Mary's Land

by Lucia St. Clair Robson

Mary's Land is a novel of Lord Baltimore's rowdy colony in 1638. Kirkus Review calls it a "stylish, superior historical... a richly detailed, first rate tale" with, "memorable characters, scenes, and lilting dialogue."

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, 17th Century, Novels

482 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

About the author

Lucia St. Clair Robson has been a Peace Corps Volunteer, a teacher and a librarian. Her first historical novel, RIDE THE WIND, appeared on the New York Times best seller list, and in 1983 received the Golden Spur Award from the Western Writers of America. Since then she has written seven more novels set in a variety of times and places. Kirkus Reviews wrote, "Few novelists working today have a better grasp of early American history than Robson.""

Reviews

[Linda Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and interesting

I am from St. Mary's county and found this book many years ago. I wanted to read it again after taking some friends to see St. Mary's City. My mother lived on Snow Hill Farm with her family for a time when she was a child so I enjoyed the story set in that location. It's definitely worth the time to read it.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

1600's
Settlement of St. Mary's county.
Voyage over.
Lots of research.
Mary and Margaret Brent.
Amica is indentured servant.
Crude, dirty, cold, hungry, smelly.
How hard it was.
Great book.
Author came to library for FOL event.

[Kandice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great offering from her. She always puts you directly in the period. You feel so THERE.

[Jolinda Eibert · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to get the flow of the old english to really enjoy--but worth it.

[Mary Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was on the hunt for a fictional account of Margaret Brent, the first woman lawyer in America. I came upon this one published almost thirty years ago, and, while the length was intimidating, I dug in...and was blown away. The amount of research that this writer undertook is just stunning. Even more stunning is her talent at deftly rolling all the historical details uncovered into the story. As a fellow historical fiction author, I am truly humbled by this feat.
As a native Marylander, I was completely drawn into the characterization of historical figures that I have learned about from elementary school on: Lord Baltimore, Leonard Calvert, the Native American tribal chiefs and more. But, most importantly, I found what I sought which was an idea about who Margaret Brent was as a person, conjured up from all the historical research. Quite simply, Margaret Brent was the original, "bad a&s" American gal, who attempted to blaze a trial for all women.
This early historical fiction account of the beginnings of the state of Maryland and Margaret Brent brings it all to life in a compelling way. This is really an experience, one that I highly recommend.

[Andrew Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical novel was published in 1995, but its subject's uniqueness is what drove me to it. Like Robson, I was also born in Baltimore and spent more than a quarter century living in Maryland, or Mary's Land, the name of Robson's novel.

Mary's Land is not just a work of fiction, but a valuable educational tool that paints a vivid picture of the colony's earliest settlers. Robson's unflinching portrayal of life in Lord Baltimore's colony, with its stark realities and poignant moments, left me feeling enlightened about the history of the state I call home.

My only pique is that Robson frequently ends a chapter as action is occurring and abruptly starts the next one at a later point in time. This technique does not appeal to me, and it has reduced the book from a 5-star rating to 4 stars.

Nevertheless, this outstanding novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a glimpse into the beginning of the colonies, in particular Maryland.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in St. Mary’s City in the 1640s, this novel is a highly fictionalized account of some of its early citizens and history, especially that of Margaret Brent. Also figuring prominently is a completely fictional character, Anicah Sparrow, an indentured servant. Having just read Chesapeake, I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book, but it was well-researched and the author was clearly familiar with the landscape of St. Mary’s City and the surrounding area. Fun to read fictionalized accounts of historical
Figures I know of only from academic articles.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been to St. Mary's City, I knew very little of Margaret Brent before reading this book. It was very-well researched, and the setting felt very real to me. The archaic language and time jumps made it hard at times to keep track of who was who and when certain events happened. But what really kept me reading was Anicah - she had a remarkable character arc from beginning to end, and I enjoyed reading her change. This was an interesting historical story about the early days of Maryland.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully detailed look at the earliest American history. Based on real people and events, this historic novel is well written and holds the reader from the first page.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this authors books.....this was such a good read.....

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attended an author discussion at the A.A.Co. library.

[Floyd Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Courtney Goldbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time ago that I read this book and so much of it stays with me today.

[Cassandra Kostuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the general storyline, but it was hard to read sometimes with the dialogue. It was also dry as hell on some parts.

[Mary Biery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really good book about the Colonial history of the original settling of Maryland. The author wrote the dialogue as it would have been said in that time. Quite a Skill! It was very well written. The author must be very knowledgeable about English literature. some of her characters reminded me of Dickens-like characters.

[Dorey]

This is a signed copy

[Diana Eberhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical novel of early settlement in Maryland, written in period style and language. Just about perfect, if you like that kind of book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful historical novel about the settling of Maryland.

[Julie]

very good, very informative about what life was like during the 17th century when Maryland was being settled.