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.

I have never given a thought regarding the first American Indian attending college. Fascinating topic but a bit of a slow start. Not my favorite Geraldine Brooks novel but good topic. I liked the contrast between not allowing education of girls/women and a special college being funded to educate the "natives".

This book portrays the 17th century in a very convincing manner.
I think, however, that the character of Bethia is too modern. Some of the situations felt
contrived, especially when she was present at the final examinations. Her love affair with Samuel also felt too good to be true. Overall, though, it was an interesting read.

Fascinating story of the cultural differences for Indians, women and white settlers of New England in the 1600s. The story is loosely based on the first native American graduate of Harvard who came from what is now known as Martha's vinyard.

I loved this book. I was well written and the characters became familiar friends. I did not read it with my book club but recommend it as a Book Club read since it would be a wonderful book to discuss.

This book started slow but I enjoyed the progression as new characters entered the scene and new problems. the main character, Bethia, was ahead of her times and remained strong in her quest for knmowledge.

I like the book. A Puritan minister's daughter narrates the tale and so places an emphasis on the religious views of her time. Caleb weaves in and out of the narrative. I learned much about a woman's role in the 1600s and am glad not to be living in that time period.

The book club discussion improved my opnion of this well-written novel. One of our members took the time to do research on the area with maps, etc. That helped with understanding the time, the area, and the mindset of the people. I also think that the author did alot of research but she told a rather slow yet unpredictable story. I am glad I read it.

While Caleb does cross from Indian culture to the "English", the story is more about Bethia's journey. She is an incredibly strong woman in a time when women were to be seen and not heard.

Even though the old (olde) English used by the narrator made this story authentic, it gave me some difficulty in becoming engaged with the characters. But once I was, I really enjoyed the book. It is based upon some real people who lived during a time when survival was difficult, and their bravery is inspiring.

Brooks remains my favorite non-mystery author (I thought "People of the Book" was amazing); her research and ability to make even obscure bits of history come alive are unparalleled.

Brooks takes on a subject that I knew nothing about and makes it interesting. She usually enthralls me more than this book did. But I do believe it is a good discussion book.

This story became much more interesting by the midpoint. Our club had a good dicussion.

This book is written with a wonderful voice!

Wonderful work of historical fiction about an era (1600's in U.S.) that I was not terribly knowledgeable about. Very well written.

This is the story of an actual person's life (Caleb's) written in fictional form, surrounded by fictional characters. The main character, who narrates the book, is fictional. The author wrote the novel using the language of the time, which can slow down the reading process. The story is interesting and seems to represent the true relationship between the native Americans and the people sent to America from Britain to "Christianize" them. With that being said, the book seems to be more about the life of the fictional narrator than Caleb himself. Fortunately, "the narrator" led an interesting life as well!

This was a very good story with well developed and dimensional characters. However, the title is a bit deceiving as it seems Caleb plays more of a secondary role and Bethia Mayfield IS the main character and voice of the story. Our group always enjoys Geraldine Brooks, but many found this to be, although very well written, not as good as many of her other books.

Based on a real individual – the first Native American to graduate from Harvard – Brooks has crafted a fine work of historical fiction that explores the dangers and exhilaration of crossing boundaries – geographic, religious, and cultural.
It took me a few chapters to fall into the rhythm of Brooks’ 17th-century syntax, but once I did I was fully engrossed. Bethia is a good narrator. However, as the book progressed, I grew frustrated that I wasn’t hearing more about Caleb and his inner thoughts and feelings. Of course, I had expected this because of the title - Caleb’s Crossing. It’s still a very good book, but it could have been better if Brooks had found a way to give us more of Caleb’s story.

The biggest problem I had with the book was the language. Needs a glossary so you can look up what the word means. Very hard to get into. Got better as it progressed. Not something I would otherwise read.

Immediately grabs the reader, addressing the prejudice towards Native Americans. Addresses the conflict between religious beliefs - Christianity vs. Indian gods. Tender, informative, and a love story.

This was a slow read and over filled with information, but all in all I was glad I read it to the end. Very discussable, but may not appeal to all.

Written in \\\"old English\\\" of the times, I found the language beautiful to read. So much so, that I read it a second time as soon as I finished it.

This is my favorite Geraldine Brooks novel so far! Her research into a real life episode is fascinating. Her imagination to complete the picture is phenomenal.

Geraldine Brooks chose to write this novel in language of the 17th century and from the point of view of a young girl of the times. The language challenges the reader, slowing the reading down so that ideas can be savored. The point of view broadens the scope of the novel to introduce more themes to interest the modern reader. She has again done a superb job in presenting an informative, insightful novel that thoroughly entertains.

Our book club loved this book. The story was very compelling and beautifully written.

Our group struggled with the "old English". There were words that we didn't know the meaning of and the dictionary had no explanation of what the words mean.