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9th out of 27 books
—
2 voters
The Old American
In 1746, Nathan Blake, the first frame house builder in Keene, New Hampshire, was abducted by Algonkians and held in Canada as a slave. Inspired by this dramatic slice of history, novelist Ernest Hebert has written a masterful new novel recreating those years of captivity.
Set in New England and Canada during the French and Indian Wars, The Old American is driven by its co...more
Set in New England and Canada during the French and Indian Wars, The Old American is driven by its co...more
Paperback, 304 pages
Published
November 1st 2001
by Dartmouth Publishing Group
(first published 2000)
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Two of my favorite books are The Black Robe by Brian Moore and this book, The Old American, by Ernest Hebert. They go together. The Black Robe tells the story of the early French Jesuit explorers in Canada in the 1640s and their encounter with the Native Americans. The Old American takes place about a hundred years later in the same region. The French and English have established themselves in Canada and New England, but the Indians are not yet defeated, and their culture has not been extinguish...more
Ernest Hebert is a history professor up at Dartmouth College who really did his homework for the writing of this novel. Based on the true story of Nathan Blake, who was taken captive from Hebert's home town of Keene, N.H., this book brought me a deeper understanding of the reasons whites were taken as captives by New England tribes. I always thought it was a simple matter of retribution, but that really wasn't so much the case. Hebert does a great job of weaving this tale almost exclusively with...more
I had read Hebert's Jordan books and I felt I had had my fill of Hebert, so I just couldn't get myself to read this book. I was tired of the Jordan clan and that whole lifestyle and Hebert writing style. I only decided to read this recently because it was praised at two of my book clubs. I'm glad I read it. I feel the book redeemed Hebert and made me like him as a writer again. I loved the historical aspect of the book - the story is enthralling!
I like historical fiction because I can always learn something. And while this novel was based on a true event (capture by Indians of a frontier colonist during the French & Indian War) in a time period I find fascinating (think "Last of the Mohicans"), I was disappointed. The story moved glacially slow at times and then lightning quick when I wanted more. It seemed the author was trying to fit in every bit of detail he could about the ways of life and the cultural interactions of the era, a...more
I don't know how well-known this book is but "The Old American" warrants a lot of attention, it is one of the few modern stories of the colonial American frontier that seems like it actually could have happened. It is a fast read I found hard to put down... a must for fans of Historical Fiction.
Apr 11, 2009
Andrea
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
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The story of the abduction of an early pioneer by a native american, and how they come to respect each other. A really enjoyable read with thoughtful characters. The author is great a incorporationg unexpected humor. I will definately read more by Hebert.
I am a fan of this other, all of his books take place in NH (and always include Keene). This novel isn't as haunting as his others, but still makes you think for a bit after finishing it.
historical fiction based on fact. colonial america, a real-life kidnapping of Nathan Blake by Indians. Same era as Tenderness with WolvesFabulous main character "the Old American"
Oct 25, 2009
Shelley (shellmh)
rated it
1 of 5 stars
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review of another edition
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The Old American, which is about Nathan Blake (of Winchester/Main St. Blake House fame) and how he was kidnapped during the French and Indian war and taken to Canada. I thought I was really going to enjoy it, but only about 2 seconds of it took place in Keene.. and the rest was a little hard to get through.. even by me, who took a whole course on New England history! Oh well.. I gave it a shot! 2 books left and I'm done with the SuBC!
I found this book very difficult to read in the beginning. It just didn't interest me at all. But after about 1/3 of the way through the book, I began to enjoy the book. Not sure I would have picked this book on my own, but am glad I read the book.
This is the book the town of Groton is reading I just started it and am enjoying it.
Probably my favorite book. History, great characters, and elegance.
I admire Ernie Hebert very much.
May 05, 2013
Gmoney.gold
marked it as to-read
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Mar 21, 2013
Sarah
marked it as to-read
Mar 10, 2013
Scott
marked it as to-read
Oct 31, 2012
Frank Scott
marked it as to-read
Jan 29, 2013
Marc
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