Tolog Review: Mayflower

Mayflower
by Nathaniel Philbrick
reviewed by Claire Ruder, class of 2015

 "Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick, is a historical novel that gives an in-depth look at the life of the newly-settled Pilgrims in the New World. The writing style of the book really separates it from other historical non-fiction novels, because Philbrick doesn't just give data and details about events, he connects these historical events to personal primary documents like letters and diaries to give the reader an image of the relationships between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims, as well as the personal motives and insights to the reactions of both sides. The Native Americans and Pilgrims have a very tumultuous and untrusting relationship from the start, filled with misunderstandings from both ends of their rivalry. They lead to many conflicts and even some alliances, as the Pilgrims struggle to maintain a foot-hold in the New World.
I found the novel to be very engaging, especially during the battle descriptions. Philbrick found a way to explain these wars and skirmishes strategically while still implicating the emotions of both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans and evoking suspense within the reader. I was also pleased by the neutrality of "Mayflower". It is often assumed that historical accounts are told with out bias, but there is always more than one perspective, and that of the Native Americans has often been left out in a lot of retellings of the settling of the New World. The Pilgrims are portrayed as manipulative, violent, and even cruel at times, giving the reader of this book a very naked look into life as a settler during the 17th century. Overall, "Mayflower" is a very informative and enjoyable read, giving its audience seldom-known details and new perspectives to a commonly told chapter in the history of America. This book would appeal to those who enjoy history and books like "The Diary of Anne Frank".