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kellygoesgeocaching's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating. A really interesting, if often horrific, depiction of this unfamiliar place, time and story for me.
lyntwhit's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. Not quite as good at Brooks' book, Year of Wonders, but a good read that was hard to put down. Similar format to Year of Wonders in that the book follows a female protagonist through her life in the middle of a historical event. In this case as a friend to the first Native American to attend Harvard. Caleb's Crossing seemed an odd title, Bethia was the main character, not Caleb. I kept waiting for more tumult in Bethia's life. I just knew that she and Caleb, her childhood Native American friend, would end up together. But that wasn't what happened. Still a great book that I'd recommend to others.
creedmk's review
I decided I don't like Brooks' writing style, so I don't think I'll start anymore of her novels
jrmarr's review against another edition
5.0
Once again Geraldine Brooks has managed to evoke a voice from the distant past - one that I very quickly connected with and felt drawn towards. Bethia is one of those characters that get under your skin. Like Anna of 'Year of Wonders', we see the world of Puritan Massachusetts through Bethia's eyes, and I could not help but think of all of those things that we, as women and as people, now take for granted. A thorougly readable book and a welcome addition to my collection of Geraldine Brooks' novels.
jedore's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Does any woman ever count the grains of her harvest and say: Good enough? Or does one always think of waht more one might have laid in, had the labor been harder, the ambition more vast, the choices more sage?"
If you're looking for a captivating blend of history and women's fiction, Caleb's Crossing is a must-read. Set in the U.S. colonies in the early to mid-1600s, the story follows Bethia, a young Protestant woman living on Martha's Vineyard, and Caleb, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard. Despite its title, the narrative primarily revolves around Bethia's struggles and experiences.
I absolutely loved this book! Not surprising since it weaves a woman-centered tale that delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and religion in the U.S. of the 1600's. While Caleb's journey to Harvard serves as a backdrop, it's Bethia's story of resilience and self-discovery that truly shines.
As I mentioned, the title totally threw me. I was expecting Caleb to be the main character, so I was quite surprised to find out it was actually Bethia. It was all good though as her compelling story had the added benefit of shedding light on the plight of women AND Native Americans in colonial America.
Despite its slow pace and the seriously depressing exposé of the negative impact of Christianity on women and Native Americans, the story held my attention to the end because of Brooks' meticulous research and masterful storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, Classism, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, and Genocide
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Rape and Miscarriage
byp's review against another edition
4.0
A little slow to start, and a bit of a pat ending, but still engrossing. I gobbled up the second half in one sitting.
revonue's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death
Minor: Sexual assault
jbabiarz's review against another edition
4.0
Geraldine Brooks is a great author. She manages to write beautiful prose - often like poetry - without weighing down the story. This was a great story inspired by an inspiring historical figure. I look forward to reading her other books!
morgainlafeye's review against another edition
3.0
it was a fun read, I enjoyed the discussion about trying to walk in multiple world's.