Dark Enough to See the Stars in a Jamestown Sky

by Connie Lapallo

Few women and children sailed to Jamestown in 1609. But to Joan, prosperous Virginia sounded promising. Even when she was forced to leave a daughter behind. Even that Joan could bear. But the hurricane, the Starving Time, the Indian Wars.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Book Club, Historical, American History

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Connie Lapallo is the author of two novels based on the true story of colonial Jamestown's first women and children. During her research, she discovered that fifteen generations ago her grandmother Cecily had come to Jamestown in 1611 as an eleven year old. Cecily's mother Joan had come two years before that in 1609. These facts were indisputably in the records. Yet most history books said no women or children were at Jamestown. The realization that history had not only forgotten these women but even denied their existence wouldn’t let Connie go. She set out to tell these women’s story.

Connie is recognized as a historian regarding these early 17th century settlers and has spoken to more than 400 groups, societies, clubs, and schools. She is now working on the third book in the Jamestown Sky trilogy, The Sun is But a Morning Star, and a non-fiction about an early Jamestown governor, In Search of Sir Thomas Gates: A Biography.

To learn more about the Jamestown Sky trilogy and Connie's appearances, join her mailing list: http://connielapallo.com/mailinglist1... or visit her at connielapallo.com.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought my copy of this book at the Jamestown National Historic Park’s gift shop; if you’re at the gift shop looking at reviews to decide whether or not to buy it, I highly recommend that you do. I’m giving this book five stars for the historical depth and genealogical accuracy that the author carefully remained as true as possible to. It was a clean read, kept me turning the pages, and was a wonderful way to absorb some of the earliest history of our country.

This is the first book of a three book series. “Dark Enough to see the Stars in a Jamestown Sky” is about the third supply of boats arriving at Jamestown, Virginia, and covers the years 1609-1610, during the devastating winter of the starving time. The main characters are mostly factual people, and the author based this on the true story of Joan Peirce and her daughter Jane.

I loved that the main characters were real people, and that their life stories have been preserved for us to learn about their strength and perseverance to start a colony in Virginia. It’s incredible to imagine the hardships they endured and survived. We all have so much to be thankful for.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the author sticking to facts or what would make logical sense when looking at the facts to write this novel. I learned a lot about the Jamestown settlement. It’s a miracle anyone survived.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For lovers of history - from the charming costumes and manners to the grim facts of reality - this is a must read.

The story of Joan Pierce and the early colonists at Jamestown is harrowing in the extreme. Starvation, mismanagement and bloody minded arrogance almost saw the end of the British in the New World before they got started. Despite the hardships, hostilities with the native people, and the many privations endured by the colonists, and the unbelievable arrogance and blind stupidity of the many early leaders, somehow the colony survived.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

I loved the way Connie Lapallo constructed the main characters. While a quick google search will tell you how Joan, Temperance, William, Cecily and little Jane got on, it can not explain why anyone in their right mind would accept such a challenge as setting up a colony in Virginia. The Roanoke colony had already failed, the settlers disappeared. So why go, why try again? Why presume this time might be different?

Lapallo provides the answer. Joan Pierce is well written - a woman of her time yet one to whom modern readers can relate. I can imagine making the same decisions. And the strong friendship between Temperance, Joan and Martha are a treasure.

My only criticism are of the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. They were often too long and lacked symetry. Still, they are easily ignored.

All in all, this is a fine read and suitable for readers of any age as far as theme and plot are concerned.

I highly recommend it.

[Babakathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is inspiring and sobering. It has reminded me again of the sacrifices our forefathers have made in order for our nation to rise out of the dust. Beautifully written with deeply moving quotes throughout. A story of bravery and faith and perserverance. Although I have often heard it expressed that both our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution are divinely inspired documents, I have not heard of other Christian churches-besides the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- expressing a belief that the very beginning colonization of America was divinely led. Yet this author expresses that deeply and often. A compelling true story of one of the earliest woman settlers of Virginia. Oh how grateful I am for her and thousands like her who endured and did not quit, in circumstances I cannot even imagine.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing story of the women at Jamestown is the best historical fiction that I've read in a long time. Connie Lapallo truly gives her ancestor, Joan Peirce, the voice to tell her own story.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been to Jamestown and know the story of the founding of Jamestown and the Starving Time, you absolutely must read this book. If you don't know these stories, the book is still an amazing, inspiring story of courage in the midst of incredible adversity. Even though the characters are courageous, their humanity, and quirks show through in the story. Loved, loved loved this book. It is the story of Joan Pierce and her daughter Janey, who not only made it through the starving time, but lived to old age. This story is very well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I'm not sure if you can order it anywhere but through the Jamestown website, but they ship quickly.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a book club and am so glad one of our members chose it. I love historical fictions and this one felt like the truest HF I have ever read. The author really did her research and I appreciated that she addressed all the questions you have after reading a HF and more at the end of the book. The main character was written in a way that felt very true and characteristic of women at that time too. It was also touching that she was the author's 13th great grandma. I think this was the fourth frontier type of book I've read and I've realized by now it's totally my genre. Reading them makes me feel even more grateful for all the comforts I have.

[SherrieB · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in a long time. The author bases this historically accurate novel on her own ggg(however many) grandmother who left England to settle in Jamestown in the early days of its' founding. A book that will grab you from the beginning and leave you wanting more at the end.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been to Jamestown countless times--I have lived in Williamsburg for five years--and heard the stories of the Starving Time many times. And I've seen the evidence of cannibalism in the museum at Jamestown. Nevertheless, I did not appreciate the depth of the despair and horror until reading this book.

It was a slow start; I almost gave up on it. But it got better. It's really quite amazing that anyone would choose to stay in Virginia, given the opportunity to return to England.

I'm sure the author had to imagine huge portions of her story. There just cannot be much in the way of journals and letters to detail the lives of the first settlers, especially the women. In general, she did a good job although there were times when it was too much, too melodramatic.

I'm glad I read it. Also glad to be finished with it so I can move on to something else.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Pierce crossed the ocean on the Blessing and survived the Starving Time in Jamestown. Dark Enough to See the Stars in a Jamestown Sky tells her story. The author describes the conditions and feelings of the women, particularly those women who thought their husbands were lost on the Sea Venture, extremely well. I could barely put the book down even on my second time reading it (though it’s been several years since I first read it). I was really invested in the characters and what happened to them. I very highly recommend reading this book to anyone about 12 and up interested in the founding of Jamestown.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading the 2nd and 3rd in the series. It is very well documented, and I found myself thinking of how my own ancestors first came to this country. I also was very involved with Joan's story and laughed and cried with her.

This first novel focuses on the Starving Time, so as yet there were no documented slaves in Virginia so the book does not touch on slavery at all. I'm curious to see how she will incorporate the topic into the next two books, especially since the main character's husband purchased an African woman to be his slave in 1625.

This book focuses primarily on the English colonists in Virginia. They come with an attitude that the "New World" is open and available; when in reality all of it has already been claimed by the indigenous peoples already living there. The main character Joan feels compassion towards them, but is also afraid of their ferocity and does not question her right to be there.

This book was not only enjoyable to read with well-developed characters; it also made me think and ponder about the surrounding historical issues of the time. All of which still effect us today.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read the next one, and visit Jamestown again

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do not forget us.” Haunted by a woman’s voice whispering these words from the dusty records, Connie Lapallo sought to discover why her grandmother Joan brought a daughter and joined the few women and children settling Jamestown in 1609. Inspired by their courage, Connie tells their stories with compassion and historical accuracy."

I'm glad that this was a book club read and I intend to order the two sequels " The Sun Is But A Morning Star" and "When the Moon Has No More Silver: The Continuing Story of the Women & Children of Jamestown"

Prosperity in Virginia sounded promising. Then Joan learned she would have to leave a daughter behind in England. Even that she could bear. But a hurricane at sea, the Starving Time, Indian wars—life at Jamestown in 1609 was nothing like she imagined.

Wanting to understand her (many times great )grandmother would lead the author to Joan’s native England and the writing of the very book, and the two more to follow. Her book is combined with historic facts.

"From the very first page of 'Jamestown Sky,' the reader is aware of Lapallo's personal investment in making the story historically accurate and beautiful...She said that researching Cecily and Joan, she heard their voices saying, 'Do not forget us.'

I myself won't forget them an since I, myself, have many intrepid early ancestors, but none quite this early ( 1641 to Accomac County ) but my records don't show who he/they married. I would love to get back that far .

I recommend the book to those who value reading to acquire knowledge of a time now past. The last 10% of the book documented historical facts some known and some acquired since "Jamestown Sky" was published.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has spent time on Ancestry.com or has swabbed their cheek to learn their DNA history will thoroughly enjoy this book. The author became intrigued with the lives of her female early ancestors, as well as other women and children at Jamestown. Their stories of true grit and determination will bring tears to your eyes at times. She has meticulously researched the Jamestown era and included an enormous epilogue separating the true history from her fictionalized anecdotes and characters. She has inspired me to again study my own ancestors, who were also early settlers of Virginia. Your heart will swell with pride as you read this account of women and children living through wars with the Indians, hurricanes, widowhood, harsh weather and famine— I promise that the author’s ancestors will quickly become your own.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked reading historical events from a female perspective and appreciated how the author placed real people at the center of the English colonization of America. However, the religious asides were awkward and off-putting. Additionally, none of the characters had any real depth. Other than occasionally expressing fear, doubt, or some measure of reluctance, all the female characters were otherwise perfect. They were all friends, they watched out for everyone else, they avoided all men they were not married to.... I also found the references to female land ownership and leadership anachronistic in their execution.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book group selection. It started slow, but I really enjoyed the story. The author really did an incredible amount of research to make sure the content was historically accurate. She really does give "voice" to the women and children who not just survived the voyage to and challenges of early Jamestown, but thrived.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating and enlightening about this period of our history. The religious messages were off-putting, but probably an accurate portrayal of the times. Even after doing a little research, I am uncertain of the accuracy of the portrayal of the native americans v. the "adventurers," but still greatly enjoyed this book.

[Peggy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of Joan Peirce a woman who sails to Jamestown in the third group headed to the promising new land of Virginia. I knew little to nothing about what to expect when reading this book and was shocked at what this woman faced, endured, and survived. This historical biography is well written and engaging. Joan Peirce's life will amaze you.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing story of faith and survival based on historical facts. I have studied Jamestown colony and knew the basic story; however, I found myself eagerly awaiting the return of the Sea Venture from Bermuda following the hurricane.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!
Connie Lapallo thoroughly researched every aspect of her novel and it shows. I loved reading about Joan and Tempie's relationship through the Starving Time. I am excited to read the sequel and I am so thankful that my husband and I found her books when we visited Virginia last summer!

[Sue Kucera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a riveting read regarding women in Jamestown, 1609. All Virginians and most interested in American History should read. She has done a masterful job covering territory and making you want to flip the pages. Big books, but worth it!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this book a five but I was a bit put off by all the religious references. An amazing story of perseverence and survival.

[Elise Noorda · Rating 3 out of 5]

So glad I read this - I really learned a lot. Not great writing, but good information. Actually, I'm kind of embarrassed that I am this old and didn't know more about this whole situation.

[Longest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read of adventure, faith, perseverance. History that should not be forgotten, but rather reminded frequently in this world of easy access and sense of entitlement that we currently live in.

[Malory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this alongside my 6th grade student for Geography. And while we did some mapping, it was most beneficial for giving a feel for the time period, specifically the near beginning of James Town. This was a fascinating read. My daughter I wanted to read faster to see what would happen, but we slowed ourselves and kept to the schedule. The writing was well done and I enjoyed the beautiful quotes at the beginning of each chapter. This was also a very encouraging book as the characters suffered terrible hardship, and while their faith waned at times, it ended up coming back stronger at the end. Many of the characters were true to life individuals and I'm astounded about how much they endured. They truly are amazing heroes and heroines. I would highly recommend this book to learn more about the time period.

[Ponder the Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

So often, history overlooks the women who contributed to the making of it. Connie Lapallo brings that forgotten history to life in Dark Enough to See the Stars in a Jamestown Sky. The narrator is Joan Pierce, a real woman who voyaged with her husband to Jamestown only two years after the first settlers landed. I’m not sure what she was expecting, but I can be sure it wasn’t anything like what she and the other settlers endured once they left the shores of England.

This compelling story is written so vividly that you live the harrowing events with the women and children of the fledgling Jamestown colony; feeling the suffering, hopelessness, and desperation while witnessing their incredible courage and faith in the face of certain death.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am from Virginia. Lately I have been reading 'politically correct' history that says how horrible we were to the Indians. We were, by coming to their land...but in this book, we were not here to take the land, but to collaborate, and get rich, for England..well, that is how it is written. the naive and so poorly prepared English were annihilated...no helpful Indians there. Also, this book didn't really explain why these early gentile English people, even wanted to come. The land, yes, but these particular people were living a great and affluent life in England. Much of this book was hard to read, as it was so dismally depressing. But, those that survived said why they were glad they came..but, it wasn't conveyed well in the book. I still am glad I read it.

[Jonathan Heaslet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lapollo's book about the arrival of a large group of settlers recruited by the Virginia Company in 1609 is well-researched historical fiction. The loss of the flagship in a hurricane, the absence of leadership, the complicated person of John Smith, the starving times, the decision to abandon James Towne in 1610 are among the historical events brought out. Having visited Jamestown Historical Center numerous times, I appreciated Lapallo's recounting of the challenges to early settlers through the point of view of women. I would appreciate hearing from others, but I felt she gave a fair and balanced account to the conflict between Native Americans and English settlers.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of the settlers of America in 1690 I think is a must read for for those that have not done extensive reading about the times. I felt kingship with the characters and respect for those that settled.. also a reinforcement of my concept that the Indians got the raw deal.

I’ve done extensive genealogical research and have one ancestor that came over in 1610. How in the world did they have the courage to come when so many died? Would I have? Even through the 1800s, settling America was a perilous journey.

The last 10% of the book goes through the characters, historical documentation and where/why the author came to the story line she did.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction, yet based on actual "ancient planter" person, story. The author dug into much history to recreate a reasonably true story of Joan Peirce. She arrives to the James Town colony in 1609, right before the Starving Time winter which stole so many of the colonists through death. The author starts with Joan as a young girl with a sea-faring, merchant father with great faith.
I was engrossed with the story weaved by Lapallo. She provided a great deal of factual back-up material at the end of the book, lending credence to her work.