Caleb's Crossing in Aussie Readers

Jan 17, 2011 Kathy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: setting-as-a-character, historical-fiction, favorites, highly-recommend, great-titles, favorite-authors, 2012-national-book-festival-authors

Another "wow" from Geraldine Brooks! There's a level of writing and storytelling that consistently sets the bar high, and Brooks sets this high bar with every stroke of the key. She continues to find the obscure thread of history and create a story around it that completely enthralls the reader. As with her previous novels, I became ensconced into the time, places, and people of this tale. There is always a higher calling to the stories, a David vs. Goliath struggle that finds you passionately p Another "wow" from Geraldine Brooks! There's a level of writing and storytelling that consistently sets the bar high, and Brooks sets this high bar with every stroke of the key. She continues to find the obscure thread of history and create a story around it that completely enthralls the reader. As with her previous novels, I became ensconced into the time, places, and people of this tale. There is always a higher calling to the stories, a David vs. Goliath struggle that finds you passionately pulling for the underdog and exasperated with the ignorance and intolerance of those in power.

Caleb's Crossing is a tale inspired by the first Native American graduate of Harvard, Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk, a member of the Wopanaak tribe from what is now Martha's Vineyard. In 1665, he accomplished this extraordinary feat, having learned Latin, Greek, and Hebrew in the process. Brooks was able to take scant information about this amazing scholar and spin a plausible and intriguing story that vividly recreates the era of history in which Native Americans were usually referred to as salvages (savages) and women were routinely denied control of their destinies. The narrator of the story is Bethia Mayfield, daughter of Great Harbor's, as part of the island was called then, minister. Her grandfather had purchased the land from the Indians, attempting in his own way, a fair settlement. Bethia and Caleb become friends at a young age, unbeknownst to their families and friends, and exude some influence over each other. She teaches him English, and he teaches her his native tongue and the riches of the island's natural beauties. Life is hard on the island, and indeed in the late 17th century America, and Bethia and Caleb must overcome many prejudices and tragedies to claim a piece of the budding new world for themselves. Both clash with controlling family members, Bethia with her brother and Caleb with his uncle, and their relatives' ideas of what is best for them in contrast to what the two friends secretly covet. The novel is as much about breaking free of the chains that bind one as it is about Caleb's rise to Harvard graduate. The treatment of Native Americans and women had much in common in the 1660's age of white man's suppressive authority. Some would allow that the struggle still continues.

As with her previous novel, People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks has given readers a fascinating historical fiction read in Caleb's Crossing. Her writing is superb and her subjects are unparalleled in their captivating ability to transport the reader to another time and place. Perhaps, Brooks' novels should more accurately be listed under time travel. ...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Janice rated it really liked it

Geraldine Brooks has written a wonderful book of historical fiction. She chose a Native American boy from what is now the island called Martha's Vineyard who became the first of his background to graduate from Harvard College in the 1661. The story is about Caleb's crossing from his native culture to the English culture but it is also about the cultural crossing of a young English girl who befriended him when both were about 12 years old. The narration by the English girl is set in period langua ...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Tracey rated it liked it

Shelves: historical, fiction, 2011

This book surprised me as I was not expecting it to be such an engaging story. I like the way we meandered over time, how we glimpsed into notable parts of their lives and how harsh and cruel aspects could be.
There were many themes running through the novel, I liked how the novel did not preach to you but in subtle way should you the inconsistencies of many facets of the world Bethia was in.
I enjoyed the novel more than I thought I would and if you want to spend a small amount of time thinking ...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Lindsay rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, historical, america, z2011

An interesting book full of strong characters ill-suited to their environments, and conflict. A good read.

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May 08, 2011 Cathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, north-america, native-american

I think this is really interesting - I especially liked the early descriptions of the island and Bethia's interactions with Caleb. Brooks creates very visual scenes. The unfairness of life as described makes you writhe with discomfort - I guess that's a good thing? ...more

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