The Iron Peacock

by Mary Stetson Clarke

Joanna Sprague's last link with her happy, gracious life in England was broken on a bleak and stormy day in 1650 when her father was buried at sea. He died on the voyage that was to take them, refugees from Cromwell's persecution...to a new life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Now at the age of 16, penniless and alone, Joanna faced life as a bondservant, for her father had been unable to pay the full cost of their passage...But there was little to comfort her in the austere Puritan way of life at Hammersmith...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, School, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Childrens

251 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 1966

About the author

Mrs. Clarke was a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, and inspired by local history to write several outstanding historical novels and works of nonfiction for young people. She was graduated from Boston University with a degree in English Literature, and worked in newspapers for many years. She died in November 1994 at the age of 82.

Reviews

[Stacy]

I don't know why, but I have vivid memories of discovering this book on one of our bi-weekly childhood pilgrimages to the public library. (The Betsy-Tacy books and the Narnia series are others that are indelibly linked to mental images of the children's room at our branch of the Richland County Public Library. Man, it was a great place.) I've found myself, in the many years since then, frequently recalling the book; I even tried to find a copy a decade+ ago, with no luck. So, imagine my delight when I was reminded yet again of the book this week and found a 2008 reprinting on Amazon!

What's funny is that if you'd asked me, I couldn't have even told you any details about the story. Probably just that there was a girl a long time ago, there were some iron works, a peacock was made, and that it was romantic and I liked it. So I'm happy to report that 30 years on, all those things are still true, and then some, especially now that I am much more educated on the time period presented. :)

The Iron Peacock is an excellent book for children. It presents a very vivid yet simple picture of life as an indentured servant in mid-17th century Puritan Massachusetts, for a story that is both entertaining and educational. It delicately invites thought on the subject of racism with its friendships between the main characters and their Native American counterparts. And did I mention it was romantic??

After all the angst and darkness that is so prevalent in children's and young adult's literature today (not a complaint, just an observation), it was refreshing to re-experience the simplicity of children's writing of the 60s (and earlier). Makes me want to dig out my Betsy-Tacy books again...

[The other John]

This one is the tale of a young woman, Joanna, who is fleeing from Oliver Cromwell's England with her father. Her father dies on the journey over to New England and upon arrival in Boston, she finds herself sold as an indentured servant to cover the cost of their fare. Her service is bought by a Mr. John Gifford, owner of the iron works in the village of Hammersmith. The rest of the book tells the tale of Joanna's adjustment to life as a bondservant in a new settlement in North America. The story itself is somewhat mediocre and quite predictable in places. The characterization is a bit better, but what really makes the book worth checking out is the setting. Ms. Clarke does a good job of making the surroundings come alive, from the forests of Massachusetts to the life of a outsider amongst a community of Puritans. Colonial America in the mid 17th Century is not an era which with I'm familiar. Most history books tend to jump from the landing of the Mayflower to the Revolutionary War. This was an interesting peek into a time in between, as the immigrants slowly began to put down roots and a new society began to form.

[CLM]

When Joanna's father dies on their way to Colonial Massachusetts, her life of privilege ends and she is forced to become an indentured servant, working for the master of the Iron Works in Saugus, Massachusetts - in addition to coping with a devastating sense of loss. Can a delicate girl who has barely been in a kitchen endure four years of hard work to gain her freedom? Joanna knows she is fortunate to have the friendship and support of the Scots (banished by Oliver Cromwell), who sailed on the same ship to America, particularly the young piper, Ross McCrae, also coping with loss of family and country.

Four and a half stars. I really enjoyed this book and am trying to remember other books about indentured servants who 'made good' in America. Please let me know if you think of any not on my shelf.

[Angie Jean]

Only got good at the end

[mairiachi]

DISCLAIMER: the only reason I gave it four stars was because I really liked it (four stars), but I read the prequel first and that's why the book was ruined for me - I still really liked it, but the prequel, to me, was amazing (five stars), and I couldn't really say this was the same. So,

WARNING: for those of you who want to love this book, do not do not read the prequel until you've finished this book. Actually, FOR ANYONE who is going to read this book, STEER CLEAR of Piper to the Clan (the prequel) until you've finished this book!

Otherwise, there's no reason to not love this book. It was really good on its own and super sweet.

[Linore]

Not bad for historical fiction, though Upper elementary seems more fitting than YA to categorize it. Set in Puritan New England, it contains a fair description of life and Indian relations as seen through the eyes of a young girl, gently bred,but forced into indentured servanthood after her father dies en route to the New World, leaving her penniless. (How's that for a run-on sentence?) The characterization is fair, but good enough to make a reader want to finish the book. Overall, an enjoyable, light read, which would get three stars, but I'm giving one extra for the historical setting and details.

[Kristen Smith]

From the high reviews, I was expecting a little more than what this turned out to be. Basically, it's a "what life was like back then" book and an excuse for a romance, which turns out to be rather understated. The characters are little more than a vehicle for this type of book, though it ends up being a decent read. I would rate it second-tier--likable and enjoyable, but not lovable.

[Heather Warriner]

Owen and I fell in love with this story and its characters. What started out as a read-aloud connection to our Colonial America unit became a favorite part of our school day. We can’t wait to visit the Saugus Iron Works In MA, which serves as the setting for this tale of heartache, new beginnings, unexpected friendships, and looking at the world through the eyes of others.

[Amy]

How have I not reviewed this book before? Its one of my favorites. Joanna is a young woman forced into indentured servetude in the colonies near the end of the sixteen hundreds. Dreading the prospect of wasting four years of her life, "The Iron Peacock" is the story of a 16 year old young woman who must discover what it means to be happy in all circumstances, stand up against racism, and perhaps even fall in love.

[Jo]

This was a very interesting book.It was historical fiction. The Iron Peacock was about a 16 year old girl Scottish who was forced to go to america. life was hard for her at first,but she met people who did not care she was Scottish. Read this book to find out, if she adjusts to life in a puritan village and if she makes a life of her own. This is a must read tale.

[Shelli]

Gives a good picture of what it was like to be a bondsmen in colonial america. When given an opportunity to run-away or fulfill a 7-year contract, the choice is made to stay, by a character bent on being his "own man". A good book to teach contentment in all situations.

[Amanda]

I read this book in 7th or 8th grade, so I don't remember much about the writing style. However, forever imprinted in my memory is this beautiful story reflecting the American Dream. Definitely deserves a re-read in the near future.

[Lisa]

Told from the point of view of a young Royalist and supporter of the Church of England, this story paints a realistic portrait of a community of staunch Puritans trying to make a new life in the wilderness of 17th century Massachusetts.

[Sarah]

This book was amazing!
It was exciting, captivating, and romantic!
It was such a great book that I'm a little sad it had to come to an end but I love the way it ended!
If I could give this book 7 or more stars I would!
A must read!

[Livvie]

This is a nice book, nice story, nice characters.

[Rusticgirl]

the BEST book in the world.

[Anajoy-rusticgirl]

I love this book!

[Ally]

Second best book I have ever read!
1. Chataine's Gaurdian
2. The Iron Peacock
3. Castaways of the Flying Dutchman

[Noelle]

This was such a great story!!

[Katherine]

In 1650, a refugee of Cromwell becomes an indentured servant in Massachusetts at an Iron Works. The skill she develops in her work and her kindness brings her friendships in this new land.

[Emma Hinkle]

Loved it. Absolutely loved it.

[Deb]

A very nice little historical YA - about the Saugus Iron Works north of Boston.

[Katy Wood]

I remember discovering this book in 5th or 6th grade. As an adult, I would love to revisit it.

[Amy Lawrence]

Very enjoyable and interesting story about real history. My 7th grader loved it and I read it on his urging. Wonderful vocabulary, vivid development of an interesting part of early American history.

[Gina]

It's been a long time since reading, but I liked it pretty well. Probably good for anyone who liked The Witch of Blackbird Pond.

[Elizabeth]

Interesting! The ending was very sweet!

[Samuela]

it was amazing... i love this book!

from until now this is my fav book i've read in the year 2015

[A.]

This was okay. It was interesting in terms of setting and historical background, but I didn't find the plot to be terribly compelling.

[Addie]

What a sweet, innocent love story! Also a book of triumph over the things that could easily pull us down.

[Chrisanne]

Recommended because I enjoyed The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Not quite as good as said book, but nicely done.