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Rebecca (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book 3) by Shannon McNear - This third novel in the series invites the reader to imagine the possible background stories of the characters whose names we know from history books―John Smith, Pocahontas, and John Rolfe. We have some facts about their lives, but many of the details are disputed or unknown, and what we think we know is probably shaped by legends and Disney films. Author Shannon McNear's detailed research is the framework for her imaginative but very plausible reimagining of the people and their emotions and joys and struggles.
The story is told in three parts―and from the viewpoints of these three main characters and others. In the first section, Captain John Smith is the focus character. He is a key member of the leadership in the new Jamestown settlement, but is very often in conflict with the other leaders, some of whom are corrupt or short-sighted. Smith has prepared by learning some of the Powhatan language and wants to communicate and cooperate with the various native groups in the area. He does form an alliance with the powerful chieftain Wahunsenecawh, but there is still plenty of conflict that arises because the English are slow to plant and provide their own food, preferring to buy―or take―bread from the natives. Smith does meet the favored daughter of Wahunsenecawh, the young girl known as Pocahuntas (or Mato'aka), and she is curious and fascinated by the red-haired Englishman. Smith, Wahunsenecawh, Pocahuntas, and Winganuske (Wahunsenecawh's favored wife and Pocahuntas' mother) are viewpoint characters throughout this section, and Part One ends with a gravely injured John Smith on a ship back to England.
Part Two focuses on John Rolfe, picking up his story as a member of the group of colonists that were blown off course and shipwrecked in Bermuda while on the way to Jamestown. Pocahuntas is now a young woman, respected by her people, but while visiting a neighboring chieftain she is tricked into going aboard an English ship and kidnapped. She is mistreated brutally while on the ship and taken as a captive to Jamestown, where the governor believes that she can be used as a bargaining chip to negotiate with Wahunsenecawh. The governor also insists that she should live and dress as an Englishwoman and be instructed in the Christian faith. His version of this is harsh and would force her into submission, but Rolfe and the minister, Reverend Whitaker, intervene and take Pocahuntas into their care and under their protection. Rolfe provides lodging for Pocahuntas, and arranges for his housekeeper to assist; and makes sure that she will not be attacked by any of the men. Whitaker undertakes her Christian instruction, and patiently teaches her the stories from the Bible. A young man who had previously lived with the Powhatan serves as interpreter and helps with instruction and protection. As Pocahuntas learns more of the English God and learns to trust Rolfe, she becomes more open to accepting Christianity and to a relationship with her protector.
In Part Three, Pocahuntas as viewpoint character becomes even more prominent. Having accepted the death of her native husband, Koko'um, when she was first taken captive, she and Rolfe fall in love. And having heard the entire gospel, and realizing that the description of Christ in Revelation matches the dream she had of a great spirit king many years earlier, she decides to be baptized. It's at this time she takes the name Rebecca. After her marriage to Rolfe, they travel to England where she is treated as royalty and finally reconnects with Captain John Smith.
The entire story is skillfully told, and is very believable. Despite the large cast of characters and details that seem dense at times, the humanity of the characters is compelling. Pride, folly, misunderstanding, and deception are the downfall of both English and native characters. Some of them attempt to understand and respect the beliefs and customs of very different people groups, and some are narrow-minded and refuse to see any viewpoint but their own. Just like many people today, I suppose. You'll meet villains and heroes and perhaps be persuaded to consider other ways of seeing these historical characters and their lives, and perhaps to wonder―as I did―what it will be like when we meet some of them in heaven someday.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading at least Book Two, Mary, because its Epilogue really sets up the opening of Rebecca, and will introduce the pivotal role of Winganuske.
From the publisher:
The Lost Colony of Roanoke: discover an alternate view of their fate alongside the life of Pocahontas.
Born the daughter of a Powhatan chieftain and a woman of unknown origins, Mato'aka enjoys a carefree life. When strange men from across the eastern waters appear near her home, she regards them at first as a mere curiosity. Soon, though, she finds herself torn between fascination for one of their leaders and the opinions and ways of her people―then becomes a pawn in their delicate and dangerous game of politics. Drawn to a young Englishman, John Rolfe, who has lost a wife and baby daughter, she shares his griefs . . . and perhaps something more.
Could she have a future among the English of Jamestown, accepting their ways and even changing her name? Could her destiny be a part of the lasting legacy of the Lost Colony of Roanoke?
Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity.
Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
By the same author: The Rebel Bride, Mary (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book 2)
This is a book with the word "Lost" in the title (subtitle) for the Summer Reading Challenge.
This is the final book in a series, at least as far as I know now (#39), for The 52 Book Club's 2023 Reading Challenge
#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2023
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