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Book Review of The White

The White
The White
Author: Deborah Larsen
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Substores
Book Type: Hardcover
perryfran avatar reviewed on + 1192 more book reviews


This is a fictional account of the life of Mary Jemison who was captured by the Shawnee in 1758 and given to two Seneca sisters as a replacement for their brother who was killed by the whites. Mary's family including her mother and father were also captured but they were killed and scalped before getting to Fort Duquesne where Mary was given to the Seneca. Throughout the book, Mary seems to blame her father for not doing more to save them from capture. Once she is with the Seneca, she learns to live as a native, marries twice and has six children. Later in life, she has the opportunity to return to civilization but she would rather live as a Seneca. This novel was written in short sequences and eloquent prose and was a fast read. There was one out of place reference in the book, however. During the Revolution, the Seneca are fighting with the British against the patriots because they thought this would help stop the spread of the settlers. At this time, a war party brought a dignified and bearded man into camp with some followers who was identified as Joseph Smith and his disciples. (See page 147). I assume this was meant to be the founder of the Mormon church, but, that Joseph Smith was not born until 1805 which would have been after this point in the novel. Not sure how the author could have made this mistake. Overall, I would recommend this one, even with the Joseph Smith error.