1666
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A Fictional Recounting of the Survival Story of Patawomeck Tribe of Virginia The story has been remembered within the Patawomeck tribe for generations, but is largely unknown outside of the tribe until now. Author Lora Chilton, a tribal member through the lineage of her father, has created this powerful fictional retelling. The story follows three Indigenous Patawomeck women who lived through the decimation of their tribe by land hungry colonists in the summer of 1666, the massacre of their men, the harrowing march south where they and their children were sold and transported to Barbados via slave ship, and, eventually, their brave escape back to Virginia. It is because of these women that the tribe is in existence to this day. This work of historical fiction is based on oral tradition, interviews with tribal elders, written colonial records and extensive research by the author, including study of the language. The book uses Indigenous names for the characters and some Patawomeck words to honor the culture and heritage that was erased when European colonization of the Americans began in the 16th century.
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Book Review: 1666 by Lora Chilton
Rating: 4 Stars
As I delved into the pages of “1666” by Lora Chilton, I was immediately transported into a world where the harrowing survival story of the Patawomeck Tribe of Virginia unfolded through the eyes of two remarkable women, Ah'SaWei WaTaPaAnTam and NePa'WeXo. The brutal massacre of Patawomeck men and the subsequent enslavement of women and children in 1666 by colonists hungry for land is a tale that has been kept alive within the tribe, but largely unknown to the wider world until now.
This gripping historical fiction novel sheds light on a dark chapter of American history, highlighting the inhumanity and resilience of the Patawomeck people. The vivid storytelling by Chilton vividly portrays the struggles, resilience, and sheer determination of these women as they endured unspeakable hardships, including being sold into slavery and transported to Barbados.
Through alternating chapters, Chilton masterfully juxtaposes the peaceful pre-massacre life of the tribe with the horrors that followed, creating a poignant contrast that emphasizes the strength and traditions of the Patawomeck people. The characters portrayed in the book are not just fictional entities but representations of real individuals whose bravery paved the way for the tribe's recognition centuries later.
While the narrative is heart-wrenching and at times difficult to read due to the brutality and suffering depicted, it serves as a crucial reminder of the atrocities committed against Native Americans throughout history. Chilton's meticulous research and incorporation of oral histories make this imagined account ring true, offering readers a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of American colonialism.
In conclusion, “1666” is a powerful testament to the resilience and spirit of the Patawomeck Tribe, expertly crafted by an author who is not only a storyteller but also a descendant of this proud lineage. This book is a must-read for those eager to gain a deeper understanding of Native American history and the enduring legacy of those who fought against all odds to preserve their culture and identity.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
