Early Americans at Odds, 1689 – Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman

A novel of American history from before the American Revolution, and before the time of the French and Indian War which made George Washington a future leader... The year was 1689 and King William's War had begun, a fight between the Protestant English colonists of what we know as New England, and the Catholic French colonists of what was referred to as New France. As you probably realize, the English eventually pushed the French back to beyond the Mississippi River, and north to Acadia (central Maine and beyond into what are now the provinces of Canada). South of New England, the Dutch were colonizing present-day New York, and northern New Jersey, and were also a threat to the English. The various Native American tribes were being impinged upon by all of the Europeans, and at various times, aligned with the different colonists in order to retain their lands and autonomy. As we know, they were not successful.

This was the era of pirates and highwaymen, witch trials, and violent punishments for small and large infractions. Women, of course, had no rights to own property, and in fact, were the property of their husbands.

Ruth Miner, a brilliant young woman of English background, was accused of witchcraft in her town, along with the murder of her parents, and had to flee in self-preservation or be put to death. Her only hope and friend was a young sailor, Owen, of French descent, with whom she had been raised, and now shared a mutual attraction. She stows away on his ship as it travels along the Connecticut coast to Stonington (located just south of Rhode Island), and finds refuge there.

A series of shocking and unfortunate events spin out, with Ruth experiencing violence, abuse, and heartbreak, though she makes a friend of a Pequot Indian she meets in the woods, and the Stonington couple who take her in. Owen moves in and out of her life in unexpected ways.

In the end, despite tremendous suffering and loss, Ruth endures.

This is a rich and beautifully written book by historian Leah Angstman, whose obvious efforts in research of the period gives this story authenticity, vividness, and no shortage of drama. Highly recommend.