This is a beautifully written story set in what is now Martha's Vineyard. The prose is smooth and easy-- the language although archaic is very readable and appropriate to its 17th century heroin. The realationship between the Englsh settlers and the Wampanoag Indians inhabiting the island is historically based. Told from the point of view of Bethia Mayfield, the daughter of the island's Calvinist minister, the story of the relationship she forms with Caleb, son of the chief unfolds and develops spanning a period of more than 50 years. Caleb is a true historical figure who was the first Indian to graduate from Harvard. Brooks does a good job of weaving the historical facts into her fictional tale and makes a believable and very engaging story.

Our club loved this book.