They Came for Freedom: The Forgotten, Epic Adventure of the Pilgrims

by Jay Milbrandt

A page-turning story of the Pilgrims, the courageous band of freedom-seekers who set out for a new life for themselves and forever changed the course of history. Once a year at Thanksgiving, we encounter Pilgrims as folksy people in funny hats before promptly forgetting them. In the centuries since America began, the Pilgrims have been relegated to folklore and children’s stories, fairy-tale mascots for holiday parties and greeting cards. The true story of the Pilgrim Fathers could not be more different. Beginning with the execution of two pastors deviating from the Elizabethan Church of England, the Pilgrims’ great journey was one of courageous faith, daring escape, and tenuous survival. Theirs is the story of refugees who fled intense religious persecution; of dreamers who voyaged the Atlantic and into the unknown when all other attempts had led to near-certain death; of survivors who struggled with newfound freedom. Loneliness led to starvation, tension gave way to war with natives, and suspicion broke the back of the very freedom they endeavored to achieve. Despite the pain and turmoil of this high stakes triumph, the Pilgrim Fathers built the cornerstone for a nation dedicated to faith, freedom, and thankfulness. This is the epic story of the Pilgrims, an adventure that laid the bedrock for the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and the American identity.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Historical, Biography, Audiobook, 17th Century

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

Jay Milbrandt is an attorney and serves as the Director of the Global Justice Program and Associate Director of the Nootbaar Institute for Law, Religion, and Ethics at Pepperdine University School of Law. Jay travels regularly throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America as a human rights lawyer. He manages global initiatives in Africa and South East Asia. He speaks frequently about his work. Jay is the author of numerous articles on legal and global topics and has written for numerous publications.

Reviews

[Always Pouting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one of those books I requested for some reason on NetGalley like 100 years ago. I actually learnt (learned?) quite a lot from this probably because I didn't have that much prior knowledge about the colonial era. The Spanish being particularly evil I remember and that was in there as well. The book narrowly talks about the Pilgrims but I did enjoy learning more about the natives who were already living in the New England area. I guess usually when I pick up history books I'm not looking for something narrow since I don't know as much about history. 3.5 stars for this one. Also side note I didn't know Thanksgiving came out of the post-civil war period; there's something about that that just felt pretty interesting.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts with two men who become good friends, Barrow & Greenwood, and “had become well-known revolutionaries challenging English institutions.” This part has way too much dialogue, making me question if this is history book or historical fiction.

The book continues with different people challenging religious institutions in Europe, creating a picture of upheaval leading to pilgrim migration to the New World.

Then it goes through their journey on Mayflower and encounter with the Indians.

There is nothing unique or grasping about this story, which we all already know. For me this is not an interesting read.

@FB: Best Historical Fiction

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milbrandt’s book provides tremendous fresh insight into the history that brought English Separatists and Strangers commonly known as Pilgrims, to America. I knew that Separatists came to America for freedom of religion, however I did not know that at the time England strictly forbid Christian religion that did not fully align with the Bible version of King James.

Today, American history including that of the Pilgrim’s is often scrutinized and subject to new interpretation and facts. In 2020 America celebrated the 400th Anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower. There is debate over the origin of our Thanksgiving Day holiday. Many historians attribute the first Thanksgiving to 1621, while others call the festivity a myth. Milbrandt has facts supporting a date of 1623, although it would not become a continuous national holiday for a couple centuries. I trust his facts.

The book was fast paced and addressed several questions I had.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the enduring founding myths of the United States is the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving, and like all myths it was based on true events that were warped as time passed. They Came for Freedom by Jay Milbrandt explores how and why the Pilgrims came to the shores of Cape Cod as well on how they survived when other settlements failed.

The arrest and trial of one Henry Barrow, who defied the Anglican Church’s version of Christianity and maybe the authority of Queen Elizabeth by his dissent, the story of the Separatists who would eventually become the Pilgrims begins. Milbrandt followed the Pilgrims narrative through London, a small village in Nottinghamshire, to the Netherlands, and then across the Atlantic to Cape Cod. But alternating with that of the Pilgrims was the biography of Squanto, whose own life and adventures before the landing of the Mayflower led to him being a pivotal individual for the success of New Plymouth. Once the Pilgrims had landed, Milbrandt merged the two narratives together in a very readable detailed history that went up until the fall of 1623. Although Milbrandt continued his history until 1646, the last 20 years was just a glimpse of tidbits of historical importance.

At around 225 pages of text, Milbrandt’s efforts are particularly good considering that his primary sources were few and even those were slanted to give the colony of Plymouth a good impression. Although several historical inaccuracies did appear, they were mostly naming conventions and not detrimental to the overall book.

While short, They Came for Freedom is a good general history that gives the reader a sense of the real events that later became mythologized in American culture and folklore. Overall it’s a nice, readable book about a topic most American know little able.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. A very interesting book that describes the trials and tribulations of the first settlers of America. Their determination and courage in the face of famine, weather, and lack of supplies, shows their resolve to live free to follow their beliefs.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable, poignant, and heart-warming account of the Pilgrims. Enlightening backstory given for the Separatists and Squanto. I appreciated that the author unequivocally highlighted the Separatists' motives of faith and freedom. He does a good job quoting Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation." A nice beginning for me in my study of my Mayflower ancestors. Bonus: a robust bibliography, spanning works from several centuries. Thanks to digitized book sources like google books and internet archive, I will be adding some of those 19th and early 20th century accounts to my reading list.

[Glen Stott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a detailed history of the settlement of the Pilgrims in Plymouth Massachusetts in 1620. They called themselves Congregationalists, but others called them Separatists. The history goes back to the creation of the Separatists in 1558. The struggles and persecution members experienced at the hands of King James and his government are discussed in great detail. In the early 1600s the persecution becomes unbearable. They are not wanted in England, but England will not allow them to leave. The choice is submit to the Church of England or die. On their second attempt to escape, they finally reach Holland where religious freedom is allowed in 1609. For ten years they live reasonably well, but outside pressures are being placed on Holland to be more repressive and the children of the Separatists are being tempted to leave their religion and merge with the culture of Holland. In 1919 they begin making preparations to go to the new world. At that time the only English colony was James Town which was settled in 1607.
Milbrandt provides basic information and history of James Town and the Indian named Squanto, who will play an important role with the Pilgrims. Before settlers started in North America, there were many encounters between the Native Americans and English traders, fishermen, and explorers. Squanto was kidnapped as a young man and taken to England in 1606. He learned English and the English culture. He made several trips to North America serving as guide, translator, and intermediary. He was captured from the English by Spaniards and spent several years in Spanish prisons before the English could negotiate his release. Spanish sailors would often capture Native Americans to take them to Europe to sell them as slaves. Squanto helped The English negotiate with Native Americans who didn’t trust visitors because their people were being kidnapped and taken away.
The trials and tribulations the Pilgrims experienced were things I was pretty well aware of, but Milbrandt provided details and color I hadn’t been exposed to. The name Pocahontas does not appear in this book at all – not even an explanation for why. Squanto is the Indian who helped the Pilgrims settle by teaching them how to plant crops, gather food, and helped them negotiate with the various tribes in the area.
The story of the Plymouth colony is carried to 1644. During the intervening years colony grew and prospered then fell on hard times. After several episodes of waxing and waning the colony was in dire straits. It was suffering from a propensity of the young people to leave to find better opportunities in larger towns, such as Boston. The church felt it needed to move further away from temptation. The area they selected turned out to be unfavorable and the church pretty much fell apart.

Started:2018.12.05 - finished: 2018.12.13

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book



A page-turning story of the Pilgrims, the courageous band of freedom-seekers who set out for a new life for themselves and forever changed the course of history.

Once a year at Thanksgiving, we encounter Pilgrims as folksy people in funny hats before promptly forgetting them. In the centuries since America began, the Pilgrims have been relegated to folklore and children’s stories, fairy-tale mascots for holiday parties and greeting cards.

The true story of the Pilgrim Fathers could not be more different. Beginning with the execution of two pastors deviating from the Elizabethan Church of England, the Pilgrims’ great journey was one of courageous faith, daring escape, and tenuous survival. Theirs is the story of refugees who fled intense religious persecution; of dreamers who voyaged the Atlantic and into the unknown when all other attempts had led to near-certain death; of survivors who struggled with newfound freedom. Loneliness led to starvation, tension gave way to war with natives, and suspicion broke the back of the very freedom they endeavored to achieve.

Despite the pain and turmoil of this high stakes triumph, the Pilgrim Fathers built the cornerstone for a nation dedicated to faith, freedom, and thankfulness. This is the epic story of the Pilgrims, an adventure that laid the bedrock for the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and the American identity.







My Review


I've been looking forward to reading Jay Milbrandt's They Came for Freedom since I found out about it months ago. I've always enjoyed historical non-fiction and especially pieces about the colonial pilgrims. Some of these pilgrims who came here from England for mostly religious freedom are my own ancestors. The true and real story about these men, women and children is remarkable. And they were only successful with the help of God. A great documentary on these early settlers is Monumental: In Search of America's National Treasure. It is fantastic and one of the historians featured in the documentary is so passionate about what she is talking about that she brings the pilgrims story to life. Jay has done the same with the written word. They Came for Freedom is a must read in the Non-Fiction genre.

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

They Came For Freedom by Jay Milbrandt is essentially the story of the Pilgrims. The story is nonfiction with some dialogue woven throughout. The story begins long before the Pilgrims come to the New World. The author argues that we, as Americans, have very little knowledge of the story of the Pilgrims and what they endured. He starts with the execution of Barrow and Greenwood, two Separatists who refused to be a part of Queen Elizabeth’s Church of England. The author then chronicles their dangerous journey to find freedom.

The author calls this book The Forgotten, Epic Adventure of the Pilgrims. His argument that America does not know the true history of the Pilgrims could be true. I am familiar with this history. My degree is in European history and religious studies. The author does know his history, the book is well-researched. I just wish that it would provide information that is not already out there. When reading a historical nonfiction about an event I grew up learning, I want it to be raw and riveting. This book is just retelling the story we already know. However, I really do appreciate the author’s passion for history. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

[Stacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book about the Pilgrims, their pre-Mayflower life through their first five or so years in America. It was fascinating to learn more about this group of people - their struggles, their survival, and their faith!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really highlights the Pilgrams plight. It was beautifully written and something I'll likely read again.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too much detail for me...I kinda plodded through it.

[Fred Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good with enlightening accounts of difficulty experienced by the Pilgrims.

[Dkovlak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a relatively short book but it does a very good job of explaining what the original founders of this country had to confront.

Many of these people came from England to settle America.

This book stared in the late 1500s and discusses the persecution of Christians in England. Most Christians wanted to leave England to worship freely. Thus, they came to America.

It took several months to come to America in boats. Once they got here, it was very dangerous. There was a scarcity of food and in many cases they were in danger from the Native Americans.

This book goes up through the mid 1600s and includes the story of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing look at the characters and circumstances that lead to that iconic period of history. I learn so much that I had never heard of before! Squanto's story was absolutely fascinating. I really enjoyed learning about the political dynamics of the surrounding tribes. What I learned about Standish, bradford and Massisout was very interesting. I cary from this book a reminder of how each gerneration is responsible for upholding and protecting the freedoms that those before us have fought and died for.

[Yvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once a year at Thanksgiving, we encounter Pilgrims as folksy people in funny hats before promptly forgetting them. In the centuries since America began, the Pilgrims have been relegated to folklore and children’s stories, fairy-tale mascots for holiday parties and greeting cards. The true story of the Pilgrim Fathers could not be more different. Beginning with the execution of two pastors deviating from the Elizabethan Church of England, the Pilgrims’ great journey was one of courageous faith, daring escape, and tenuous survival. Theirs is the story of refugees who fled intense religious persecution; of dreamers who voyaged the Atlantic and into the unknown when all other attempts had led to near-certain death; of survivors who struggled with newfound freedom. Loneliness led to starvation, tension gave way to war with natives, and suspicion broke the back of the very freedom they endeavored to achieve. Despite the pain and turmoil of this high stakes triumph, the Pilgrim Fathers built the cornerstone for a nation dedicated to faith, freedom, and thankfulness. This is the epic story of the Pilgrims, an adventure that laid the bedrock for the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and the American identity.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and I daresay that many of us are still stuffed and planning to eat leftovers for a few days. But do we really remember what Thanksgiving is about? This book focuses on "the forgotten, epic adventure of the Pilgrims." It follows them from persecution in Europe all the way over to the New World, in a time where freedom to worship was not a given. While the book contains a lot of historical facts and information, it isn't a textbook - it's actually written in a way that flows nicely and is easy to read. There is a lot of information that I never learned in school and had here-to-for not heard. The appendix includes a timeline, a list of the Mayflower's passengers, the Mayflower Compact, and a bibliography for further reading. As you're finishing that third slice of pumpkin pie, think back to the original Thanksgiving...it was a celebration of a miracle.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reading copy of this book, for free, through Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for my honest review.

In recent years, many books have been written which aim to debunk the story of the first Thanksgiving as it was taught to us in school. Jay Milbrandt’s They Came for Freedom: The Forgotten, Epic Adventure of the Pilgrims is the latest work to describe, warts and all, the true story of the Pilgrims’ journey to, and experiences in, the New World.

They Came for Freedom covers a lot of ground, much of which has already been covered in other books on the subject. What sets Milbrandt’s book apart from the others is his decision to focus on the “backstory” leading up to the Pilgrims’ journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The book begins 34 years prior to the Mayflower setting sail for the New World. The religious persecution endured by the Pilgrims, which eventually drove them out of their homeland, is extensively detailed.

The actual story of the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic was somewhat glossed over. Although a passenger list is provided in the appendix, Milbrandt’s narrative tended to focus primarily on the key figures whom we all remember from grade school: Bradford, Standish, Brewster, and Winslow. More detail was given to the Pilgrims’ experience upon arriving in the New World, and their relationship with the Natives, in particular Squanto and Massasoit.

Milbrandt’s style more resembled a novel, than a history book. The story moved along and was told in an accessible manner. Anyone interested in the plight of the Pilgrims, or the true history behind the Thanksgiving holiday would enjoy this book.

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very easy to read, almost as if it was fiction. Not that it is, but it has that same easy to follow narrative feel. There aren’t many quoted documents, letters or journals. Instead, Milbrandt tells us the story in his own words. The Prologue and the Epilogue are the most highly fictionalized sections.
I’d say it is a secular history. God, prayer, and Bible reading are mentioned, and so are religious disputes, but there really isn’t any religious discussion. You will learn that the Pilgrims didn’t agree with the Church of England, but you won’t learn what they believed in any detail. There are times he comes across as slightly mocking of their faith.
It’s really the story of the most influential figures in the Pilgrim story. He starts with the martyrdom of two Separatists and then follows Scrooby congregation, specifically William Bradford, as they flee to Holland, and eventually to the New World. Woven carefully into that story is Squanto’s story with all of its betrayal and misery. It doesn’t stop with the ‘first Thanksgiving’but follows them all the way to the near abandonment of the settlement they gave so much to found. He doesn't just showcase their good side. He shows the bickering, greed, fear, and treachery they dealt with even in their own congregation.
It was interesting and covered a lot of historical detail very quickly. I enjoyed it. If you are looking for an introduction to the founding of America this would be a very good book.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. No favorable review was required. These are my honest opinions.

[Beata Dobrogoszcz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for a fair review.

I think this is one of these books written the way that you know you are reading about the old story but you still want know what happened next.
Written in an easy way the story about religious differences, looking for freedom and incredible courage to be ready to go the end of the world to find better life. Only this life was not better at the beginning. It was extremely harsh and the world was not so welcoming. How much determination you need to have to survive and believe in the better future? This is the beginning of America.
We learn in a quick way about the Separatists and Puritans, that the Pilgrims didn’t create Thanksgiving, that The Mayflower arrivals were not the first, that the first newcomers were far from the perfect with bad habits and convictions. The story is not fairy tale. It is a fair report following each events of what happened. But you are reading is a very good novel.
Of someone is interested in a history of America it is great addition to your collection of books you should read. The author made a very detailed research. The appendix includes: a bibliography, The Mayflower Compact, The List of Mayflower Passengers and a timeline of events.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written like a story of the settlers of New Plymouth. The author did a good job of researching the history and writing a comprehensive story of what can be pieced together.

A copy of the Mayflower compact is included and how it came to be. That people would pledge to govern themselves for the good of the community was not customary or expected among a group of people that came to the new world with different ideologies.

p 220: "'We [hope] that you may see the worth of these things and not negligently loose [sic] what your fathers have obtained with so much hardship,' Bradford responded. '[M]aintain these privileges which not man, but the Lord Jesus, the King of the Church, has purchased for you. You see how when they were lost in the former ages, both what evil and misery followed thereupon, and how long and with what difficulty it was, before they could in any purity be recovered again.'
As I read history, a common theme comes up that each generation thinks society is going downhill and they want to preserve the things of truth for future generations. Oddly this is comforting as I have considered the same thing.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Came for Freedom

The Forgotten, Epic Adventure of the Pilgrims

by Jay Milbrandt

Thomas Nelson

History , Nonfiction (Adult)

Pub Date 03 Oct 2017

I am reviewing a copy of They Came For Freedom and Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:

They came because of religious persecution, and economic oppression to what they saw as an untamed land.

In a short period of time many of those who came on the Mayflower succumbed to starvation and sickness.

The story of the Pilgrims is not what we have learned though, it begins with the execution of two pastors who dared to deviate from the Elizabethan Church of England, the Pilgrims story is one of courageous faith and tenuous survival. It is a story of refugees and dreamers who voyaged to the unknown and faced disease, starvation and death.

The Pilgrim Fathers were brave and despite great loss, they build the cornerstone for our nation.

I give They Came For Freedom five out of five stars!

Happy Reading

[Linda Helfrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I learned so much more about the climate in England re: religion as regulated by law by various monarchs. The freedom which we have to worship was earned with a very high price beginning in the 1600s.
There was information about many ships who were sailed by various countries. The French and Spanish enslaved Indians, and Englishmen when they conquered ships on the Atlantic seaboard and islands. Then later, the accounts of various ships carrying families setting out to build settlements, learning to farm, defend themselves, and live and set up a set of agreements or laws thus separating church and state in America.
Jay Milbrant wrote in a very interesting and engaging fashion so that I was continuously learning and checking out the "Notes" section in the back. I highly recommend that anyone who wants to understand how we began in the America's, and religious freedom and it's cost should read this book.

[Marc Axelrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

This was a very good book about how the pilgrims left England to pursue the right to worship God according to their consciences.You learn about the great sacrifices the separatists made to be able to worship God according to their interpretation of Scripture rather than what the Anglican church said. You learn about the great loss of life in the hostility between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. Squanto was presented as a tragic person kind of caught in the middle. It’s very difficult to read this book without realizing that our ancestors came here as immigrants, and while some of the natives were distrusting of the pilgrims, others like Massasoit were very open to negotiation and friendship.

Very well done. Not quite as comprehensive as Nathaniel Philbrick’s book on the Mayflower, but it was just as good of a read.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed.

Milbrandt does an excellent job of giving his readers a plethora of interesting information without getting lost in the weeds or losing pace. I found the background leading up to the pilgrims departure especially interesting.

If you want an engaging overview of the motive & struggles of the Mayflower voyagers, They Came For Freedom, is definitely a great place to start.

Learned:
1) 17th century Church of England was tyrannical in its attempt to control & maintain power over the population, Biblically bankrupt & governed by politics.

2) Puritans sought to cleanse the Church of England. Separatist (pilgrims) believed the Church of England should be done away with altogether.

3) The Mayflower compact (John Carver) was revolutionary in its time. The precepts of government by the consent of the people. No king, pope or state church.

4) The Plymouth “communal” concept (everyone working for the whole, no private property) was forsaken after two arduous years. A more open market system where each family worked their own land for the benefit of their own families was adopted. The results were immediate & beneficial with productivity enhanced markedly.

5) The Plymouth founders active faith & biblical literacy formed every aspect of their lives. The presence & activity of God was consistently recognized & trusted.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The foundation for a movement was formed when separatists denounced the structure and tradition of the Church of England. This story provides a view of the persecution that was endured and the reasons behind the journey.

We know that during the voyage, to the New World, ships suffered from navigational struggle and naval loss. And even though the Pilgrims were dedicated to the idea of freedom, they struggled with it, and New Plymouth declined.

Thus our national day of Thanks was built on the purpose of healing wounds and making our nation tranquil.

Honestly, I have been re-reading this read for awhile as it is heavy in dialogue and details. It's a historical read, made better by the list of Mayflower passengers, Authors note and Prologue.

Reviewed for Net Galley

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was concerned that this would be a dull textbook-style book. I'm happy to report that it was anything but dull. It was a fun read. I originally was interested because I thought it might have some information about my ancestors. It had some information that I hadn't found out previously but not as much information as I had hoped. On the flip side, it turns out that the author and I share an 8th great grandfather in Mr. Edward Doty, who signed the Mayflower Compact. He was a servant, most likely indentured, to a Mr. Stephen Hopkins. He managed to survive and thrive, happily for his descendants. This had a lot of great information, some myth busting information too.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is one that you will not want to put down. It is interesting to learn how a group of people placed their faith in God and gave thanks to God for His blessings and protection. They came to worship God freely instead of having to follow a church hierarchy and a King. Government should not control the church. Read about their hardships and how they did not give up but worked together and remained faithful. They built relationships with the native Americans and learn about the difficulties. Recommend for anyone that is interested in American history and religion and God moving in the world.

[Johnvano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful, very readable. Puts down the essential events that lead the first England Separatists and Strangers to travel by the Mayflower to the New World. Though their destination was Virginia, they settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. What they endured is no less than remarkable. The details of their interactions with the Native Americans, Squanto, and other Englanders is put down, including the first Thanksgiving. Serves its purpose of well organizing the activities and sorting fact from legend.

[Jean Mehochko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise, I liked this book. I learned so much and so much is different from what we were taught in school. The history of the Pilgrims BEFORE they came to "New Plymouth," their struggles and near-demise in the first four years of their colony. Most surprising was learning more detail about Squanto, the Native American who was captured and held prisoner by the British, the Spanish, and even the Pilgrims at one point! His story alone was very interesting.

So, I recommend this book; it's a fairly easy and short read. You'll learn something.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical book about the Pilgrims. The book goes into why the Separatists left England and then Holland to make the journey to the “New World.” It also goes into Squanto’s life and touches on the native tribes along the coast, which I found very interesting. I was very impressed with Bradford and the pilgrims’ peaceful, trustful and persevering spirits. So many of them died. But they were able to develop friendships with the natives like very few Europeans did. “‘Thanksgiving’ in the spirit of the Pilgrims became a common tradition throughout New England.”