Caleb's Crossing
Geraldine Brooks
4th Estate
Too many books, too little time. So why should anyone stick to a single author? Why indeed, except of course if the author is innovative enough to re-invent themselves with every book. I've come across very few who do this: Margaret Atwood, Vikram Seth, Andrew McGahan and Geraldine Brooks. All brilliant. All original. All exciting. And in this culture of homogeneous, neatly bottled and presented genres, refreshingly brave enough to step outside the box.
From this illustrious pack, Brooks is by far my favourite. I love how she lets her imagination rest on the 'slender scaffolding' of history, transporting her readers to a forgotten past. Caleb's Crossing is no different. Set in 17th century Martha's Vineyard, it's inspired by the tale of the first Native American man to graduate from Harvard College in 1665.
The daughter of a Puritan Minister, Bethia is denied the education she craves. On a chance meeting with a Chieftain's son, she discovers in him a kindred spirit, equally curious and thirsty for knowledge. Teaching him to read, she introduces him to her Christian God. In return he teaches her the secrets of the island and his native language.
Despite the obstacles placed by her gender and circumstances, Bethia strives to learn and exercise her intellect whilst quietly observing and celebrating Caleb's achievements. Together they form a bond that's unshakable despite the growing tension between the island's natives and the colonists. As the clash of cultures unfolds resentment escalates, inevitably resulting in tragedy.
Caleb's Crossing depicts the harshness of pioneer life against the sad withering and disenfranchisement of an ancient culture. 4.5 stars
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