Mayflower

In elementary school, most Americans learn about the “first Thanksgiving” – a celebration held by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in honor of the Native Americans who aided their survival in unhospitable conditions.  What if I told you that was only half the story? Yes, the settlers received aid and yes, there was in fact a group feast.  But this fairy tale version of events glosses over the European aggression, micro battles between the parties, and the later all-out war that threatened to end them all.  The truth is a decades-long adventure that shaped all future interactions between the parties.

Nathaniel Philbrick’s Mayflower: A story of courage, community, and war investigates what it means to truly have community – is it leadership, a commonality among the citizens, or a common purpose?  Philbrick uses this question to dig into the motives for why the Pilgrims left Europe and ventured to a land unknown when their demise was all but guaranteed.  He also investigates the confusing interactions these early settlers had with the various Native American tribes who may help one day but attack the next.  Using a common thread of the drive for control and power, Philbrick delivers facts you may never have heard in your standard history classes.

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I give Mayflower 4 out of 5 stars.  I learned so much from reading this story about both the backstory for why the Pilgrims left Europe, and about the war that happened after that Hallmark-esq first Thanksgiving we see in advertisements.  I always enjoy Philbrick’s attention to detail and his ability to turn what might be a boring history lesson to some into a compelling narrative that helps you connect to the characters.  However, there were several chapters where I found myself struggling to stay connected and wanting to skip ahead.  With that said, this is definitely a book I’d recommend to someone looking for a book about this subject matter.

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Philbrick’s writing includes some very disturbing details about the brutal war between the parties which may not suit more sensitive readers.  I would recommend this book be directed to readers over the age of 13 given the violence.  However, I think this is a must read for anyone looking to learn more about the history of the early settlements.

I had actually chosen Mayflower as my Thanksgiving read last year, but the book didn’t arrive in time and I had to go a different direction.  I held on to the book till this Thanksgiving because it fits the theme so well!  I always learn so much from Philbrick’s writing and this was no different.  While this isn’t the light sort of read I had last year, I really enjoyed putting the holiday in context and discovering the truth between the glossed over image we have of the events.

From my family to yours – wishing you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!  We are so thankful for you!

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What I’m Reading

• Current print book: Everything is F*cked, Mark Manson
• Current audio book: Countdown to Pearl Harbor, Steve Twomey
• Book I’m most looking forward to: The Woman in Me, Britney Spears