LibGuides: Islington Branch Book Club: "Caleb's Crossing" by Geraldine Brooks

About the Author: Geraldine Brooks

Geraldine Brooks is an Australian-American author and journalist known for her works of fiction that often explore historical and cultural themes. Here is a brief biography of Geraldine Brooks:

Early Life:

Geraldine Brooks was born on September 14, 1955, in Sydney, Australia.

Journalistic Career:

Brooks began her career in journalism and worked as a reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. She later became a foreign correspondent for The Wall Street Journal.
As a journalist, she covered a wide range of topics, including conflicts in the Middle East.

Writing Career:

Geraldine Brooks transitioned from journalism to fiction writing. Her debut novel, "Year of Wonders" (2001), is set during the time of the bubonic plague in England.
She gained widespread acclaim and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her second novel, "March" (2005). The novel is a reimagining of the father's experiences in Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women."
"People of the Book" (2008) explores the journey of a rare illuminated manuscript, the Sarajevo Haggadah, through various historical periods.
Other notable works by Brooks include "Caleb's Crossing" (2011) and "The Secret Chord" (2015).

Awards and Recognition:

Geraldine Brooks has received several awards and honors for her contributions to literature, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for "March."
Her novels have been praised for their historical accuracy, compelling storytelling, and exploration of complex themes.

Dual Citizenship:

Brooks is both an Australian and American citizen. She became a U.S. citizen in 2002.

Personal Life:

Geraldine Brooks is married to author Tony Horwitz, who was also a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. Tony Horwitz passed away in 2019.
The couple lived in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Geraldine Brooks is known for her ability to blend historical research with imaginative storytelling, creating novels that resonate with readers interested in history, culture, and the human experience. Her works often delve into the lives of ordinary people during extraordinary historical moments, offering unique perspectives on well-known events.

Synopsis

Bethia Mayfield is a restless and curious young woman growing up in Martha's vineyard in the 1660s amid a small band of pioneering English Puritans. At age twelve, she meets Caleb, the young son of a chieftain, and the two forge a secret bond that draws each into the alien world of the other. Bethia's father is a Calvinist minister who seeks to convert the native Wampanoag, and Caleb becomes a prize in the contest between old ways and new, eventually becoming the first Native American graduate of Harvard College. Inspired by a true story and narrated by the irresistible Bethia, Caleb’s Crossing brilliantly captures the triumphs and turmoil of two brave, openhearted spirits who risk everything in a search for knowledge at a time of superstition and ignorance.

Discussion Questions

Historical Context:
- How does Geraldine Brooks portray the historical setting of Martha's Vineyard and colonial America in the 17th century? What aspects of the time period are highlighted in the novel, and how do they influence the characters and events?
Cultural Clash and Identity:
- Discuss the clash of cultures depicted in the novel, particularly between the Wampanoag people and the English settlers. How do characters like Bethia and Caleb navigate their dual identities as they straddle two very different worlds?
Character Development:
- Analyze the character arcs of Bethia, Caleb, and other key characters in the novel. How do they evolve throughout the story, and what motivates their growth and change?
Faith and Religion:
- Explore the role of faith and religion in "Caleb's Crossing." How do characters grapple with their beliefs in the face of adversity, cultural differences, and personal challenges?
Education and Knowledge:
- Discuss the theme of education and the pursuit of knowledge in the novel. How do characters like Bethia and Caleb strive for intellectual growth and academic success despite societal and cultural barriers?
Gender Roles and Expectations:
- Reflect on the gender roles and expectations depicted in the novel, particularly in colonial America. How do characters like Bethia challenge or conform to these expectations, and what impact do they have on their lives?
Friendship and Connection:
- Examine the friendships and connections formed between characters from different backgrounds. How do these relationships shape their understanding of themselves and the world around them?
Narrative Structure and Style:
- Reflect on Brooks' narrative structure and writing style. How does she use language, imagery, and storytelling techniques to immerse readers in the world of Martha's Vineyard and bring the characters to life?
Historical Accuracy vs. Fictionalization:
- Consider the balance between historical accuracy and fictionalization in "Caleb's Crossing." How does Brooks incorporate real historical figures and events into the narrative while also weaving in her own imaginative storytelling?
Themes of Resilience and Perseverance:
- Discuss the themes of resilience and perseverance in the novel. How do characters overcome challenges and adversity, and what lessons can be drawn from their experiences?
The Legacy of Caleb's Crossing:
- Reflect on the significance of Caleb's crossing, both literally and metaphorically, in the novel. How does it symbolize the crossing of boundaries, cultures, and knowledge?
Relevance to Contemporary Issues:
- Consider the relevance of the themes and issues explored in "Caleb's Crossing" to contemporary society. How do topics such as cultural diversity, education, and the pursuit of knowledge resonate with current events and societal debates?

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