Caleb's Crossing: A Novel

After greatly enjoying 'The People of the Book' I had high hopes for this novel. Instead of crafting a compelling plot, however, Brooks engages in a character study of a young girl. While this makes the protagonist sympathetic and the setting believeable, I read more than half of the story without a sense of tension, dramatic or otherwise. It is obvious that Caleb will face great struggles in crossing over into white culture, and the reader expects a love interest to develop that would enliven the plot, but it took entirely too long for these elements to emerge. As a result, we are left to drudge our way through a day-by-day description of semi-Puritan life that is best found in other (earlier & classic) works of literature.

As usual with Geraldine Brooks, this book is beautifully written. Although it is written in the language of the time (1600s), it is not a difficult read. This poignant story kept me interested with lots of twists and turns. I like stories that are based on true-life characters, as this one is. I rarely give 5 stars to a book, Caleb's Crossing deserve it.

Being a big fan of Geraldine Brooks' other novels, I was anxious to read this one. I wasn't disappointed, as she provided her usual excellent research of the time and location (Martha's Vineyard in 1600's).The story of Caleb was based on a historical fact, but the author embellished the story with her vivid imagination of what could have been. Beautiful writing and a very moving story. My husband also read and enjoyed it.

Despite the sadness throughout this book, it is a great read. It's hard to imagine a book on native Americans, the Puritan colonies , and life as a women in them would be a page-turner, but it is. I really recommend this book but be prepared to cry on the bus to work.

Geraldine Brooks does not disappoint in this story of an Indian youth who confronts the cultural differences between his Indian faith and that of the early settlers in what is now known as Martha's Vineyard. An intriguing story as Caleb crosses into the white man's spiritual and intellecutal world and matriculates into the university now known as Harvard.

The language is sumptuous, beautifully written in the voice of the English settlers.

Caleb's crossing is a fine historical novel. It brings to life an era that I've only read about in school, many years ago. It is a little difficult to get into because of the archaic language but actually it is the language that makes it real. It covers the plight of women and Native Americans I'm an unpedantic way. I recommend it.

Of some interest because of the historical and geographical perspective and the fictional insight into Harvard. No reason to suppose that the setting and attitudes were not fairly accurate. Nevertheless the story had some very tedious parts and there was little in the way of surprising twists or revelations.

Geraldine Brooks does a wonderful job of transporting readers to the era which she is reporting. The book does a good job of keeping readers involved while still using language to convey feelings and events. This was the first book I read on an e-reader and found it a wonderful experience. This is second Brooks book I've read and I will definitely pursue others by her.

I had read another Geraldine Brooks book (March) and was not really looking forward to this one. But, my book club picked it and I went along for the ride. It was very interesting and informative about Indians and Harvard. Something I knew nothing about! A much easier read that "March" and more enjoyable too.

I love historical novels. Usually between the years of 1780-1850. This was around 1635. I hadn't read that much about those earlier years of the United States and Native Indians. If you like early history of the U.S. and history of Martha's Vineyard and parts of the mainland you will enjoy this book. I've told many friends about this book and how it held my interest. I hated for the book to end. I hope there is a sequel.

This book was very enjoyable - an entertaining, interesting, swift-moving story with a lot of historical detail and perspective. I particularly enjoyed the author's use of historically accurate words and names for things - in that way it was educational. Also, the story, although not depressing, was realistic about the hardships and danger in that time and place. The book arrived in pristine condition - love that!

Geraldine Brooks provides a wonderfully written, nuanced glimpse of early colonial life on Martha's Vineyard and the path and struggles of the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. The likable and bold-voiced narrator, Bethia, tells a captivating and sympathetic story, highlighting Caleb's struggles as well as her own trials as a young woman with an active mind and strong ambitions in a rugged, frontier civilization. I learned so much about the history of the early pilgrim colonies on Martha's Vineyard and in Massachusetts. A terrific story, too - I could not put this book down!!

Although fictional, the book addresses several important issues of the 17th century that are still important today: the clash of cultures and religions and efforts to bridge the gap, the role of women in society , and the questioning of established teachings in relation to life experience. A great read and an important book.

Wonderful historical novel describing the life of a young woman growing up in colonial New England and her incredible interactions with the Native Americans on Martha's Vinyard. Describes the conditions that woman were exposed to without having any rights, etc. Also goes into the bigotry of the native Americans in that area particularly in Martha's Vinyard and Cambridge.

I was a little disappointed that the main story wasn't about Caleb but about Bethia. I would have loved to hear more detail about the Native American culture and Caleb's life journey in general. Also, the last 20 pages of the book seems to jump so fast through so much compared to the beginning. I don't feel that there was a deeply developed bond between the characters even though the words were implying it, there just wasn't enough story to back it up. But on a positive note, the book itself was very well written and seemed very true to historical accounts. That in itself makes it a bit depressing when you realize all the injustice and tragedy of the book is our own American history.

The language offered the appropriate rhythm in order to make the reader believe one was present in the midst of the events.
The injustice of the blatant racism is addressed and exposed so as to leave one reeling with regret and the desire to not allow such travesties to be repeated in our gatherings and communities today and forward.

Indians meet settlers, blend traditions, learn the best of both worlds, create a community and become part of the American tradtion. A family story, a cultural study, an educational exploration, leading to the creation of our oldest and perhaps most pretigious University. A must for cultural gurus and history buffs, plus those of us who love a good story.

A fine read, especially since the tale is told from the viewpoint of a young pilgrim girl. Loosely based on true history, it gives great insights on early pilgrim thinking and theology plus some of the conditions of life in those periods. The story starts slowly but soon moves into a compelling pace that makes it hard to put down.
Well worth your time and your money.

As always, Geraldine Brooks is simply transportive. While there is little historical fact known about the characters upon which this novel is based, she does such a superb job of researching an historical period. As a master-story-teller, I love the way she is able to weave a whole universe for me to experience.

Geraldina Brooks use what documentation was available to bring back life in early Boston and on Marth's Vineyard. I could feel the salt spray and the dampness; I could see the shimmer of light and the dark moon; I could smell the stench of urban Cambridge and the campfires. Beautifully written, it was a rare glimpse into our past.

I am an ardent fan of her writing, stories, characters, etc.! I especially loved People of the Book and a Year of Wonders and would highly recommend them. I am an avid reader of mysteries but will always set them aside for books of this caliber. Enjoy!!

My first Kindle order, so I chose a "sure thing". No matter what I read by Geraldine Brooks, I never feel like I'm frittering away my time. Always amazed by her authentic use of historical language and personal effects...and an entertaining story to boot! The voice of her characters makes me feel as if I've gone to a different place in time.

Caleb's Crossing was a great story. The language was hard to understand, since I'm not living in the 17th century I couldn't understand all that was said so I just skimmed over a lot of it. I read it for a book club & a lot of the people there agreed with me. It would have been nice to have a glossary of terms at the end of the book, I would have used it. There were a lot of words in the Indian language that are still a mystery. It's a good read, although I doubt I would have read it if it wasn't already picked by the book group.

Although filled with hope and success, I was left with sadness due to the feeling that Caleb was torn between two cultures neither of which "fit" him as he matured. An excellent read and a good way to learn history!

Caleb's Crossing: A Novel
This novel is another example of how Geraldine Brooks can weave an enchanting tale from meticulously researched historical data. The novel is a reconstruction of the story of the first Native American Indian to graduate from Harvard University which astonishingly took place in the seventeenth century. His story is revealed through the eyes of a fictional narator,Bethia, revealing the contrasts between Native Indian spirituality and stark, Puritanical religiousity, in an era before these conflicting beliefs lead to warfare.

This book also had a surprise ending. I loved Brook's retelling of the Wampanoag Indians. We hear little about them so her decision to have them "shine" in a good light was interesting. We still got to see how some Native Americans could not accept the White man's views as well as the toll it took on the ones that did accept these views.

This book is about the white missionaries and settlers and the Native population on the island of Marthas Vineyard.. It is about Christianity and the attempts to convert the native people and about the native religion as well which places much more appreciation of nature and the environment rather than hell and damnation and sin central to Christianity of the time. Central to this story is the bond between a bright young girl who is the ministers daughter and an equally bright native Indian youth, Caleb. Caleb realizes he has to learn the white man's ways if he is going to save himself and his people.

The historical setting Caleb's Crossing: A Novel takes the reader
into the early colonization of America and exposes a unique
relationship between a missionary family and the
native peoples. Even though it may be fiction the
historical background and research is detailed and
well researched making the reader feel the setting. the weather and the scenery.
The first person narration really delves into feelings making the joys and sorrows
of our beautiful young narrator and Caleb, the brilliant young Indian, real and heart
moving. The story moves along at a great pace. It is a page turner that you will not want to end.

I really like this author; she mixes history with fiction and holds your interest thoughout her books. I liked her book YEARS OF WONDERS: A NOVEL OF THE PLAGUE even better than this one. It's so hard to find an author with this much writing talent. So many authors are mediocre at best in their writing style and storytelling.

Many difficult names and many words that are not used today but once you figures that out
the story develops contrasting the Indian culture with the culture of the Puritans who
settled along the Cape. Rather sad story. Certainly depicts with clarity the status and
treatment of women of that era (1660).

Great story about Martha's Vineyard and Harvard University in their infancy. The story's title "Caleb's Crossing" seems to indicate that Caleb would be the main character. That is not the case. Interesting reading. Happy that I read it on my Kindle so I could look up some of the old English words used. Caleb's Crossing was well worth the time to read.

Brooks takes you back to the 17th century on what is now known as Martha's Vineyard. Full of great details that bring that time period alive. My only problem was the title -- it's truly the story of Bethia, the young white woman narrator, and her crossing into greater understanding of the world, not Caleb's crossing.

How interesting that the colonists tried in every way to educate and tame the early Indians of the new country in Massachusetts!
And women were so poorly treated and were not to be educated. A very informative and interesting story, and perhaps quite a lot of truth to it!

I have read several of Geraldine Brooks books. This is my favorite one so far. My bookclub read it and they also liked it. They told me that it was a little difficult for them to get into but once they did they were fine.
I did not find it difficult to get into or understand from the initial start.

This book is based on a true story and incredible historical research by the author. It is initially difficult to get "into" the language, which is historically accurate for the 17th century, but after a chapter or two, it seems natural. The strong central character and the truth behind the unfolding lives makes this a very interesting read.

Written in the archaic language of 1620, this is a pretty "progressive" book - encouraging women to learn! But it's a melding of two cultures, and you wonder and debate what if.....? It is very well written and researched; based on ancient, historical records. Ms Brooks has a fantastic imagination to fashion a book from such dry, dusty chronicles.

I probably would have passed over this title if it wasn't on my bookclub list. The story kept me going and the early American setting was really well rendered. I enjoyed the development of the clash between faith and religion between cultures and the honesty of the characters struggling with same.

Good pace, difficult to put down. Lot of discussion areas for a book club read. I felt the author treated readers as intelligent beings. Not a book that will be forgotten! I think that the book would be enjoyed by both men and women.

I enjoyed it so much, I immediately read his first two books -- also very good reads.

I thought the book was good and liked the "feminist" perspective (given the time frame that the events occurred). I didn't really feel like the author had a perfect grasp of the language of the time, but it wasn't too heavy handed, so didn't distract too much from the story. Interesting blend of fact and fiction.

Brooks's language must be authentic, many words I did not know. She must have done her homework! The plot is charming, illustrates universality of racism, not just at beloved Harvard and the vineyard, but in a greater sphere. We took everything from the first nations.

One of the best historical novels I have ever read. She writes with description in mind. You can easily see the characters on every page. Her research into the history of the era is complete. I give it an A+. I genuinely loved this book.

One of the most outstanding and interesting books of 2014. Great imagery, action, and very well written. The author has a gift for writing historical fiction. Our book club read it, and we fell in love with the book.

I like historical novels and American Indian/New England literature. Though I did enjoy this novel, the beginning of the book was a bit difficult to muddle through with the language/wording.....I had to persevere but the complete adventure of these young people living in colonial times on a remote island and the friendship they developed inspite of the culture was definitely worth it. This may sound strange but in some ways, this book reminded me of "Hunger Games"..........