Flight of the Sparrow

A Novel of Early America

By: Amy Belding Brown

Narrated by: Heather Henderson

She suspects that she has changed too much to ever fit easily into English society again. The wilderness has now become her home. She can interpret the cries of birds. She has seen vistas that have stolen away her breath. She has learned to live in a new, free way…

Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1676. Even before Mary Rowlandson was captured by Indians on a winter day of violence and terror, she sometimes found herself in conflict with her rigid Puritan community. Now, her home destroyed, her children lost to her, she has been sold into the service of a powerful woman tribal leader and made a pawn in the ongoing bloody struggle between English settlers and native people. Battling cold, hunger, and exhaustion, Mary witnesses harrowing brutality but also unexpected kindness. To her confused surprise, she is drawn to her captors' open and straightforward way of life - a feeling further complicated by her attraction to a generous, protective English-speaking native known as James Printer. All her life, Mary has been taught to fear God, submit to her husband, and abhor Indians. Now, having lived on the other side of the forest, she begins to question the edicts that have guided her, torn between the life she knew and the wisdom the natives have shown her.

Based on the compelling true narrative of Mary Rowlandson, Flight of the Sparrow is an evocative tale that transports the listener to a little-known time in early America and explores the real meanings of freedom, faith, and acceptance.

©2014 Amy Belding Brown (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Flat characters.

There were interesting historical details in this story but the characters were flat and the plot lackluster. There was potential here, it just was not realized.

Highly recommended

So well written, the author captured a perfect combination of the language and cultural nuances of the time. The descriptions allows the reader to picture the events and characterizations perfectly. The narrator provided an excellent presentation.

3.5 stars.

pretty interesting history presented. a little stilted. not much closure. little character development outside of Mary.

For younger audiences

This was a good enough read that I stayed with it. The author definitely stretched the (acknowledged) truth about Mary Rowlandson, as there's not a lot of evidence that she preferred Native American life to English, but that made her very likable. I found the love interest a bit too obvious and forced, but I think I'd have bought it more if I were a tween.

Intriguing Story

I love how the main character was ok with slavery or what is the law of the Bible. She changed her tune when captured my the Indians. She herself was made a slave and treated poorly. Life as she knew was gone and it took time to understand about the people and the love and sharing that was her captures lives. She learned language and traditions and became a better person for it. I read this book and then listen to it. It is quite well written and captures the time well.

Excellent read

I found this through the Plus Catalog and decided to give it a try. Excellent book and very good narrator! I went and looked up Mary Rowlandson to find out more. I am very glad that I chose to listen to this book.

It started slow but I ended up really enjoying it

It took me a bit to get into this but I'm glad I finished it

interesting ties

The story comes full circle when James has to print the book that has been edited out of true form.
I have read true cases where children and women were kidnapped by the indians and wanted to go back. I still do not understand why someone that could be so brutal and harsh to a community and someone wanting to stay with the Indians afterwards

Thank you Audible for this wonderful story

I work night audit at a small hotel and frequently go through my entire shift without seeing or speaking to another human being. Thank you Audible for helping me discover the joy of having a story read to me as I work through my shift.
I have always been fascinated with stories revolving around Native Americans. Having lived on a reservation as a child, I was blessed to have people of that tribe take me in as one of their own. Most stories are about Native Americans set in the 19th century. This is the first book I have read about early English settlers and their preconceptions of Native Americans that have unfortunately been passed down through the centuries.
This book was so good, that I was sorry to see it come to an end. It had it all; great story, believable characters, abs very we read. I strongly encourage you to read it.

Why I recommend this book.

it's clever the way this story gives you perspective on the issues. I love seeing the way Mary evolves.