Memphis Reads Archive

Maya Berry reviews MAYFLOWER: A STORY OF COMMUNITY, COURAGE, AND WAR by Nathaniel Philbrick (Viking, 2006):

In some instances, the truth surrounding historical events has been entwined with myths to make the event more comfortable or interesting for present generations. While the First Thanksgiving was a true historical event, the harsh realities facing both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans and their future relationship are never really discussed.

Philbrick's book brings to life the people that shaped the course of America and the events that took place before, during, and after the Mayflower landed in Plymouth. Some of the events he describes are, quite frankly, amazing and make you wonder how the Pilgrims were able to survive when the odds were so clearly stacked against them. Some of the events he describes are terrifying and heartbreaking, such as King Phillip's War.

To the best of my knowledge, Philbrick is not providing any groundbreaking scholarship on this subject, but this is not your average history book. This is a very readable, extremely interesting account of the voyage of the Mayflower and its effects upon America. If you like drama and history, you will find it in this book.

Read part of the first chapter of this book.


Maya Berry, Parkway Village Branch Library