Brooks' meticulous research and masterful storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Miscarriage and Rape
revonue's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault
whatsheread's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.0
True to form, Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks is a well-written glimpse into the hardships of the past. Moreover, it involves a story that does not get much exposure but one that reflects today’s culture even as it picks apart the past.
Ms. Brooks has an excellent eye for historical detail. Just as in her previous novels, in Caleb’s Crossing she brings the early colonial period back to life with her attention to the minutest aspect of life in the colonies. Readers get a clear understanding of the Puritan mindset, wherein one’s sin and the question of salvation are uppermost in the mind, as well as the harsh life they live. Ms. Brooks makes sure all readers understand that Bethia’s life is not an easy one and that those moments she steals to ramble across the island are as rare as they are precious.
Of particular interest is the portrayal of the relationship between Native Americans and English colonizers. She presents the relationships with insight, recognizing the racism inherent in their interactions. However, she also tries to show how hidden the racism was; not everyone thought the Native Americans were inferior simply because of the color of their skin. At times informative and other times infuriating, Caleb’s Crossing recognizes the tragedy that became colonial and Native American interactions even as they started with (racist but) good intentions.
Having never heard of Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk, Ms. Brooks quickly drew me into his story with her attention to detail and skill of writing. I not only wanted to learn more about Bethia’s fight for some semblance of education and happiness but also to follow Caleb’s path to Harvard College and beyond. The tragic ending is not necessarily surprising given the time period but it still manages to pack a punch. It has been a long time since I read any historical fiction that took place outside of the Victorian era through World War II, and Ms. Brooks always impresses with not just her writing but her choice of subject as well. Her ability to weave fact within fiction always brings the past to life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Grief
Minor: Sexual assault
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