Review: Pilgrim by Hugh Nissenson

Title: Pilgrim
Author: Hugh Nissenson
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publish Date: November 1, 2011
Source: Netgalley

Why You're Reading This Book:

• You like historical fiction.
• You're looking for a fall-ish read.

What's the Story?:

From Goodreads.com: "A new masterpiece from National Book Award and PEN-Faulkner Award finalist Hugh Nissenson, The Pilgrim is a gripping account of a love-torn Puritan's spiritual struggle for redemption, the finding of an unforgettable romantic love, and his never ending battle to overcome the burden of sin.——Charles Wentworth, a heartbroken Puritan, has abandoned his faith after the death of his betrothed. Now he must travel to Plymouth in hopes of being freed of the temptations that torment him, never expecting to encounter again love amid a world of discovery and danger."

My Two Cents:

It took me a little while to get into this book but after the slow start, I really liked it. This is the first fiction book that I can remember reading that covers the Puritans before they leave England for religious freedom in the New World. I guess what took me a little bit to get into the book is that Charles Wentworth, Puritan and the narrator, is sort of a bland character. Also, I didn't really like reading about Wentworth's life in England as not too much goes on besides the loss of his be...moreIt took me a little while to get into this book but after the slow start, I really liked it. This is the first fiction book that I can remember reading that covers the Puritans before they leave England for religious freedom in the New World. I guess what took me a little bit to get into the book is that Charles Wentworth, Puritan and the narrator, is sort of a bland character. Also, I didn't really like reading about Wentworth's life in England as not too much goes on besides the loss of his betrothed.

What makes the book interesting is more the things that go on around him, especially when he gets to the Plymouth Colony. The book covers a lot about the relationships between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims. I guess I didn't realize how contentious their relationship was so it was kind of interesting from that perspective. The story of the Native Americans and the Pilgrims that we usually hear is that of the whole Thanksgiving thing so it was kind of neat to hear another facet of the story. It was also interesting to see the reasons that Charles decided to stay in the Plymouth Colony when so many things were going wrong or badly.

If you are a patient reader (which sometimes I am not), this book could be a really wonderful read with Thanksgiving on your mind.