Bethia is thirsty for knowledge, hoping to absorb anything she overhears her father teaching her brother, Makepeace. Now that she is primarily responsible for the household, since the tragic death of her beloved mother, she is no longer privy to formal education. In fact, she was fortunate to have any at all, given her female status in the 1600’s in Puritanical New England, specifically on the island of what is now known as Martha’s Vineyard. What her father did not know, was that she had also formed a hidden friendship with a native American boy, a “salvage” as they were referred to. It was him with whom she was able to feel her true self, exploring the island, arguing points of philosophy, and exchanging details of their respective cultures. This would prove to benefit them both – as they would both later utilize these skills and mutual understanding to move forward in their lives, and ultimately effect the course of history.
This work of fiction is based on the true life of Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, the first Native American to attend Harvard College. It is a fictionalized version of his path to obtain the training and the knowledge necessary to matriculate, based on both historical research and the author’s imagination. It is a dramatic story, replete with those who supported him and those who intended him harm. And while we wished him success in his venture, it was unclear if his venture itself was his own undoing.
Throughout the story, the author raises the eternal question of whether integration into mainstream society is a positive or a negative – if it ultimately saves or destroys. For the Native American at this time in their history, when the English were just beginning to overcome them in numbers and in force, it was an extremely dangerous and solemn state. The English were focused particularly on trying to convert the native tribes to Christianity, feeling they were saving the souls of these “salvages,” yet never accepting them fully as their own. On the other hand, the author frequently highlights the ways in which the native cultures uniquely valued the preservation of the land, the full and economical use of the animals they had to kill, and their intimate knowledge of uses of native herbs and plants for food or for healing.
Hearing the story from the perspective of Bethia was also powerful. Women at the time were no more than chattel, and her experience was a strong example of this. Going from a carefree young child who had free range of the island to one who quickly had to adapt to running a household – and worse – we follow her through the full experience of being given little if any agency over her own life decisions.
While the writing here is solid, I have liked other of Brooks’ books more. I believe this book could have been edited down a bit, and more might have happened earlier to keep things moving more quickly. Nevertheless, it is a compelling story and one of tremendous import to tell. A worthwhile read.
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