New Yorker
A satiric novel full of atmosphere and suspense.
Children's Literature
Fleischman's delightful, satirical characterizations soften the tensions of life in Boston following the colonists' Great Swamp massacre of the mighty Narraganset Indians. It is 1681, and Native American William, know as Weetasket of the Narraganset tribe in his secret life, is a printer's apprentice for a caring, educated colonist. But the Boston tithingman, Mr. Baggot, who walks "the lightless lanes of sin, rooting out evil and blasphemy" and "parts the gale with his hatchet nose," is determined to see William hanged at the gallows. Fourteen-year-old William has an extraordinary memory, studies the Iliad and reads Greek with the children of the Currie family. William secretly walks the streets after curfew, in search of his twin brother Cancasset, the only surviving member of his family. Instead, he finds an uncle and niece, for whom he steals food. The uncle passes on the legends of the Narragansets so they will live on with William. At the winter solstice, Mr. Currie provides a burst of fun, imitating the Roman pagan festival of Saturnalia, in which masters and servants traded places. On that very night, William's secret is discovered, but through his wit, he saves the lives of his uncle and niece. Fleischman's entertaining caricatures of such colonists as the piggish wigmaker and his devious, brazen manservant will bring many chuckles as the plot moves seriously through one narrow escape from danger after another. Readers enjoying a challenge will read straight through this short book and learn of prejudice in colonial life as well as bravery and character. 2001 (orig. 1992), Harper Trophy/Harper Collins, $4.95. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Elaine Wick
School Library Journal
Gr 7 UpIt's December, 1681, and an assortment of pompous masters and impudent servants lead different lives by day and night. Events are woven together through the story of a 14-year-old Narraganset Indian boy who is searching for threads of his past. Melodious writing, revealing images, and a colorful, outlandish cast characterize this unusual novel that revels in surprises. May 1990
