What a captivating story that is lathered in and drips of, historical figures and happenings on New World soil. A colony that was purportedly lost - vanished. However, this book hints of where they may have gotten lost to...integrated with Algonquian tribal groups from Roanoac Island, Outer Banks, North Carolina, such as among the Croatoan, Kurawoten, Powhatan, Secon, Sukwoten and other native Americans/FirstNation Peoples.
Some true-to-life native characters were people like Manteo, Wanchese, Towaye and others who in the late 1500's were brought to England for a short period of time. Other characters of English origin such as Ananias and Elinor (White) Dare; John White, Roger Bailie, featured in the pioneering of the New World in this area, assimilating into native culture either of free will or by captive force.
The gospel of Jesus Christ was well represented throughout this whole story I'm very pleased to report and noted that many of Manteo's people came to know Christ. When a reader comes to the addenda at book end, he or she will find suggestion of such, based on some of what the author, Shannon McNair, discovered in her research hunts, preparatory to writing this book.
I loved Manteo, Mushaniq, Georgie, Two Feathers, Timqua, Elinor, Sees Far, and others who really did try to "make room" for each other's respective culture in what was, at times, an uneasy truce of fine-tuned balance and relationship. Anyone who has been an expat anywhere in the world, or who has even inter-married with a culture vastly different than their own and become immersed therein, will understand the depth, nuances and struggles of such alliances. McNair has really done an excellent, excellent job of this, almost as if she'd lived such herself.
What a wonderful bridge she inter-weaves too, with the forgiveness, grace, and love of God, and respectful comparisons with the spirit world and culture of the various First Nation Peoples.
I found the explanations of the First Nation Peoples' culture and practices fascinating especially the 'huskanaw' and 'huskanasqua' but I'll let any potential reader find out for themselves what they are all about. I liked that the pubescent girls and women would be allowed a stay at "the women's house" during their monthly 'visitor' time and how the native man would respect a pregnant woman.
Anyway, do read the story which is full of excitement and NOT boring for even a second. This is a second book in a series called Daughters of the Lost Colony and a third may well be on its way.
The addenda gives good historical notes of the book's characters who were true to history, both English and Native; actual and fictional; lists of: those who moved to Beechland; were taken captive; the region's people groups; native vocabulary and more.
Happy Reading, should you decide to go for it! Oh yes, and find out who Mary is, or was....
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
August 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
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