Calico Captive
By: Elizabeth George Speare
Historical Fiction
Calico Captive was Elizabeth George Speare's first novel. Another one you might recognize of hers was "The Witch of Blackbird Pond." Calico Captive was inspired by the journals of Susanna Willard Johnson, who was captured by Indians in 1754 (during the French and Indian War). Susanna was captured, along with all her family, including a 14-year-old sister that became Miriam in the story. The book details their capture, and captivity in the indian settlement St. Francis. They were later sold to the French and spent nearly three years in Montreal. Most of the family was split up, and it was many years and under different circumstances that they were finally united.
I really loved "Witch of Blackbird Pond." And, while this book didn't have that same suspense, it was a fantastic historical fiction novel. It really was amazing to see the changes that occured within many of the characters in the story, and just the strength that they had to endure while waiting for their family to be united. My one issue with this story is that I wasn't really happy with the way the romance ended for Miriam, but it was understandable. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
