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The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from Early America

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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John Putnam Demos

The Unredeemed Captive

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

315

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Colonial America • 1700s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

1030L

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Super Short Summary

The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from Early America by John Putnam Demos narrates the story of the 1704 Mohawk raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts, capturing 112 residents, including seven-year-old Eunice Williams. Abducted by Mohawk warriors, Eunice assimilates into Kahnawake culture, forgetting English, marrying a Mohawk man, and refusing to return to Puritan life, despite her family's efforts. The book highlights themes of multiculturalism and colonial influence in early America, using primary sources to explore the intersecting histories of Native American, French, Canadian, and British peoples. The narrative deals with sensitive topics such as violent conflict, cultural assimilation, and familial separation.

Mysterious

Dark

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.9

1,849 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Putnam Demos' The Unredeemed Captive is praised for its detailed historical research and compelling narrative about cultural encounters in colonial America. Critics appreciate its vivid storytelling and empathy for its subjects, though some find it dense and occasionally meandering. Overall, it's acclaimed for bringing history to life through personal stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Unredeemed Captive?

Readers who enjoy meticulously researched historical narratives with a focus on early American history and cross-cultural relations will appreciate The Unredeemed Captive by John Putnam Demos. Fans of James Axtell’s The Invasion Within and Nathaniel Philbrick's Mayflower will find this book particularly engaging.

3.9

1,849 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

Eunice Williams

Daughter of Reverend John Williams, she is captured during the Deerfield massacre and integrates into Kahnawake life, adopting new cultural identities. Her life reflects the intersection of colonial and Native American cultures.

A Puritan minister in Deerfield and father to Eunice, who spends years attempting to recover his daughter after being taken. His life is marked by captivity following a raid on Deerfield, and his dedication to his daughter's return.

They are diverse tribes in colonial New England, with the Kahnawake being prominent in Eunice Williams' life. Their customs and society are explored to understand her changed life perspectives.

They hold significant power in Canada and are allied with Native Americans against British settlers. Figures such as the governor Marquis de Vaudreuil and captain Jean Baptiste Guyon play roles in the narrative.

Puritan settlers in search of religious freedom, with figures like Cotton Mather playing notable parts. Their ongoing conflict with the French frames the broader historical context of the story.

Book Details
Pages

315

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Colonial America • 1700s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

1030L

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