“The constant shifts of locale and situation present narrator Hébert with an excellent showcase for her range of talents…But the very best part is the realistic, almost insider’s, view of early American war, class structure, and prejudice.” AudioFile
Description
Early one morning in the year 1754, the stillness of Charlestown, New Hampshire, is shattered by shrill war whoops and the terror of an Indian raid. Young Miriam Willard, on a day that had promised new happiness, finds herself instead a captive on a forest trail, caught up in the ebb and flow of the French and Indian War. She endures a harrowing march north, with limited food and icy streams to cross. The trail ends with a waiting Indian gauntlet and a life of hard work—perhaps even a life of slavery. As her mind turns to thoughts of her sweetheart, Phineas Whitney, she is also mindful of the cries of her sister's baby, Captive, who was born on the trail.
Miriam and her companions finally reach Montreal, a city of shifting loyalties filled with the intrigue of war. Here, by a sudden twist of fortune, Miriam meets the prominent Du Quesne family, who introduce her to a life of fashion and luxury she has never imagined and who compel her to make the most important decision of her life.
Based on the actual narrative diary published in 1907, Calico Captive skillfully reenacts an absorbing facet of history.
Praise
“The constant shifts of locale and situation present narrator Hébert with an excellent showcase for her range of talents…But the very best part is the realistic, almost insider’s, view of early American war, class structure, and prejudice.” AudioFile
“Hébert’s reading is professional and sympathetic.” Kliatt
“Vital and vivid, this short novel based on the actual captivity of a pre-Revolutionary girl of Charlestown, New Hampshire, presents American history with force and verve.” Kirkus Reviews
“Convincing historical romance set during the French and Indian War.” Booklist
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Oct 31, 2001 |
| Release Date | November 1, 2001 |
| Release Date Machine | 1004572800 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Children's Books, History, Children/YA, Children 8-12, Fiction - All, Fiction - Child |
Author Bio
Elizabeth George Speare (1908–1994), born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston University, taught high school, married, and raised two children before beginning her career as a writer. Her prizewinning writings for children and young adults are noted for their authentic settings, intriguing plots, and accurate historical details.
Narrator Bio
C. M. Hébert is an Earphones Award winner and Audie Award nominee. She is the recording studio director for the Talking Books Program at the Library of Congress’ National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, daughter, cat, and assorted fish.
Overview
Early one morning in the year 1754, the stillness of Charlestown, New Hampshire, is shattered by shrill war whoops and the terror of an Indian raid. Young Miriam Willard, on a day that had promised new happiness, finds herself instead a captive on a forest trail, caught up in the ebb and flow of the French and Indian War. She endures a harrowing march north, with limited food and icy streams to cross. The trail ends with a waiting Indian gauntlet and a life of hard work—perhaps even a life of slavery. As her mind turns to thoughts of her sweetheart, Phineas Whitney, she is also mindful of the cries of her sister's baby, Captive, who was born on the trail.
Miriam and her companions finally reach Montreal, a city of shifting loyalties filled with the intrigue of war. Here, by a sudden twist of fortune, Miriam meets the prominent Du Quesne family, who introduce her to a life of fashion and luxury she has never imagined and who compel her to make the most important decision of her life.
Based on the actual narrative diary published in 1907, Calico Captive skillfully reenacts an absorbing facet of history.
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