Customer Reviews

Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I have enjoyed Lois Lenski's books since I was a girl back in the 50's, but this is one of her best. Based on a true life narrative, INDIAN CAPTIVE chronicles the psychological journey from white girl to a young Seneca woman. In fact Mary Jemison (kidnapped at 15) became known, respected and loved as the White Woman of the Genesee. Lenski recreates her struggle to maintain her English heritage in the face of Native American beliefs and traditions--all depicted honestly, fairly, without bias to either side in this 18th century culture-clash.

Lenski devotes much time to research each of her books--usually about a different rural area of America. Her excellent b/w illustrations enhance our reading enjoyment and appreciation for the material culture of the Senecas--one of the Five Nations under the Iroquois banner.

During her first two years of captivity (as a replacement for a dead clansman), Molly recalls her parents' last words to her when she and a neighbor boy were given moccasins and roughly marched off (before her entire family was butchered on the trail). Her pa assured her that her golden hair would endear her to the Indians; in fact she was called Corn Tassel. She also kept her ma's words in her heart: to be brave, to be flexible and accept her situation with grace; to practice her English in secret and never forget her name, her family or her Bible teachings.

Molly's loyalties were tested many times over the years, for she hated the thought of becoming an Indian. Yet can a 12-year-old girl (Lenski makes her younger) live long in an emotional vacuum? Respect, gratitude and friendship gradually slip into her heart despite herself. Will she ever relinquish her dream to escape back to white civilization? Set against the backdrop of the French and Indian War in 1758, this story is very readable, although much of the "action" takes place in Molly's mind and heart. Girls will enjoy this tale of forced adoption and culture shock, for Molly is very real and vulnerable when she is ripped away from her home and Pennsylvania lifestyle. This book touches the heart.(For more reading about culture clash, I suggest the LYON Saga,a series by M.L. Stainer, about the lost colony of Roanoak.)

I can remember pulling this book out of the library in elementary school many many times. I just loved reading the story of Mary Jemison. Now that I am adult, I am very happy to be able to add this book to my collection. It is a story that is simple enough for children to grasp, but emotionally-gripping enough to keep adults reading. I believe it is an honest story. It explains much about how the Indians lived at the time, as compared to the somewhat more modern experiences that Mary had at home. It explains the ways of the Indians and chronicles the violence of the time, but retains the humanity of these people and what they believed. The reader learns all these things through Mary's eyes, and lives through her grief at the loss of her family and all that was familiar to her. Then, slowly, how she comes to befriend and even love her new Indian family. I would recommend this book highly to every child to get a good feel of the history of the Indians and their beliefs.

Mary (Molly) Jemison lived a normal life on her farm in Pennsylvania where her family harvested corn. Her father didn't believe that Indians would ever come to their home as their neighbors said, but one day that is exactly what happened. Molly was having a normal day when a band of Indians came. Everyone in Molly's family was captured. Molly and her family had to walk for miles on end. Finally they stopped at a place where Molly was seperated from her family and was being taken with the Indians to become one of them. It was hard for Molly to adapt to her surroundings and she missed her family greatly. The Indians gave Molly the name, Corn Tassel, because of her long yellow hair. Molly was depressed at first and tried to run away a multiple of times. This book definitely a 5 star rating and it never got tedious.

"Indian Captive" by Lois Lenski is a book I read as a young girl when I lived in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Although I haven't seen a copy of the book in almost 50 years, I can still recall the story and the drawings by Lois Lenski vividly. No other author of children's books, has, in my opinion had as distinctive style as that of Lois Lenski. I think that my lifelong passion for pioneer days and ways was fostered by Indian Captive. The little tow-headed girl who so fascinated the Indians; the difficulty that Mary endured, and finally staying--had quite an impact on my young, impressionable mind. I now live in Canada, where books about American girls and American Indians are, understandably, not a big attraction. Recently during a conversation I found myself longing to see a copy of "Indian Captive" -- and to show it and read it to my 7 year old granddaughter. So-- thank you Lois Lenski, for adding a dimension to my life!

I liked the book Indian captive because it was full of history and was based on a true story. It really showed the ways and the ideas of the Indians and how they weren't that bad, they just wanted to love and protect their people. I have read a couple others about Indian captives but I like this one the best because the author took so much time explaining how molly felt.

The book is about Molly Jemison who is taken away from her family when the Indians take over her house. They take her to become an Indian and rename her Corn Tassel for her yellow hair. She has to learn the Indian language and ways and find out where her soul is, with the whites or the Indian tribe. The book is about a white girl living in an Indian village and her journey to accepting her new life.

I recommended this book to history lovers like myself who love to learn about the past, the Indian and colonial times. This book sometimes goes on a subject and takes a long time to get back to the story or answer a question, which I found difficult.

I bought this book for my 11 year old daughter who enjoys biographies, especially about women and girls. I actually ended up reading the book before she did, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much *I* enjoyed it. It gives a realistic view of Mary's life after being kidnapped by indians, and her physical, mental, and emotional struggles over losing her family and having to adapt to a new way of life. It's a great book, and I recommend it for any pre-teen, but especially for young girls who enjoy reading true stories about girls close to their own ages.

As we travel back in time, to the middle 1700s', we find ourselfs face to face with Molly Jemison. A girl of the mere age of twelve, her family is taken captive and murdered, all except for Molly. A friendly indian tribe takes her in and treats her like their own. Molly, or "Corn Tassle", doesn't like it there and misses her family. She weeps and is punished for it, has to carry a burden strap, and live like an Indian. She makes only one friend, Little Turtle, for all the other children treat her differently. Corn Tassle must learn to live in this new world, because it's eat or get eaten! She hates everyone and want's to go. But there copper skined people teach her about the earth and it's creatures, so when she is given the chance to leave, will she take it? Find out when you read Indian Captive!

I first read this book nearly twenty years ago. (My local library had a beat-up, old, hardcover edition.) As a child I loved stories of white children adopted by the Indians, and I must admit I still find the subject fascinating. I loved "Indian Captive" when I first read it as a child. I thought it was the best and most realistic look of what it must have been like to be a captive among the Indians. No phony heroics or daring escapes here; just the story of a girl struggling to adapt to life in a completly alien environment, while at the same time holding onto her identity. I remember how disappointed I was when that old, beat-up copy of it disappeared from the library.

"Indian Captive" was one of the books of my childhood which I never forgot. I am quite glad to see it was reprinted. It finally gave me a chance to re-read it, and it is just as good as I remember it. If readers enjoyed this book then they should take a look at "I Am Regina" by Sally M. Keehn and "Trouble's Daughter" by Katherine Kirkpatrick. Like "Indian Captive," both of these books are stories about young girls taken captive by Indians during the colonial period and both are just as well written and exciting to read as "Indian Captive." Also for older readers (12-15), I cannot speak more highly of Conrad Richter's "The Light in the Forest." It is a story of a white boy, who has spent most of his life among the Indians, forced to return to his white family who he has forgotten. Mary Jemison found happiness among the Senecas while still holding onto her identity; the main character in "The Light in the Forest" has lost all memory of his white past and finds himself caught between the the claims of blood and loyalty. A darker version of the story of the Indian captive. Enjoy.

Do you like stories about Native Americans? If you do, you should read this book!
In Indian Captive, a young girl named Mary Jemison is captured by the Iroquois, along with her whole family. Along the way, she is separated from her family and sold to some Iroquois women. They give her Iroquois clothes, Iroquois shoes, Iroquois everything! She learns to live with them, but still looks for anything to get her back to her family. If she is given a choice, will she stay with the indians or go back home?
I believe that this is a fantastic book. (But just one tip: DON'T read the forward because it gives away the whole book.) Will Mary get back to her family? Or will she live with the Iroquois forever? Read this book to find out!

Do you like adventure books, Native Americans, or just reading? Well, if you love to read you just have to read Indian Captive by Lois Lenski. This story is about a twelve year old girl captive that gets taken away by the Senecas. Imagine being separated from your family and even your Mom and Dad. The book Indian Captive brings you through the tough times of Molly Jemison.
Mary or Molly has to live a life of a indian woman, speaking a different language and many more hardships of life.
My opinion is that you should read the book, because when you start the book you never want to put it down.
Read the story to find out if her parents and family are killed or if she ends up as a very happy person.
I rate this book five out of five stars because of the wonderful descriptions, amazing thoughts, and great pictures. Read this wonderful and exciting 5 star book to find out what happens to the brave and unfearful Mary Jemison.