Flight of the Sparrow

A Novel of Early America

By: Amy Belding Brown

Narrated by: Heather Henderson

She suspects that she has changed too much to ever fit easily into English society again. The wilderness has now become her home. She can interpret the cries of birds. She has seen vistas that have stolen away her breath. She has learned to live in a new, free way…

Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1676. Even before Mary Rowlandson was captured by Indians on a winter day of violence and terror, she sometimes found herself in conflict with her rigid Puritan community. Now, her home destroyed, her children lost to her, she has been sold into the service of a powerful woman tribal leader and made a pawn in the ongoing bloody struggle between English settlers and native people. Battling cold, hunger, and exhaustion, Mary witnesses harrowing brutality but also unexpected kindness. To her confused surprise, she is drawn to her captors' open and straightforward way of life - a feeling further complicated by her attraction to a generous, protective English-speaking native known as James Printer. All her life, Mary has been taught to fear God, submit to her husband, and abhor Indians. Now, having lived on the other side of the forest, she begins to question the edicts that have guided her, torn between the life she knew and the wisdom the natives have shown her.

Based on the compelling true narrative of Mary Rowlandson, Flight of the Sparrow is an evocative tale that transports the listener to a little-known time in early America and explores the real meanings of freedom, faith, and acceptance.

©2014 Amy Belding Brown (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

3.5 stars.

pretty interesting history presented. a little stilted. not much closure. little character development outside of Mary.

Highly recommended

So well written, the author captured a perfect combination of the language and cultural nuances of the time. The descriptions allows the reader to picture the events and characterizations perfectly. The narrator provided an excellent presentation.

Flat characters.

There were interesting historical details in this story but the characters were flat and the plot lackluster. There was potential here, it just was not realized.

For younger audiences

This was a good enough read that I stayed with it. The author definitely stretched the (acknowledged) truth about Mary Rowlandson, as there's not a lot of evidence that she preferred Native American life to English, but that made her very likable. I found the love interest a bit too obvious and forced, but I think I'd have bought it more if I were a tween.

Interesting story, but mediocre

The topic and historical setting were interesting. It was just average writing. Felt a little redundant and ended a bit abruptly. But overall, enjoyable.