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Calico Captive
Early one morning in the year 1754 the stillness of Charlestown, New Hampshire, was shattered by shrill war whoops and the terror of an Indian raid. Young Miriam Willard, on a day which had promised new happiness, found herself instead a captive on a forest trail, caught up in the ebb and flow of the French and Indian War.
It was a horrowing march north. Miriam could only force herself to the next stopping place, the next small portion of food, the next icy stream to be crossed. What waits at the end of the trail--besides an Indian quantlet and a life of slavery?
It was a horrowing march north. Miriam could only force herself to the next stopping place, the next small portion of food, the next icy stream to be crossed. What waits at the end of the trail--besides an Indian quantlet and a life of slavery?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
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3014 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth George Speare
25 books1,439 followersI was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, on November 21, 1908. I have lived all my life in New England, and though I love to travel I can't imagine ever calling any other place on earth home. Since I can't remember a time when I didn't intend to write, it is hard to explain why I took so long getting around to it in earnest. But the years seemed to go by very quickly. In 1936 I married Alden Speare and came to Connecticut. Not till both children were in junior high did I find time at last to sit down quietly with a pencil and paper. I turned naturally to the things which had filled my days and thoughts and began to write magazine articles about family living. Then one day I stumbled on a true story from New England history with a character who seemed to me an ideal heroine. Though I had my first historical novel almost by accident it soon proved to be an absorbing hobby."
Elizabeth George Speare (1908-1994) won the 1959 Newbery Medal for THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND, and the 1962 Newbery Medal for THE BRONZE BOW. She also received a Newbery Honor Award in 1983, and in 1989 she was presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for her substantial and enduring contribution to children’s literature.
Elizabeth George Speare (1908-1994) won the 1959 Newbery Medal for THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND, and the 1962 Newbery Medal for THE BRONZE BOW. She also received a Newbery Honor Award in 1983, and in 1989 she was presented with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for her substantial and enduring contribution to children’s literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 514 reviews
December 28, 2025
One of my favorite books as a kid was Speare’s Witch of Blackbird Pond, so I thought it would be fun to pick up another of her books to read.
While I admit to some wariness— just how would a book written 60 years ago hold up, especially when the book covers the kidnapping of white colonists by Native tribes—I was fairly impressed by how Speare handled those chapters— pretty accurate and while capturing the white prejudice, she also depicted integrity of the tribes’ intentions and fairness.
Yes, the reader is treated to our main character’s slightly selfish and vain views of her surroundings but we also see her mature and grow up. She quickly learns that not all is what it seems.
I was impressed with learning about kidnappings and ransomed hostages by both French and Indians during a time when tensions (and skirmishes flourished) between the English and French. And at one point, one of the French Canadian characters offers some sage advice how how the English settlers have the wrong approach with the Native Americans.
I loved learning more about this era in American and Canadian history and I thought the book did a lovely job of allowing its young heroine to grow and mature as she is challenged by family, friends, enemies, and her own pride.
PS— totally forgot to mention that this was based on a true story
(Reviewed 7/1/23)
While I admit to some wariness— just how would a book written 60 years ago hold up, especially when the book covers the kidnapping of white colonists by Native tribes—I was fairly impressed by how Speare handled those chapters— pretty accurate and while capturing the white prejudice, she also depicted integrity of the tribes’ intentions and fairness.
Yes, the reader is treated to our main character’s slightly selfish and vain views of her surroundings but we also see her mature and grow up. She quickly learns that not all is what it seems.
I was impressed with learning about kidnappings and ransomed hostages by both French and Indians during a time when tensions (and skirmishes flourished) between the English and French. And at one point, one of the French Canadian characters offers some sage advice how how the English settlers have the wrong approach with the Native Americans.
I loved learning more about this era in American and Canadian history and I thought the book did a lovely job of allowing its young heroine to grow and mature as she is challenged by family, friends, enemies, and her own pride.
PS— totally forgot to mention that this was based on a true story
(Reviewed 7/1/23)
July 11, 2015
Elizabeth George Speare is best known as the author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond, winner of the 1959 Newbury medal and a long-time favorite comfort read of mine, but I've never read any of her other books. But a few weeks ago one of my friends, Carol Storm, strongly recommended Calico Captive in her GR review, so I decided to grab it at the library and give it a read.
Calico Captive is a fictionalized version of a few years in the life of Miriam Willard, a teenage girl who is kidnapped from her home in Charleston, New Hampshire by the Abenaki Indians in 1754, along with her very pregnant sister Susanna Johnson, Susanna's husband James, and their three young children, two-year-old Polly, four-year-old Susanna, and six-year-old Sylvanus. The Abenakis take them on a harrowing march northward. Susanna gives birth on the march and, in what I can only assume is a fit of despair, names her baby daughter "Captive." They end up staying several months in the Indians' village and are semi-adopted into the tribe. Little Sylvanus, especially, takes to the Abenaki lifestyle like a duck to water, enthusiastically learning to hunt and speak their language.
However, when Miriam rejects the romantic overtures of a chief's son, the Indians sell most of the group--except Sylvanus, Susanna and baby Captive--to the French in Quebec as servants/slaves. Miriam's nieces are "adopted" by different French families, and Miriam tries to make a new life for herself as a servant. She befriends a couple of the wealthier young people in Quebec, and struggles with the tensions between her old beliefs and lifestyle and the opulent life lived by many of the French Canadian people she meets.
This was an interesting middle grade historical tale, made more interesting by the fact that it follows actual history quite closely for most of the tale. This novel harks back to the once-popular "captivity narrative" literature, memoirs by people who were kidnapped by native Americans back in frontier days. The real-life Susanna Johnson, Miriam's sister, wrote a book about her adventures entitled A Narrative of The Captivity of Mrs. Johnson; Containing An Account of Her Sufferings, During Four Years, With the Indians and French, available to read online here. The novel follows Miriam's story rather than Susanna's but, other than the Quebec portion of the story, is based largely on Susanna's narrative. Baby Captive was actually named "Elizabeth Captive," but Susanna often calls her Captive in her story. Interestingly, the real life Miriam was only 14 years old when she was kidnapped. The novel doesn't specify her age, but she reads a little bit older to me, maybe 15 or 16, given her romantic interests.
As you might expect from a story written in the 1950s, there are a lot of cringe-worthy descriptions of the native Americans, although I'm sure it's realistic of the way people thought in the 1700s. The words "savages" and "redskins" are used a few times. The prejudices of the white people against those of other races, countries and religions are a major part of the story. To some extent Miriam's prejudices are overcome in the story as she gets to know the people who are different from her, but don't expect a complete 180 turn.
The ending of the story was a bit abrupt for me. But in fairness, that ending is also true to Susanna's narrative.
3.5 stars. It's somewhat dated and may offend some readers, but it's a fascinating tale with strong roots in a part of actual history that we don't hear about too often nowadays.
Calico Captive is a fictionalized version of a few years in the life of Miriam Willard, a teenage girl who is kidnapped from her home in Charleston, New Hampshire by the Abenaki Indians in 1754, along with her very pregnant sister Susanna Johnson, Susanna's husband James, and their three young children, two-year-old Polly, four-year-old Susanna, and six-year-old Sylvanus. The Abenakis take them on a harrowing march northward. Susanna gives birth on the march and, in what I can only assume is a fit of despair, names her baby daughter "Captive." They end up staying several months in the Indians' village and are semi-adopted into the tribe. Little Sylvanus, especially, takes to the Abenaki lifestyle like a duck to water, enthusiastically learning to hunt and speak their language.
However, when Miriam rejects the romantic overtures of a chief's son, the Indians sell most of the group--except Sylvanus, Susanna and baby Captive--to the French in Quebec as servants/slaves. Miriam's nieces are "adopted" by different French families, and Miriam tries to make a new life for herself as a servant. She befriends a couple of the wealthier young people in Quebec, and struggles with the tensions between her old beliefs and lifestyle and the opulent life lived by many of the French Canadian people she meets.
This was an interesting middle grade historical tale, made more interesting by the fact that it follows actual history quite closely for most of the tale. This novel harks back to the once-popular "captivity narrative" literature, memoirs by people who were kidnapped by native Americans back in frontier days. The real-life Susanna Johnson, Miriam's sister, wrote a book about her adventures entitled A Narrative of The Captivity of Mrs. Johnson; Containing An Account of Her Sufferings, During Four Years, With the Indians and French, available to read online here. The novel follows Miriam's story rather than Susanna's but, other than the Quebec portion of the story, is based largely on Susanna's narrative. Baby Captive was actually named "Elizabeth Captive," but Susanna often calls her Captive in her story. Interestingly, the real life Miriam was only 14 years old when she was kidnapped. The novel doesn't specify her age, but she reads a little bit older to me, maybe 15 or 16, given her romantic interests.
As you might expect from a story written in the 1950s, there are a lot of cringe-worthy descriptions of the native Americans, although I'm sure it's realistic of the way people thought in the 1700s. The words "savages" and "redskins" are used a few times. The prejudices of the white people against those of other races, countries and religions are a major part of the story. To some extent Miriam's prejudices are overcome in the story as she gets to know the people who are different from her, but don't expect a complete 180 turn.
The ending of the story was a bit abrupt for me. But in fairness, that ending is also true to Susanna's narrative.
3.5 stars. It's somewhat dated and may offend some readers, but it's a fascinating tale with strong roots in a part of actual history that we don't hear about too often nowadays.
August 11, 2010
There's a good reason why 'Sign of the Beaver' and 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' are so frequently assigned (over-assigned) in elementary school. Historical fiction is a staple of language arts classes. Elizabeth George Speare is at the top of the field. Besides teachers finding merit in the two books, kids go for them.
Which makes it all the more shameful that Speare's two other novels (in print, anyway) are virtually ignored.
I read 'The Bronze Bow' a few years ago, and thought it was unbelievably great. I mean, it did win the Newbery (and more recently than 'Witch'). Yet I haven't met anyone who's read it except me. Because it's got Jesus (mostly peripherally) in it?
Now I can report that 'Calico Captive' is just as noteworthy, notwithstanding the lack of a Newbery. A meticulous researcher who captures period colors, sounds, even smells, George never fails to present vibrant characters dealing with issues not unlike those young people confront today, as well as deliver exciting stories filled with action.
For 'Captive,' George takes off from a first-person real-life account of four years spent as a hostage and a slave in the time of the French and American War. In the 'Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. Johnson,' Susanna Johnson tells of her family's kidnapping by Abenaki Indians in New Hampshire, their forced march north, their sale to residents of Montreal, and their eventual return to New England in a prisoner exchange.
George makes Susanna's younger sister, Miriam Willard, the protagonist of her tale. More headstrong and impetuous than her practical sister, Miriam prejudges Indians and French, then finds herself questioning those prejudices. Because of her talents as a dress designer, she mingles with Montreal's elite, and struggles to match her Puritan upbringing with a society invested in 'popery' and conquering English colonists. And she searches for true love.
Highly recommended.
Which makes it all the more shameful that Speare's two other novels (in print, anyway) are virtually ignored.
I read 'The Bronze Bow' a few years ago, and thought it was unbelievably great. I mean, it did win the Newbery (and more recently than 'Witch'). Yet I haven't met anyone who's read it except me. Because it's got Jesus (mostly peripherally) in it?
Now I can report that 'Calico Captive' is just as noteworthy, notwithstanding the lack of a Newbery. A meticulous researcher who captures period colors, sounds, even smells, George never fails to present vibrant characters dealing with issues not unlike those young people confront today, as well as deliver exciting stories filled with action.
For 'Captive,' George takes off from a first-person real-life account of four years spent as a hostage and a slave in the time of the French and American War. In the 'Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. Johnson,' Susanna Johnson tells of her family's kidnapping by Abenaki Indians in New Hampshire, their forced march north, their sale to residents of Montreal, and their eventual return to New England in a prisoner exchange.
George makes Susanna's younger sister, Miriam Willard, the protagonist of her tale. More headstrong and impetuous than her practical sister, Miriam prejudges Indians and French, then finds herself questioning those prejudices. Because of her talents as a dress designer, she mingles with Montreal's elite, and struggles to match her Puritan upbringing with a society invested in 'popery' and conquering English colonists. And she searches for true love.
Highly recommended.
September 15, 2007
Problematic portrayal of American Indians, though it seems quite in keeping with the real feelings of the captives--based on the historical narrative--for what that's worth. I read this over and over as a child, especially savoring the descriptions of life in Montreal--the dishes, the furniture, the food, the hot chocolate, and especially the clothes. I really didn't understand, at age 10, why (SPOILER) Miriam wouldn't want to marry Pierre and stay at home in a fine Montreal mansion while he explored western rivers. It sounded good to ME.
May 23, 2015
Welcome to another episode of Deborah's Library Book Is Overdue! Today's special guest is a YA novel by Elizabeth George Speare, author of the modern classic The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Although Deborah read this book in a couple of hours and her library now allows her to renew books twice provided no one has placed a hold on the title, she still managed to put off reviewing it long enough to rack up some minor but humiliating fees.
Deborah also deserves some public mocking for the fact that, when she noticed the book was due on December 26, she immediately concocted and believed a charming fantasy of lolling around with a cup of eggnog while she typed up a review on the day after Christmas, because of course she'd have nothing better to do that day. Please laugh hard enough at her that she can hear you without even opening her window!
Thanks, folks! And now: the book!
Calico Captive is a YA novel based on the story told in the 1754 memoir Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. Johnson. I was lucky enough to find a copy of that narrative, and so was able to see how much truth had slipped into the novel.
Quite a bit, as it happens. This review will focus on pointing out the nonfiction that can be found in the fiction. I hope this will be fun for people who've already read the book and, like me, always wondered how much of it was factually accurate.
For readers unfamiliar with the novel: it's a well written historical YA novel that contains a minimum of mushy romance, though there's just enough love-interest to keep things interesting. If you liked Witch of Blackbird Pond, you'll enjoy this, though the main character's loathing of Native Americans is cringe-inducing at times. (It's historically accurate but pretty sad that this character doesn't change her mind any even when a white guy tries to explain some basic "they were here first" morality.)
Speare wisely chooses to make Mrs. Johnson's younger sister Miriam Willard her protagonist. Miriam isn't described in too much detail in the memoir, so Speare has some room to play. Also, Susanna Johnson is an intelligent, deeply pious, extremely narrow-minded New England matron whose abhorrence and distrust of Native Americans is second only to her loathing of the French. (It's a close race, by the way. She makes it clear in her memoir that she doesn't consider either group to be fully human.) Young readers wouldn't find much to relate to in this upright Puritan lady.
But Miriam, while sharing most of her sister's sentiments, is young – only fourteen years old when the story begins – and therefore more sympathetic and interesting to teenage readers. She's in the middle of her very first crush when Abenakis raid her home in Charlestown, New Hampshire. She and Susanna are taken prisoner, along with Susanna's husband and children. They are brought to an Abenaki village the whites called St. Francis, and eventually sent to Canada to wait to be ransomed or exchanged for French prisoners.
All of this really happened. And in both novel and memoir, Susanna is heavily pregnant when their captivity begins. However, there was no debate among their captors as to whether the prisoners would be murdered or taken back with the Abenakis as valuable hostages. Speare invented this for dramatic tension, although it's a fairly accurate representation of the idea whites held that Indians were unpredictably violent "savages."
Susanna does indeed lose her shoe as the family is hurried along, and the captives worry that her inability to travel very quickly will endanger all their lives. Speare sticks close to her source material all through Miriam's journey with her family to St. Francis. One detail I found interesting was that in the novel, Susanna gives birth to a baby during this forced march and names her Captive. In real life, the baby was named Elizabeth Captive.
Both the memoir and the novel mention that the baby nearly drowns while the captives ford a stream. In the novel, Miriam is a crucial participant in a dramatic rescue; in the memoir, it's a male neighbor who'd been taken captive in the same raid who saves the baby's life.
Rather to my surprise, the young Native American man who teases Miriam on their journey is also straight from the memoir. He feels like a character invented solely for a potential love-triangle, and in fact Speare offers a bit of romantic drama from him that's crucial to the plot but entirely fictional. But there really was such a teenaged Abenaki, described by Susanna as "a youth of sixteen, who in our journey discovered [revealed] a very mischievous and troublesome disposition." She adds that "he often delighted himself by tormenting my sister [Miriam], by pulling her hair, treading on her gown, and numerous other boyish pranks." Times change; people don't.
Certainly teenagers don't. In the novel, Miriam doesn't see her sister Susanna's patience and strength; she only feels a bitter frustration that Susanna keeps slowing them down, first when she's heavily pregnant and then as she struggles to recover from giving birth. Apparently, this is an accurate representation of Miriam's feelings, as this line from Susanna's memoir makes clear: "My sister observed, that, if I could have been left behind, our trouble would have been seemingly nothing."
Once the captives reach St. Francis and then white Canada, Speare drifts from her source material in order to introduce the obligatory love triangle and a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-freedom story based entirely on a single sentence from the captivity narrative: "[Miriam] had supported herself by her needle in the family of the lieutenant governor, where she was treated extremely well."
Susanna Johnson's captivity narrative is available online fer free; so if you read Calico Captive, you can then read the real story for yourself right here:
http://books.google.com/books/about/A...
Deborah also deserves some public mocking for the fact that, when she noticed the book was due on December 26, she immediately concocted and believed a charming fantasy of lolling around with a cup of eggnog while she typed up a review on the day after Christmas, because of course she'd have nothing better to do that day. Please laugh hard enough at her that she can hear you without even opening her window!
Thanks, folks! And now: the book!
Calico Captive is a YA novel based on the story told in the 1754 memoir Narrative of the Captivity of Mrs. Johnson. I was lucky enough to find a copy of that narrative, and so was able to see how much truth had slipped into the novel.
Quite a bit, as it happens. This review will focus on pointing out the nonfiction that can be found in the fiction. I hope this will be fun for people who've already read the book and, like me, always wondered how much of it was factually accurate.
For readers unfamiliar with the novel: it's a well written historical YA novel that contains a minimum of mushy romance, though there's just enough love-interest to keep things interesting. If you liked Witch of Blackbird Pond, you'll enjoy this, though the main character's loathing of Native Americans is cringe-inducing at times. (It's historically accurate but pretty sad that this character doesn't change her mind any even when a white guy tries to explain some basic "they were here first" morality.)
Speare wisely chooses to make Mrs. Johnson's younger sister Miriam Willard her protagonist. Miriam isn't described in too much detail in the memoir, so Speare has some room to play. Also, Susanna Johnson is an intelligent, deeply pious, extremely narrow-minded New England matron whose abhorrence and distrust of Native Americans is second only to her loathing of the French. (It's a close race, by the way. She makes it clear in her memoir that she doesn't consider either group to be fully human.) Young readers wouldn't find much to relate to in this upright Puritan lady.
But Miriam, while sharing most of her sister's sentiments, is young – only fourteen years old when the story begins – and therefore more sympathetic and interesting to teenage readers. She's in the middle of her very first crush when Abenakis raid her home in Charlestown, New Hampshire. She and Susanna are taken prisoner, along with Susanna's husband and children. They are brought to an Abenaki village the whites called St. Francis, and eventually sent to Canada to wait to be ransomed or exchanged for French prisoners.
All of this really happened. And in both novel and memoir, Susanna is heavily pregnant when their captivity begins. However, there was no debate among their captors as to whether the prisoners would be murdered or taken back with the Abenakis as valuable hostages. Speare invented this for dramatic tension, although it's a fairly accurate representation of the idea whites held that Indians were unpredictably violent "savages."
Susanna does indeed lose her shoe as the family is hurried along, and the captives worry that her inability to travel very quickly will endanger all their lives. Speare sticks close to her source material all through Miriam's journey with her family to St. Francis. One detail I found interesting was that in the novel, Susanna gives birth to a baby during this forced march and names her Captive. In real life, the baby was named Elizabeth Captive.
Both the memoir and the novel mention that the baby nearly drowns while the captives ford a stream. In the novel, Miriam is a crucial participant in a dramatic rescue; in the memoir, it's a male neighbor who'd been taken captive in the same raid who saves the baby's life.
Rather to my surprise, the young Native American man who teases Miriam on their journey is also straight from the memoir. He feels like a character invented solely for a potential love-triangle, and in fact Speare offers a bit of romantic drama from him that's crucial to the plot but entirely fictional. But there really was such a teenaged Abenaki, described by Susanna as "a youth of sixteen, who in our journey discovered [revealed] a very mischievous and troublesome disposition." She adds that "he often delighted himself by tormenting my sister [Miriam], by pulling her hair, treading on her gown, and numerous other boyish pranks." Times change; people don't.
Certainly teenagers don't. In the novel, Miriam doesn't see her sister Susanna's patience and strength; she only feels a bitter frustration that Susanna keeps slowing them down, first when she's heavily pregnant and then as she struggles to recover from giving birth. Apparently, this is an accurate representation of Miriam's feelings, as this line from Susanna's memoir makes clear: "My sister observed, that, if I could have been left behind, our trouble would have been seemingly nothing."
Once the captives reach St. Francis and then white Canada, Speare drifts from her source material in order to introduce the obligatory love triangle and a rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-freedom story based entirely on a single sentence from the captivity narrative: "[Miriam] had supported herself by her needle in the family of the lieutenant governor, where she was treated extremely well."
Susanna Johnson's captivity narrative is available online fer free; so if you read Calico Captive, you can then read the real story for yourself right here:
http://books.google.com/books/about/A...
August 16, 2018
Disclaimer on the rating: this reflects my love for the story as a child. Here is a link to another person's review that shows the issues with accuracy.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 15, 2016
The first time I read this book, I liked it fairly well. My only problem with it was the fact that the climax of the book seemed to be the moment when Miriam shows that she understands that clothing and position do not dictate a person's worth and dignity. But the author is laboring under the delusion that the ending is the climax...but you've almost forgotten that the subject of this climax even exists! Very confusing.
But as a historian, what knocked a solid three stars off this rating was the historical content. And I was not aware of this until I became curious enough to read A Narrative Of The Captivity Of Mrs. Johnson, which this book was based on.
Elizabeth George Speare did a great disservice to the Johnson family. I will try to touch a few main points below:
Susanna Johnson is portrayed as a suspicious, hard-nosed, puritanical woman. She despises Indians, sees no good in them, and scorns the aid of a kind-hearted French priest because he is Catholic.
Susanna, in her own account, was an open-hearted lady who noticed how the Indians provided for their captives' needs even before their own; appreciated the kindness of monks and priests; and even had her baby baptized in a Catholic church because the baby's illness worried their French hosts - even though she did not believe in infant baptism, she allowed the ceremony to be performed to soothe their Catholic friends' concerns. Is this a nasty, close-minded woman? She even teaches her husband card games to amuse themselves in prison! Regardless of personal beliefs regarding such things, it shows she understood the difference between rigid rules and the reason behind them.
Young Sylvanus is portrayed as a boy who quickly and easily is detached from his family, to the point of despising the weakness of his half-starved father (who, by the way, still manages to carry his ailing wife on his back for many days), ignoring his mother, and admiring their captors.
In the true account, Sylvanus is a loyal little lad who fears for his dear mother's safety, remembers her long after the memory of all his other family members have faded in years of captivity, and is only torn from them at great length and in great grief.
Miriam is desired, courted and pursued by an Indian, a Frenchman and an Englishman. What a great record!
Reality is that Miriam is detained late the night before the capture by what Susannah calls 'A spruce young spark' who wanted to 'keep company' with her a little longer, is teased by a bratty Indian boy in a grade-school style during their captivity, and no Frenchman ever appears.
Miriam saves her infant niece's life in a rushing river, thereby reattaching her to her sister and earning respect from her Indian captors for her bravery.
The true story? The neighbor man who was captured with them, Labarree, saves the baby's life. And the bond between him and this little girl he saved remains throughout his lifetime, until he is at last comforted on his deathbed by the loving young woman she has grown up to be. Their friendship brought tears to my eyes. Isn't that beautiful food for fiction?
All in all, I am troubled and disappointed by these untruths - and they are, at this point, untruths because Elizabeth Speare knew the truth. She should have told it and honored the Johnson family. It would still have been a great story.
But as a historian, what knocked a solid three stars off this rating was the historical content. And I was not aware of this until I became curious enough to read A Narrative Of The Captivity Of Mrs. Johnson, which this book was based on.
Elizabeth George Speare did a great disservice to the Johnson family. I will try to touch a few main points below:
Susanna Johnson is portrayed as a suspicious, hard-nosed, puritanical woman. She despises Indians, sees no good in them, and scorns the aid of a kind-hearted French priest because he is Catholic.
Susanna, in her own account, was an open-hearted lady who noticed how the Indians provided for their captives' needs even before their own; appreciated the kindness of monks and priests; and even had her baby baptized in a Catholic church because the baby's illness worried their French hosts - even though she did not believe in infant baptism, she allowed the ceremony to be performed to soothe their Catholic friends' concerns. Is this a nasty, close-minded woman? She even teaches her husband card games to amuse themselves in prison! Regardless of personal beliefs regarding such things, it shows she understood the difference between rigid rules and the reason behind them.
Young Sylvanus is portrayed as a boy who quickly and easily is detached from his family, to the point of despising the weakness of his half-starved father (who, by the way, still manages to carry his ailing wife on his back for many days), ignoring his mother, and admiring their captors.
In the true account, Sylvanus is a loyal little lad who fears for his dear mother's safety, remembers her long after the memory of all his other family members have faded in years of captivity, and is only torn from them at great length and in great grief.
Miriam is desired, courted and pursued by an Indian, a Frenchman and an Englishman. What a great record!
Reality is that Miriam is detained late the night before the capture by what Susannah calls 'A spruce young spark' who wanted to 'keep company' with her a little longer, is teased by a bratty Indian boy in a grade-school style during their captivity, and no Frenchman ever appears.
Miriam saves her infant niece's life in a rushing river, thereby reattaching her to her sister and earning respect from her Indian captors for her bravery.
The true story? The neighbor man who was captured with them, Labarree, saves the baby's life. And the bond between him and this little girl he saved remains throughout his lifetime, until he is at last comforted on his deathbed by the loving young woman she has grown up to be. Their friendship brought tears to my eyes. Isn't that beautiful food for fiction?
All in all, I am troubled and disappointed by these untruths - and they are, at this point, untruths because Elizabeth Speare knew the truth. She should have told it and honored the Johnson family. It would still have been a great story.
June 11, 2012
Calico Captive is the fictionalized version of A Narrative Of The Captivity Of Mrs. Johnson told from the perspective of Susannah Johnson’s younger (by ten years) sister, Miriam. As would be expected with any captivity story, it’s fascinating, fast-paced and hard to put down. The author does an excellent job of portraying a young woman confronting the competing dangers of trying to stay alive, keep family together and maintain cherishes values amidst the perplexities of multi-cultures, (English, French, Indian, and colonial) divergent religious beliefs against the backdrop of constantly changing fortunes.
Highly recommended for young—and slightly older—readers!
Highly recommended for young—and slightly older—readers!
October 24, 2022
I thought I had read this book before, but apparently not. It is written in the nostalgic, children’s book type of way I love. It covers several historical elements of captivity, being sold to the French, dressmaking, and more. In a way it’s all over the place, but I still very much enjoyed it. The characters were Protestant but it really wouldn’t be considered a Christian book as far as spiritual lessons portrayed.
January 23, 2008
Such a romantic book! I first read it in Junior High, and I liked it as well the second time I read it twenty years later! For those of you who love historical, romantic fiction that's wholesome - it doesn't get much better.
November 22, 2024
Good book but not GREAT. The writing felt a bit clunky.
Definitely my least favorite of the books I've read by her.
Definitely my least favorite of the books I've read by her.
November 9, 2022
Cleanliness:
Sexual Content
Lust - 4 Incidents: “A man looks boldly at a girl in a way that was … disturbing.” Some girls tease about liking and marrying certain guys. A girl is envious of another girl having a dance partner to take her to the ball. A girl notices how a young man looks at her and makes her uncomfortable.
Sexual Miscellaneous - 14 Incidents: There are a few dances in the book. A girl undresses for the night. “Two of the savages… dragging a shrinking and almost naked Susanna.” At night “Miriam was forced to lie down between two Indians, a heavy cord thrown over her body and held securely under theirs.” A woman gives birth (not detailed). Mentions often that Indians are half naked (shirtless). “If they expect me to undress while they all stand and watch me and laugh at me, they can wait all night.” “I marry Pierre, have French babies.” A girl’s clothes were ripped, exposing her shoulder. Two ladies wear dresses that are “scandalous low.” A young man compliments a girl and touches her curls. A girl spends time with a young man and he touches her elbow and holds her hand while walking. That night she thinks about him and another guy she likes. A girl receives a letter from a boy she likes and he makes it understood that he really likes her. The girl thinks on this. A young man proposes to and kisses a girl.
Profanity
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 1 Incident: drat
Scatological Terms - 1 Incident: Bl**dy (as in lots of blood)
Religious Profanities - 9 Incidents: when heaven only knew, God forgive me, praise be, goodness no, thank goodness, good heavens, by all the saints, oh God in heaven
Derogatory Terms - 1 Incident: old hag
Conversation Topics - 4 Incidents: A pipe is smoked. Catholicism is discussed. Although a girl is not catholic, she wonders if it is so wrong. Card games and dice are mentioned. Wine is mentioned and a character gets drunk.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
Sexual Content
Lust - 4 Incidents: “A man looks boldly at a girl in a way that was … disturbing.” Some girls tease about liking and marrying certain guys. A girl is envious of another girl having a dance partner to take her to the ball. A girl notices how a young man looks at her and makes her uncomfortable.
Sexual Miscellaneous - 14 Incidents: There are a few dances in the book. A girl undresses for the night. “Two of the savages… dragging a shrinking and almost naked Susanna.” At night “Miriam was forced to lie down between two Indians, a heavy cord thrown over her body and held securely under theirs.” A woman gives birth (not detailed). Mentions often that Indians are half naked (shirtless). “If they expect me to undress while they all stand and watch me and laugh at me, they can wait all night.” “I marry Pierre, have French babies.” A girl’s clothes were ripped, exposing her shoulder. Two ladies wear dresses that are “scandalous low.” A young man compliments a girl and touches her curls. A girl spends time with a young man and he touches her elbow and holds her hand while walking. That night she thinks about him and another guy she likes. A girl receives a letter from a boy she likes and he makes it understood that he really likes her. The girl thinks on this. A young man proposes to and kisses a girl.
Profanity
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 1 Incident: drat
Scatological Terms - 1 Incident: Bl**dy (as in lots of blood)
Religious Profanities - 9 Incidents: when heaven only knew, God forgive me, praise be, goodness no, thank goodness, good heavens, by all the saints, oh God in heaven
Derogatory Terms - 1 Incident: old hag
Conversation Topics - 4 Incidents: A pipe is smoked. Catholicism is discussed. Although a girl is not catholic, she wonders if it is so wrong. Card games and dice are mentioned. Wine is mentioned and a character gets drunk.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
November 19, 2023
This was a slightly different read from the usual Indian captive tale. A fictionalized account based on a true story, Miriam Willard, her very pregnant sister (Susanna) and brother-in-law, and their other children were captured in raid in New Hampshire during the French and Indian War. However, instead of being used as slaves in an Indian settlement, the family was marched through the wilderness to Canada, where they were sold to families in the French settlement of Quebec. Along the way, Susanna delivered her baby daughter who was named Captive. When they reached Quebec, they were separated from each other, except that Susanna and her baby were allowed to remain together. Miriam was sold to a wealthy family to become a servant. However, her skill with the needle took her in a different direction.
She was given some cast-off clothing and remade it so attractively that her mistress began asking for her help in creating fashionable dresses. Others in the city also asked for her services. But it was Miriam's misfortune that her mistress' daughter's fiance was attracted to Miriam, and Miriam was "fired" from their employ and turned out on the street. Once again, her skill with the needle saved her, and she was able to eke out a living for herself, her mother, and the baby, working as a dressmaker and tailor's assistant until her brother-in-law could come up with the funds to ransom them. An interesting footnote was that they were unable to return to New Hampshire directly due to hostilities, but had to take a ship to England and then another ship back to America.
This was an absolutely fascinating story - so many things I had no idea had taken place during the history of our country. I love stories that are true or based on a true story because it shows the courage of those who lived through those perilous times.
She was given some cast-off clothing and remade it so attractively that her mistress began asking for her help in creating fashionable dresses. Others in the city also asked for her services. But it was Miriam's misfortune that her mistress' daughter's fiance was attracted to Miriam, and Miriam was "fired" from their employ and turned out on the street. Once again, her skill with the needle saved her, and she was able to eke out a living for herself, her mother, and the baby, working as a dressmaker and tailor's assistant until her brother-in-law could come up with the funds to ransom them. An interesting footnote was that they were unable to return to New Hampshire directly due to hostilities, but had to take a ship to England and then another ship back to America.
This was an absolutely fascinating story - so many things I had no idea had taken place during the history of our country. I love stories that are true or based on a true story because it shows the courage of those who lived through those perilous times.
November 24, 2024
Her first novel it may have been, but Calico Captive demonstrates Elizabeth George Speare’s already strong grasp of the intense historical fiction style that would win her Newbery Medals in 1959 and '62. The year is 1754, and teenage Miriam Willard is entering the most exciting part of life. Her family lives near the fort at Charlestown, New Hampshire in constant fear of attack by Abenaki Indians, but Miriam has grown close with Phineas Whitney, a young man about to go off to Harvard University. Miriam imagines a future with him similar to what her sister Susanna has with husband James. That changes on the night Indians abduct the Willards from their home and march them toward Canada, intending to sell them as slaves. Miriam's rosy tomorrow goes up in smoke.
"Would she ever know again the magic that wove such a spell about a man and a girl that they could stand completely alone in a room full of people?"
—Calico Captive, PP. 103-104
Hundreds of miles traipsing through the prickly wilderness is almost unbearable. Susanna has it hardest; she's responsible for her three children. Six-year-old Sylvanus likes this adventure hike and his Abenaki captors, but four-year-old Sue and two-year-old Polly are on the edge of meltdown. Miriam isn't optimistic about her own survival until she's in Montreal on the trading block, bought by a wealthy family. Madame Du Quesne regards Miriam with contempt, but her serving girl, Hortense, is kind. The Du Quesnes' daughter, a teen named Felicité, takes a shine to Miriam as her friend. Will slave life be less horrid than Miriam feared?
No one could predict the tumult of the coming year. Susanna remained behind with the Abenaki; is she still alive? Her children, all except the baby (named Captive), who was born on the long trek to Canada, have been split up and given to wealthy members of Montreal society. Will Susanna get them back? What will happen after her husband James travels to New York for a government grant to pay ransom for his enslaved family? Miriam bounces between inclusion in Felicité's pampered social circle, and total ostracization. The French and Indian War is heating up, so English citizens have few friends among French-Canadians; losing favor with the Du Quesnes could mean death for Miriam. And what of charismatic Pierre Laroche, who has romantic intentions toward Miriam? A lot is going to happen before the Willards' captivity ends.
"I want to be a part of life, not forever waiting and looking on at other people."
—Miriam, P. 148
When you carefully construct a future in your imagination, its collapse is excruciating. You must rebuild your dreams on the fly and not let bad people rob you of hope. Susanna realizes this when she regains one of her children she thought lost forever. "I believe that God has sent her back to me as a reminder," she said humbly. "I am ashamed that I have despaired in my heart. I shall never doubt His goodness again." However desperate your circumstance, you can't let sorrow crush you. That's how Miriam stays afloat through her troubles in this book.
I rate Calico Captive two and a half stars. It easily could have been worth three or more, but Miriam's big decision in the final pages feels disconnected from the narrative to that point. If the story were shaped differently her decision might make sense, but that dissonance puts me off. Miriam Willard was a real person in history, so I don't fault Ms. Speare for staying faithful to what occurred, bust reality doesn't always make for compelling story.
"Would she ever know again the magic that wove such a spell about a man and a girl that they could stand completely alone in a room full of people?"
—Calico Captive, PP. 103-104
Hundreds of miles traipsing through the prickly wilderness is almost unbearable. Susanna has it hardest; she's responsible for her three children. Six-year-old Sylvanus likes this adventure hike and his Abenaki captors, but four-year-old Sue and two-year-old Polly are on the edge of meltdown. Miriam isn't optimistic about her own survival until she's in Montreal on the trading block, bought by a wealthy family. Madame Du Quesne regards Miriam with contempt, but her serving girl, Hortense, is kind. The Du Quesnes' daughter, a teen named Felicité, takes a shine to Miriam as her friend. Will slave life be less horrid than Miriam feared?
No one could predict the tumult of the coming year. Susanna remained behind with the Abenaki; is she still alive? Her children, all except the baby (named Captive), who was born on the long trek to Canada, have been split up and given to wealthy members of Montreal society. Will Susanna get them back? What will happen after her husband James travels to New York for a government grant to pay ransom for his enslaved family? Miriam bounces between inclusion in Felicité's pampered social circle, and total ostracization. The French and Indian War is heating up, so English citizens have few friends among French-Canadians; losing favor with the Du Quesnes could mean death for Miriam. And what of charismatic Pierre Laroche, who has romantic intentions toward Miriam? A lot is going to happen before the Willards' captivity ends.
"I want to be a part of life, not forever waiting and looking on at other people."
—Miriam, P. 148
When you carefully construct a future in your imagination, its collapse is excruciating. You must rebuild your dreams on the fly and not let bad people rob you of hope. Susanna realizes this when she regains one of her children she thought lost forever. "I believe that God has sent her back to me as a reminder," she said humbly. "I am ashamed that I have despaired in my heart. I shall never doubt His goodness again." However desperate your circumstance, you can't let sorrow crush you. That's how Miriam stays afloat through her troubles in this book.
I rate Calico Captive two and a half stars. It easily could have been worth three or more, but Miriam's big decision in the final pages feels disconnected from the narrative to that point. If the story were shaped differently her decision might make sense, but that dissonance puts me off. Miriam Willard was a real person in history, so I don't fault Ms. Speare for staying faithful to what occurred, bust reality doesn't always make for compelling story.
June 12, 2015
This Fifties classic is one of the greatest YA novels ever written -- in some ways it's even better than THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND!
Elizabeth George Speare had a very special gift. She was able to create teen heroines who were strong, self-reliant, and independent -- but always with a soft spot for a cute boy. She was able to use all of the danger and intrigue of the past -- witch trials in Puritan New England, terrifying Indian raids on the frontier -- as a backdrop for the heroine's romantic adventures, in a way that made every page seem to turn by itself! More than that, there was always a sort of hard to define sweetness to her stories, an innocence . . . as if you always knew somehow that the heroine would triumph in the end, that there was goodness in even the darkest places. That plus the fact that she could make a girl gulping down a mug of hot chocolate under the knowing eyes of a handsome young French adventurer seem steamier than the hottest sex!
Elizabeth George Speare had a very special gift. She was able to create teen heroines who were strong, self-reliant, and independent -- but always with a soft spot for a cute boy. She was able to use all of the danger and intrigue of the past -- witch trials in Puritan New England, terrifying Indian raids on the frontier -- as a backdrop for the heroine's romantic adventures, in a way that made every page seem to turn by itself! More than that, there was always a sort of hard to define sweetness to her stories, an innocence . . . as if you always knew somehow that the heroine would triumph in the end, that there was goodness in even the darkest places. That plus the fact that she could make a girl gulping down a mug of hot chocolate under the knowing eyes of a handsome young French adventurer seem steamier than the hottest sex!
September 1, 2007
I read this in fifth or sixth grade, and loved it. I appreciate fiesty heroines, of course, but my favorite parts where when the French suitor buys Miriam a cup of real hot chocolate, and when the French governor's wife offers her a luxurious bolt of fabric and she gives it to her good friend Hortense. Oh! I love this book. Where is my copy? Gotta read it again...
April 7, 2020
It was fun to reread this, which was one of my favorite books 15+ years ago. I'd forgotten so much of it, including the fact it was based off a true story by Susanna Johnson, Miriam's sister. I'm sure the the novel is only loosely based on the historical account (which I'm interested in reading), but I think Calico Captive is still an engaging fictional story in its own right.
November 10, 2022
Reread of a delightful tale that I enjoyed in my childhood. It’s interesting revisiting books that I read when I was younger- somehow the nuances of oppression and racism (towards the Indians, specifically) that come out in this book didn’t strike me years ago. However, it is definitely an accurate portrayal for the time setting.
November 12, 2022
Rereading this long-time favorite for the first time since joining Goodreads. *happy sigh* I really love this book. It holds so much nostalgia for me, and I still place it among my most romantic YA books. The high point of the story is so swoon-worthy that I have to read certain parts twice for the maximum hands-clasped-against-heart delight. I rarely want my favorite books to be made into movies, but in this case I could die for some beautiful French gowns, a handsome coureur, some exquisite accents, and a soundtrack to rise to a perfect crescendo at that moment when Miriam holds her head high and sweeps aside those scornful French gazes! Parbleu! It would be magnifique!
Also, I've never been to Montreal, though it's only about 6 hours from my house. I think I'm unconsciously blocked out any knowledge about that city my entire life, lest it spoil my impression based on this book. If I ever visited, I suspect I would be crushingly disappointed that it wasn't like my vision of fictional Montreal in 1754.
So, some points I do need to make. Un, my rating is for my own personal love for this story, but I recognize that it is not without flaws. Deux, this book was written in 1957, so it doesn't always have the most politically-correct language, especially considering that it takes place in 1754. "Indian" is the most common term used, but there is the occasional "redskin" or "savage" and even "squaw". I guess that's to be kind of expected; English settlers who are taken by Abanaki raiders and know that they might end up scalped might not necessarily have the most 21st century "woke" thoughts about their captors.
But that does bring me to point trois: this isn't a historically accurate book. I know that, and people reading it should know that. It's loosely based on real events that happened, but it's been heavily dramatized to tell the story from Miriam's standpoint, and to give her story more flavor. If you want to read the real account, I also recommend reading "A Narrative Of The Captivity Of Mrs. Johnson" which is the true story as told by Miriam's sister Susannah, and is surprisingly readable considering it was written in 1796. THIS book is, again, a highly embellished fictional version of their story. Each book can be enjoyed as their own separate entities.
Also, I've never been to Montreal, though it's only about 6 hours from my house. I think I'm unconsciously blocked out any knowledge about that city my entire life, lest it spoil my impression based on this book. If I ever visited, I suspect I would be crushingly disappointed that it wasn't like my vision of fictional Montreal in 1754.
So, some points I do need to make. Un, my rating is for my own personal love for this story, but I recognize that it is not without flaws. Deux, this book was written in 1957, so it doesn't always have the most politically-correct language, especially considering that it takes place in 1754. "Indian" is the most common term used, but there is the occasional "redskin" or "savage" and even "squaw". I guess that's to be kind of expected; English settlers who are taken by Abanaki raiders and know that they might end up scalped might not necessarily have the most 21st century "woke" thoughts about their captors.
But that does bring me to point trois: this isn't a historically accurate book. I know that, and people reading it should know that. It's loosely based on real events that happened, but it's been heavily dramatized to tell the story from Miriam's standpoint, and to give her story more flavor. If you want to read the real account, I also recommend reading "A Narrative Of The Captivity Of Mrs. Johnson" which is the true story as told by Miriam's sister Susannah, and is surprisingly readable considering it was written in 1796. THIS book is, again, a highly embellished fictional version of their story. Each book can be enjoyed as their own separate entities.
December 11, 2017
Elizabeth George Speare was one of my favorite authors during my adolescent years. I fell in love with The Bronze Bow, and really enjoyed The Witch of Blackbird Pond. I loved how Speare incorporated romance into her stories in a very subtle way, and how her endings always seemed to finish on just the right note.
Somehow I never got around to reading this one, until a few months ago when I found it at a used book sale.
Overall I really enjoyed it -- unlike her other works of historical fiction, this one is actually based on true events. It's the story of a family who is captured by Abenaki Indians in the mid-1700s and taken to Montreal where they are sold to the French. This story focuses not on Susanna Johnson who eventually wrote the narrative of these events, but on her teenage sister Miriam.
Part of me wishes I'd read this as a teenager, because I would probably have identified more with Miriam -- not that I don't now, but I also identified with her older sister who was separated from most of her young children, which scares me far more than the other events of this story.
I liked the way that Miriam eventually takes responsibility and works to better her situation. In the beginning it was really hard to understand what was going on in her head -- being captured by Indians but worrying more about how dirty her dress was getting than her sister's children? (Hence why I identify more with Susanna.)
I liked the "love triangle" as well, especially the way it ends up. It's similar to the endings of Speare's other books, where there is just enough of a hint to know what is going to happen, but the story ends before it quite gets to be completely resolved -- it's a great spark for the imagination.
Somehow I never got around to reading this one, until a few months ago when I found it at a used book sale.
Overall I really enjoyed it -- unlike her other works of historical fiction, this one is actually based on true events. It's the story of a family who is captured by Abenaki Indians in the mid-1700s and taken to Montreal where they are sold to the French. This story focuses not on Susanna Johnson who eventually wrote the narrative of these events, but on her teenage sister Miriam.
Part of me wishes I'd read this as a teenager, because I would probably have identified more with Miriam -- not that I don't now, but I also identified with her older sister who was separated from most of her young children, which scares me far more than the other events of this story.
I liked the way that Miriam eventually takes responsibility and works to better her situation. In the beginning it was really hard to understand what was going on in her head -- being captured by Indians but worrying more about how dirty her dress was getting than her sister's children? (Hence why I identify more with Susanna.)
I liked the "love triangle" as well, especially the way it ends up. It's similar to the endings of Speare's other books, where there is just enough of a hint to know what is going to happen, but the story ends before it quite gets to be completely resolved -- it's a great spark for the imagination.
December 20, 2009
This is the beautifully written first novel of Elizabeth George Speare. Although I enjoyed all of her other books, this one is my favorite. I am completely baffled as to why this is the only book by Ms. Speare that did not win a Newbery award.
I love all of the characters! I love the high-spirited, red-haired main character, Miriam Willard, as well as her delightful, and good natured, best friend, Hortense. I couldn't help but admire her sister, Susanna's quiet, steady strength as she endured one heartwrenching trial after another. I laughed out loud at the tall and handsome, Pierre's quick and clever wit.
Ms. Speare is such a good writer, I was entranced from the very beginning all the way to the very end. I really enjoyed watching Miriam go from being a self-absorbed teenager to a self-confident young woman. Through her many harrowing experiences she learns important life lessons about love and loyalty.
I'm sure that one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is because C.M. Herbert did such an excellent job of reading it. I listened to the Blackstone Audiobook version on CD and Ms. Herbert did a beautiful job, especially on the characters with French accents. I couldn't wait to put the next CD in so I could find out what would happen next.
So basically what I'm saying is, Calico Captive is very well written and well worth the read. I highly recommend it!
I love all of the characters! I love the high-spirited, red-haired main character, Miriam Willard, as well as her delightful, and good natured, best friend, Hortense. I couldn't help but admire her sister, Susanna's quiet, steady strength as she endured one heartwrenching trial after another. I laughed out loud at the tall and handsome, Pierre's quick and clever wit.
Ms. Speare is such a good writer, I was entranced from the very beginning all the way to the very end. I really enjoyed watching Miriam go from being a self-absorbed teenager to a self-confident young woman. Through her many harrowing experiences she learns important life lessons about love and loyalty.
I'm sure that one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is because C.M. Herbert did such an excellent job of reading it. I listened to the Blackstone Audiobook version on CD and Ms. Herbert did a beautiful job, especially on the characters with French accents. I couldn't wait to put the next CD in so I could find out what would happen next.
So basically what I'm saying is, Calico Captive is very well written and well worth the read. I highly recommend it!
July 26, 2016
This was just as good as I remembered! There is just the right mix of adventure, suspense, romance, friendship, and character growth . . . and ball gowns and hot chocolate. Plus, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. I think this would make a great movie, if done right. My favorite parts of the book are once they get to Montreal (thankfully, that's the majority of the book). I just love how the city at this period is brought to life. Elizabeth George Speare is a master at bringing history alive, and this book is no exception. It made me want to read more books that take place in New France and/or during the French and Indian War.
Highly recommended.
P.S. I like the fact that this has illustrations. Maybe it's just me, but young adult and adult books don’t seem to have illustrations as much as they used to.
Highly recommended.
P.S. I like the fact that this has illustrations. Maybe it's just me, but young adult and adult books don’t seem to have illustrations as much as they used to.
February 1, 2009
Calico Captive is one of my favorite books from childhood; I picked it up in the library when I was 9 or 10 and consistently returned to it over time.
The story is set during the French and Indian Wars before the American Revolution; the main character, Miriam, lives with her sister, Susannah and her husband and several small children. They are taken captive by Indians, then eventually traded to the French to live in Montreal, where they serve as domestic staff to a wealthy family.
Miriam's story captures these events through the eyes of a teenager, and her sometimes quite self-centered reactions to what was happening. My favorite parts of the books were the descriptions of the French people who lived in Montreal at the time, and their balls and lifestyle.
This book is very different than the rough-hewn pioneer accounts that characterize most early American stories, and fun because it gives a face to a period of American history that you don't hear a whole lot about.
The story is set during the French and Indian Wars before the American Revolution; the main character, Miriam, lives with her sister, Susannah and her husband and several small children. They are taken captive by Indians, then eventually traded to the French to live in Montreal, where they serve as domestic staff to a wealthy family.
Miriam's story captures these events through the eyes of a teenager, and her sometimes quite self-centered reactions to what was happening. My favorite parts of the books were the descriptions of the French people who lived in Montreal at the time, and their balls and lifestyle.
This book is very different than the rough-hewn pioneer accounts that characterize most early American stories, and fun because it gives a face to a period of American history that you don't hear a whole lot about.
October 18, 2007
Loved this book. Its written for the younger crowd and based on a true story of a family captured by Native Americans and sold into slavery to the British. Before I read this book, I didn't have a clue that this was apart of the history. It's incredible, the lack of my knowledge, I know.
A family of white settlers survives the Indians capture, sold into British slavery, half are thrown in the stockades, and then their journey home. It held my attention several reads through, and its one I'll recommend to my own kids when they're older.
A family of white settlers survives the Indians capture, sold into British slavery, half are thrown in the stockades, and then their journey home. It held my attention several reads through, and its one I'll recommend to my own kids when they're older.
June 12, 2010
Elizabeth George Speare is one of my favorite girlhood authors. Every book I've read by her has been excellent. I loved the romance and adventure this book held and also the strong themes of marital love, friendship, and family ties. Ms. Speare is an excellent writer! Highly recommended!
July 30, 2025
Picked this up randomly in the children's section of my library purely bc it looked old (1957) and jeez this was so good. From the first chapter the writing was just so good, the story so evenly paced, grounded in real historical events, a shining example of what children's literature can be. The author went on to win 2 Newbery Medals so I might check those out in the future. Such a good find.
Also the cover they're displaying on goodreads is ugly AF and not the one that drew me to the book btw.
Some may criticize the depiction native Americans but I thought over the course of the book the author introduced a variety of viewpoints about it. obviously the protagonist was prejudiced against the Indians being literally captured by them but much later she meets a French character who points out the Indians have been there for hundreds of years before them and can teach them a lot. There were also smaller plot points about children being forcibly adopted that I thought served those themes well. Like for the 1950s I thought the author was able to show a lot of nuance. Just bc she didn't spell out the characters saying "this is wrong" or whatever doesn't mean it's not a good depiction etc. media literacy.
Also the cover they're displaying on goodreads is ugly AF and not the one that drew me to the book btw.
Some may criticize the depiction native Americans but I thought over the course of the book the author introduced a variety of viewpoints about it. obviously the protagonist was prejudiced against the Indians being literally captured by them but much later she meets a French character who points out the Indians have been there for hundreds of years before them and can teach them a lot. There were also smaller plot points about children being forcibly adopted that I thought served those themes well. Like for the 1950s I thought the author was able to show a lot of nuance. Just bc she didn't spell out the characters saying "this is wrong" or whatever doesn't mean it's not a good depiction etc. media literacy.
February 10, 2020
I absolutely love this story. I enjoy the characters, the development of everything, and the romance. This book has inspired a lot in my own writing. My only thing that bothers me every time I read it is Miriam's realization of how much she loves Phineas at the end. It always felt rushed to me. But other than that, I highly recommend this story to anyone who reads American historical fiction, especially about the French and Indian War.
June 14, 2024
The book closely follows true historical account of captivity and is very engaging but I felt like the ending was far too rushed and they glossed over a whole bunch of storylines in a few sentences. A bit too much focus on the romance aspect and less on the family and historical context, but also that’s probably more true of a teenage girl! Overall it was a wonderful story and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
March 22, 2025
A classic, definitely not very deep, but an easy read!
January 14, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
I was thrilled to be reading this book, having recently read and adored Elizabeth’s other novel, ‘The Witch of Blackbird Pond’. I didn’t like the story in this novel as much as I did in the other one, although I still enjoyed it and rated it 3.5/5 stars. The writing was wonderful, it was well paced, I just didn’t find the story all that interesting.
This novel featured many wonderful characters and messages, such as faith, hope, and sacrifice.
I loved our main character, Miriam Willard. She wasn’t fragile as glass, but she wasn’t unbreakable either, and she didn’t pretend to be. She always believed that things would turn out alright, and I loved seeing her character develop throughout the course of this novel. Here’s a quote from the novel that I thought represented her character development well:
“Miriam felt astonished at herself. It was a new thing for her to step out so independently. Somehow, in the past month a tough little root of determination had been growing in her. Whether it was strong enough to support the desperate plan she had undertaken she would soon find out.”
Despite the many trials that came along, Miriam and her family kept their chins up, and held firm to faith. Being captured and sold by Indians, they had faith. Being brought to a strange new country, to work as slaves, they had faith. Throughout the war, they had faith. Even being stuck in jail for weeks, they had faith.
They knew God would bring them through this- they knew He hadn’t forgotten them and that He was still taking care of them. And they were right to, because He brought them through it, even stronger than before. What an inspiration, right??
I was thrilled to be reading this book, having recently read and adored Elizabeth’s other novel, ‘The Witch of Blackbird Pond’. I didn’t like the story in this novel as much as I did in the other one, although I still enjoyed it and rated it 3.5/5 stars. The writing was wonderful, it was well paced, I just didn’t find the story all that interesting.
This novel featured many wonderful characters and messages, such as faith, hope, and sacrifice.
I loved our main character, Miriam Willard. She wasn’t fragile as glass, but she wasn’t unbreakable either, and she didn’t pretend to be. She always believed that things would turn out alright, and I loved seeing her character develop throughout the course of this novel. Here’s a quote from the novel that I thought represented her character development well:
“Miriam felt astonished at herself. It was a new thing for her to step out so independently. Somehow, in the past month a tough little root of determination had been growing in her. Whether it was strong enough to support the desperate plan she had undertaken she would soon find out.”
Despite the many trials that came along, Miriam and her family kept their chins up, and held firm to faith. Being captured and sold by Indians, they had faith. Being brought to a strange new country, to work as slaves, they had faith. Throughout the war, they had faith. Even being stuck in jail for weeks, they had faith.
They knew God would bring them through this- they knew He hadn’t forgotten them and that He was still taking care of them. And they were right to, because He brought them through it, even stronger than before. What an inspiration, right??
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