Book Review - Flight of the Sparrow: A Novel of Early America by Amy Belding Brown
It's obvious by the book title that this is historical fiction. I read this based on the recommendation of my mother, who reads more than even I do. There have been few works of historical fiction that I've really loved and this was one of them. The way the author tells the story reminds of One Thousand White Women, which I think was a classic in historical women's fiction. This novel addresses the horror of slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, religion and women's equality. It would seem too much to squeeze into one novel but the author does it with a gentle hand.
Mary is a puritan in 1672 in the Bay Colony. She's no stranger to hard times but they haven't hardened her heart to the perils of others. Despite the fact that her husband Joseph is a minister, she helps those who have been shamed in her religious society. This is our first indication that her beliefs are stronger than what is imposed upon her by the sect.
When reprimanded by her husband for helping a poor girl, Bess at the birth of her baby, Mary's response illustrates her character even more.
"Is there no place for Christian charity, then?" she asks, her voice quiet, measured.
She begins to secretly defy her husband by visiting Bess and her baby, taking them food when she can. In thanks, Bess's father brings her a sparrow in a cage. Mary's first instinct is to let it free but her daughter convinces her to keep it as a family pet.
Soon thereafter Mary's husband Joseph leaves for Boston to bring troops to help protect the settlers against Indian raids. The attack comes to their village in graphic detail and Mary is taken captive. She becomes the slave to a great warrior and tribe leader, Weetamoo.
In a significant conversation she expresses her confusion and desire to the warrior she has come to know as her friend:
Her face burns, "I wish only to gain my freedom."
"What, you have no freedome here?" There is something unusually sharp in his tone. "Think on it. When you were among the English, were you ever allowed to roam the village at will? Did you have time of your own in which to start your own enterprise? Were you not watched constantly? Did you not labor for your husband from waking until sleeping?"
She cannot answer him, for he is uttering the very thoughts she has entertained for weeks now.
Mary is a puritan in 1672 in the Bay Colony. She's no stranger to hard times but they haven't hardened her heart to the perils of others. Despite the fact that her husband Joseph is a minister, she helps those who have been shamed in her religious society. This is our first indication that her beliefs are stronger than what is imposed upon her by the sect.
When reprimanded by her husband for helping a poor girl, Bess at the birth of her baby, Mary's response illustrates her character even more.
"Is there no place for Christian charity, then?" she asks, her voice quiet, measured.
She begins to secretly defy her husband by visiting Bess and her baby, taking them food when she can. In thanks, Bess's father brings her a sparrow in a cage. Mary's first instinct is to let it free but her daughter convinces her to keep it as a family pet.
Soon thereafter Mary's husband Joseph leaves for Boston to bring troops to help protect the settlers against Indian raids. The attack comes to their village in graphic detail and Mary is taken captive. She becomes the slave to a great warrior and tribe leader, Weetamoo.
In a significant conversation she expresses her confusion and desire to the warrior she has come to know as her friend:
Her face burns, "I wish only to gain my freedom."
"What, you have no freedome here?" There is something unusually sharp in his tone. "Think on it. When you were among the English, were you ever allowed to roam the village at will? Did you have time of your own in which to start your own enterprise? Were you not watched constantly? Did you not labor for your husband from waking until sleeping?"
She cannot answer him, for he is uttering the very thoughts she has entertained for weeks now.
Ms. Belding Brown beautifully takes the reader on Mary's journey of true awakening.
I don't want to give away any more of the story. It's engaging, educational and thrilling in parts. I highly recommend this novel, even if, like me, you don't think you enjoy historical fiction.
Happy Trails
Leslie
grt
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