The Forgotten, Epic Adventure of the Pilgrims
by Jay Milbrandt
Thomas Nelson
History , Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date 03 Oct 2017
EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9780718037857
PRICE $24.99 (USD)
FTC: Reviewed for Net Galley.
Description
A page-turning story of the Pilgrims, the courageous band of freedom-seekers who set out for a new life for themselves and forever changed the course of history.
Once a year at Thanksgiving, we encounter Pilgrims as folksy people in funny hats before promptly forgetting them. In the centuries since America began, the Pilgrims have been relegated to folklore and children’s stories, fairy-tale mascots for holiday parties and greeting cards.
The true story of the Pilgrim Fathers could not be more different. Beginning with the execution of two pastors deviating from the Elizabethan Church of England, the Pilgrims’ great journey was one of courageous faith, daring escape, and tenuous survival. Theirs is the story of refugees who fled intense religious persecution; of dreamers who voyaged the Atlantic and into the unknown when all other attempts had led to near-certain death; of survivors who struggled with newfound freedom. Loneliness led to starvation, tension gave way to war with natives, and suspicion broke the back of the very freedom they endeavored to achieve.
Despite the pain and turmoil of this high stakes triumph, the Pilgrim Fathers built the cornerstone for a nation dedicated to faith, freedom, and thankfulness. This is the epic story of the Pilgrims, an adventure that laid the bedrock for the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and the American identity.
My Thoughts
The foundation for a movement was formed when separatists denounced the structure and tradition of the Church of England. This story provides a view of the persecution that was endured and the reasons behind the journey.
We know that during the voyage, to the New World, ships suffered from navigational struggle and naval loss. And even though the Pilgrims were dedicated to the idea of freedom, they struggled with it, and New Plymouth declined.
Thus our national day of Thanks was built on the purpose of healing wounds and making our nation tranquil.
Honestly, I have been re-reading this read for awhile as it is heavy in dialogue and details. It's a historical read, made better by the list of Mayflower passengers, the Authors note, and Prologue.