Play Audiobook Sample
Calico Captive Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.03) - 2,268 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Early one morning in the year 1754, the stillness of Charlestown, New Hampshire, is shattered by shrill war whoops and the terror of an Indian raid. Young Miriam Willard, on a day that had promised new happiness, finds herself instead a captive on a forest trail, caught up in the ebb and flow of the French and Indian War. She endures a harrowing march north, with limited food and icy streams to cross. The trail ends with a waiting Indian gauntlet and a life of hard work—perhaps even a life of slavery. As her mind turns to thoughts of her sweetheart, Phineas Whitney, she is also mindful of the cries of her sister's baby, Captive, who was born on the trail.
Miriam and her companions finally reach Montreal, a city of shifting loyalties filled with the intrigue of war. Here, by a sudden twist of fortune, Miriam meets the prominent Du Quesne family, who introduce her to a life of fashion and luxury she has never imagined and who compel her to make the most important decision of her life.
Based on the actual narrative diary published in 1907, Calico Captive skillfully reenacts an absorbing facet of history.
Download and start listening now!
"I have searched for this book on and off in my adulthood, and have had a difficulty finding it in print, so I was thrilled to find it and read it again. I have loved all of Elizabeth George Speare's historical fiction,and this is no exception. Written for young adults, this book, originally publlshed in 1957, gives an account of Miriam Willards excperiences being captured by Indians and then sold as a slave in Canada during the French and Indian War."
— Michele (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“The constant shifts of locale and situation present narrator Hébert with an excellent showcase for her range of talents…But the very best part is the realistic, almost insider’s, view of early American war, class structure, and prejudice.”
— AudioFile -
“Hébert’s reading is professional and sympathetic.”
— Kliatt -
“Vital and vivid, this short novel based on the actual captivity of a pre-Revolutionary girl of Charlestown, New Hampshire, presents American history with force and verve.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Convincing historical romance set during the French and Indian War.”
— Booklist
Calico Captive Listener Reviews
-
" I read this in fifth or sixth grade, and loved it. I appreciate fiesty heroines, of course, but my favorite parts where when the French suitor buys Miriam a cup of real hot chocolate, and when the French governor's wife offers her a luxurious bolt of fabric and she gives it to her good friend Hortense. Oh! I love this book. Where is my copy? Gotta read it again... "
— Michelle, 2/17/2014 -
" In my top 5 at age 10. "
— Natalie, 2/17/2014 -
" An pretty good story, with mediocre characters and heavy handed writing. "
— Cecilia, 2/17/2014 -
" Good for children over 8. Some parts may be distressing ; indian attack and kidnapping. "
— Erinn, 2/13/2014 -
" Captivating story about what people felt and did in the mid 1700's. "
— Hannah, 2/9/2014 -
" What a great classic with meaningful and personal history of the French and Indian Wars. "
— Sonja, 2/5/2014 -
" Not as good as The Witch of Blackbird Pond or The Sign of the Beaver, but still an interesting read. It was certainly a reminder of just how little I know about the French and Indian War... "
— Brooke, 1/31/2014 -
" Pretty thrilling throughout, especially knowing it's based on fact. "
— Magda, 1/25/2014 -
" I really love the books that Elizabeth George Speare writes! This book is historical fiction follows a family who is taken by Indians and sold into slavery to the French. I do have to say there were times I was bugged by the main girl, but the book shows a real learning process for her and by the end I liked her a lot better. "
— Jodi, 1/19/2014 -
" My mom had to force me to read this book and i am so glad that she did. I loved it. It has a really sweet love story in it and... it's been a while since I read it but i know that i really liked it! "
— Elizabeth, 1/16/2014 -
" What can I say about this book that would do it justice? Its just so wonderful and engaging! Just like all of Elizabeth George Speare's books this one FEELS real. Its not wishy washy or poorly written, its REAL. "
— Madame, 1/14/2014
About Elizabeth George Speare
Elizabeth George Speare (1908–1994), born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston University, taught high school, married, and raised two children before beginning her career as a writer. Her prizewinning writings for children and young adults are noted for their authentic settings, intriguing plots, and accurate historical details.
About C. M. Hébert
C. M. Hébert is an Earphones Award winner and Audie Award nominee. She is the recording studio director for the Talking Books Program at the Library of Congress’ National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, daughter, cat, and assorted fish.