Caleb’s Crossing

Geraldine Brooks's novel 'Caleb’s Crossing' tells the story of Caleb Cheeshateaumauk, the first Native American to graduate from Harvard College, set against the backdrop of early contact between indigenous peoples and English settlers in 17th-century Massachusetts. The narrative is presented through the perspective of Bethia, a young English girl whose interactions with Caleb challenge her beliefs and her community’s expectations. The story explores themes of cultural crossing, identity, and the complex relationships formed during this pivotal period in history.