Caleb's Crossing

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A richly imagined novel from the author of a bestselling work, this story brings to life a remarkable piece of history. In 1665, a young man from Martha's Vineyard becomes the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Bethia Mayfield, who grows up in the small settlement of Great Harbor, surrounded by pioneers and Puritans. Restless and curious, she longs for an education denied to her because of her gender. She often escapes to explore the island's beautiful beaches and observe the native Wampanoag people. At twelve, she meets Caleb, the son of a chieftain, and they form a secret friendship that bridges their vastly different worlds. Bethia's father, a minister, seeks to convert the Wampanoag, provoking the tribe's shaman and challenging his own beliefs. One of his initiatives is to educate Caleb, who eventually travels to Cambridge to study among the colonial elite. Meanwhile, Bethia finds herself indentured as a housekeeper, allowing her to witness Caleb's cultural journey. Like Brooks's previous compelling narrator, Bethia serves as an emotionally engaging guide through the wilds of Martha's Vineyard and the complexities of the human heart. Evocative and absorbing, this novel solidifies Brooks's reputation as a distinguished author.