Esther: The Remarkable True Story of Esther Wheelwright - Puritan Child, Native Daughter, Mother Superior

by Julie Wheelwright

In 1703, a war party of French soldiers and Abenaki warriors raided the Puritan village of seven-year-old Esther Wheelwright, killing several men, women and children and taking twenty-two captives. That Esther managed to survive the 200-mile journey by foot through swamps and forests to a Jesuit mission in New France is astonishing. That she was adopted, quite happily, into a family of her Abenaki captors is equally amazing. But for the Wheelwright family, who waited years before receiving word that Esther had even survived the raid, the abduction was a tragedy. Esther’s release from her Abenaki family was finally negotiated through a French Jesuit who took her to the city of Québec—but it was too late. Esther, by then twelve years old, broke her parents’ hearts by refusing to go home. They never saw her again. Instead, she remained in Québec, the capital of New France, where, against all odds, she went on to become Mother Superior of the Ursulines—and a pivotal figure after the siege of Québec in 1759.

Written by Julie Wheelwright, Esther’s descendant, this book is a spiritual and an emotional journey of survival, and an awe-inspiring example of the human capacity for transformation.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Canada

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2011

Reviews

[Mar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is fascinating in some ways, but didn't hold my interest. It is a true story about Esther Wheelwright who was kidnapped in an Indigenous raid when she was seven and "bought back" when she was twelve, but raised by the French in Quebec where she became a nun, rather than being returned to her English parents--despite their efforts to reunite with their daughter. It seems a lot of politics b/n the French and English were involved. I can see why the story interests family relative Julie Wheelwright; however, there is too much speculation and it is hard to determine concrete facts around what truly happened. Not for me.

[Hildie Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was alright. The author wrote about her traveling times and historical research in between the chapters of the tale of Esther Wheelwright, which I think helped the story move along. I also think that she was fair in talking about the Catholics of that time, especially since she mentioned she doesn't believe. If you are curious about the "Captive Wars" (those ahead of the French and Indian War, and the Revolutionary War), and would like to know the story of an interesting woman in history, then I would recommend this book. It also has some history about Canada, which isn't common, at least here in the States.

[Elka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Esther Wheelwright bio, this one by a descendant. The book does a good job of chronicling not just Esther Wheelwright's story, but also the material culture of her world.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reverend John Wheelwright, who founded the towns of Exeter, NH and Wells, ME was a strict Puritan. As such, the worst - absolutely worst- thing a person could do that would guarantee eternal damnation was to become a Roman Catholic. This is the story of Wheelwright's great-granddaughter, Esther Wheelwright who was taken captive by the Abanaki during a period of war in the Maine frontier towns. Treated well by her captors, Esther's intelligence is noted by a French Canadian priest who sponsors her further education in Quebec with the Ursiline sisters. Esther decides to stay with the convent and becomes Mother Superior. Her great-grandfather, meanwhile, is probably still spinning in his grave.

[Bob Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Esther' by Julie Wheelwright - 'the remarkable true story of Esther Wheelwright; Puritan child, Native daughter, Mother Superior. It's quite a fascinating story, very detailed, and jam packed with much that never appeared in those old Canadian History texts from which I taught. The story alone is a remarkable one – you know that old adage that says “you can’t make this stuff up”. The list is long of historical stimuli that impacted Esther’s story – Puritans, Jesuits, Catholics and Protestants, wars of the 1700s, Abenakis Indians, and the list goes on.

[Holli · Rating 3 out of 5]

The critics like this book. I'm sure it's very good but I can't get very far into it. I'm putting it back on the shelf. It's a little to technical maybe. I'll keep it though and try again another time.

[Maighdlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read for me, being both French Canadian and having many ancestors who arrived in Massachusetts in the late 1600s... and possibly some native ancestors. I enjoyed the profound research done behind the book and the various perspectives depending on the individuals background.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read about the author's ancestor. As a lover of geneology I wish I could write a book as well.

[Rosemary]

Didn't finish. A little to dry for me right now.

[Grumpylibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

really enjoyed this one, wish it had continued

[Luci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't care for the writing and as a previous reviewer mentions, "annoying moments", it was fascinating and I learned much. The history was worth the read.