Calico Captive

When Indians raid the Charlestown, New Hampshire, home of Miriam Willard one morning in 1754, Miriam and her family are taken as captives on the start of a frightening journey. Miriam goes from the Indian village to life as a prisoner of war in Montreal, where she gains a better understanding of a culture she has been taught to hate. Speare's work is as relevant for teens today as it was over forty years ago. The language is slightly more sedate than in more recent titles, but Barbara Caruso's narration manages to communicate Miriam's changing emotions and opinions, as well as the different social spheres of Miriam's French masters and friends. E.J.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine


Speare re-creates an incident from the French and Indian War. Miriam and her family are captured by Indians and eventually land in Montreal. During this harrowing experience, there are also moments of friendship, peace, and luxury as Miriam encounters a wealthy Canadian family. The constant shifts of locale and situation present narrator Hérbert with an excellent showcase for her range of talents. She dramatically presents many accents (her French is great) and the very different family members, as well as the various reactions to their shared fate. Indian and French words are introduced as the story unfolds. But the very best part is the realistic, almost insider's, view of early American war, class structure, and prejudice. S.G.B. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine