Voices of The Mayflower

by Richard Holledge

Voices of The Mayflower tells the story of a handful of religious fanatics, brave souls, crooks and cowards who sailed from Europe to New England 400 years ago - some in pursuit of religious freedom but most adventurers in the quest for riches. The narrative begins in 1602 six years before a small band known as Separatists flee persecution in England for the Netherlands. Exile is a painful disappointment but, undaunted, they sail the Atlantic in a rickety ship used for the Bordeaux wine trade to a world where they hope to create a perfect community. Half of them die within weeks of landing in New England. For the rest, there is nothing but a heroic struggle to survive famine, plague, ‘savages and wild lions’. They are cheated by their London backers and betrayed and almost bankrupted by one of their own. They confound their reputation as God-fearing folk by ruthlessly beheading a Native American chief. We share moments of love and loyalty - though most marriages are matters of cold convenience. There are stories of idealism and sacrifice but this is not a warm saga of ‘pilgrims’ living in saintly perfection; some are guilty of greed, duplicity and even murder.

458 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2020

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book having always been fascinated by people who leave the known for the unknown and travel across the world. It’s a fascinating history and insight into the people who made this journey and massively informed me of their lives.

[Sarah Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixty-six days from Plymouth.
Ninety-eight from Southampton.
Four months from Holland.

“Life is like this mist; it obscures the way then it vanishes, and once more we know the road to follow.”

As a historical fiction, this book provides interesting accounts which not only I get to know more of the voyage and story of this settlement from the early to mid 17th century, but I also get dug deep into thoughts and feelings of those salient and household figures of the New Plymouth Colony. Prodding at the minds of individuals, an unpopular notion, some slight discernible tinges of emotions, and a step taken in action would greatly define, crochet, and cement a significant impact of the history concerning places and entities that we have known today.

[Les White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and a very easy read. Fascinating insight as to what happened after the Mayflower set sail from England. Totally recommend.

[S L Hedley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and generally an easy read ones the names are anchored. Interesting as starts in my home area. Although historical fiction is very much based on fact but is not too dry. 431 pages