Beside the Long River
Buy the Book:Black Rose Writing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Abe Books
Mysterious Galaxy
Published by: Black Rose Writing
Release Date: January 6, 2022
Pages: 185
ISBN13: 978-1684338559
Synopsis
When the 1636 Pequot War in southeast Connecticut resulted in the killing of six hundred natives, English colonists justified the massacre by the belief they were destined by God to expand their dominion across North America. Few settlers objected, but teenager Sarah Lyman felt a call to action, no matter the cost to herself or her Puritan reputation. Based on actual events, Beside the Long River follows Sarah from England, across the Atlantic to Massachusetts Bay Colony, and into the forests to Connecticut. In Hartford Sarah befriends two Pequot Indians whose camp is near the English settlement. When the governor declares war against the Pequot, Sarah disguises herself as a boy to join the soldiers marching to Missituck—to try and stop them.
Watch the Trailer
Praise
"This book is a fun, stirring adventure..."
–Seattle Book Review
"Beside the Long River is an important story for young readers. Bryant's descriptions of Puritan culture, early Boston, the colonization of Connecticut, and the demise of the Pequot Indians are riveting."
–Sally Baldwin, author of the blog, Best Dogs in the Universe
"You will feel and smell and taste the world Bryant created."
–J.C. Richardson
Excerpt
“Looks like we caught two scavengers,” Benjamin said. “Maybe we should let them be—they’ll do each other in and save us a musket ball.”
“Are they wolves?” I said.
“Sarah!” Richard yelled. “Get back! I told you—” Richard tried to grab me but I twisted out of his reach.
In the pit’s shadows I saw that fur covered only one creature. Without doubt, the other was a man.
The wolf turned in circles, its wiry fur brushing the man’s legs—but its teeth were not bared. It was not even threatening to attack the man.
“It’s an Indian,” Ben said. “Why in the name of all that’s holy aren’t they trying to kill each other?”
The man looked up at us. “Mogkeyóaas,” it sounded like he said.
“What does he mean?” Richard said.
“Mogkeyóaas,” the man said again. “Great spirit.” He pointed at the wolf.
The native spoke some English. How much did he understand, I wondered?
“Bah,” Ben said. “Great spirit that robs our dinner.”
“A wolf and an Indian are one and the same,” Richard said. “I ought to shoot them both.”
Ben laughed. He thought Richard was joking, but I knew my brother better. Richard was right about one thing, at least. The wolf, the native, and the settlers of Boston—all were the same in my eyes. Is that what grace meant—compassion for all things?
“Let them go,” I said.
The laughter stopped. Richard glared at me as if I were a stranger.
“I said let them go.” My voice had fire in it.
