Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Spear

I was so excited to find this book at Goodwill! I love this author's books. She writes so amazing. Her other books are Bronze Bow, The Sign of the Beaver and The Witch of Blackbird Pond. That last one is not about a witch, but Puritans :b .


Calico Captive

5 stars. Appropriate for all ages.
Buy at Amazon.

Based on actual events and people.
Amazon Review:
In the year 1754, the stillness of Charlestown, New Hampshire, is shattered by the terrifying cries of an Indian raid. Young Miriam Willard, on a day that had promised new happiness, finds herself instead a captive on a forest trail, caught up in the ebb and flow of the French and Indian War. It is a harrowing march north. Miriam can only force herself to the next stopping place, the next small portion of food, the next icy stream to be crossed. At the end of the trail waits a life of hard work and, perhaps, even a life of slavery. Mingled with her thoughts of Phineas Whitney, her sweetheart on his way to Harvard, is the crying of her sister’s baby, Captive, born on the trail. Miriam and her companions finally reach Montreal, a city of shifting loyalties filled with the intrigue of war, and here, by a sudden twist of fortune, Miriam meets the prominent Du Quesne family, who introduce her to a life she has never imagined. Based on an actual narrative diary published in 1807, Calico Captive skillfully reenacts an absorbing facet of history.



My Review:

Life was just starting to get interesting for Miriam Willard. Threats from the natives were scarce now, she'd been to her first party, she was an expert seamstress, and she was about to be courted by a very respectable young gentleman.

But everything changes one night when Indians break into the log cabin, capturing Miriam, her sister, brother-in-law, her sister's children, and a family friend. Hardships and adventures that she never wanted arise. And the certainty of slavery or death hangs over them all.

Miriam tries to act brave and won't let any one have the pleasure of seeing her discomfort. Chin up, she dreams of when she can go back to Phineas. She imagines that he will wait for her - because she will escape. But will he remember her?

Many trials arise, new friends are made, Mirian is separated from everyone. Alone, her beloved sewing becomes her livelihood.

She dreams of only going home. Of her old life, Phineas, and her family.

Until one day she wonders if she even wants to go back, maybe she likes her new life. When a new man appears the remembrance of Phineas slowly starts to diminish.

She must reevaluate her life, what she wants, and what she believes. But above all, she must decide who she wants to be.

This one last choice could determine the rest of her family's future.


This book was very good. definitely one of my favorite reads of recently. I loved how the author used real people and events and made a wonderful story out of it. I looked up on the characters and history after I read the book, and most of what happened in the book did happen.

It was very clean, had a strong plot, spirited characters, and a very satisfactory ending. I do not like most stories that have the "love triangle", but Elizabeth George Speare has handled this situation very well more than once finding a good ending for everyone.

So check it out! This is one of the "must reads" of books!!!