Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “We are the children of many sires, and every drop of blood in us, in its turn, betrays its ancestors.”
Diane Stevenson Stone has written an engaging historical fiction about an extraordinary young woman named Mary Chilton. It is inspired by the true story of Diane’s 10th great, generational grandmother.
This is a story about a high-spirited, young girl who manages to shape her own destiny in the male-dominated society of 1620. . . . Diane dug deep into history to re-create the authentic life and times of Mary Chilton and in doing so, created a story that includes a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
The story begins in Amsterdam with spunky, young Mary questioning her mother about what it means to be English. She discovers a puzzling inscription in the locket left to her by her grandmother. She finds herself headed to an unknown world. . . . Life for Mary is an adventure filled with twists and turns and emotions that swing from despair to light-hearted joy. It is a story of miracles.
Diane’s careful research and creative imagery reveal the sacrifice, friendships, and difficulty of class distinction. Diane has captured the anguish, humor and faith of those valiant voyagers, revealing for the first time details of everyday life aboard the Mayflower, that make the difference between life and death. In Mary of the Mayflower, Diane has reignited the spirit and purity of purpose of our Pilgrim Fathers. . . .
It is also a fascinating story for those who love history and is written with an irresistible charm. . . . Readers of all ages will find Diane’s illustrations to be a delightful extension of the text.
Diane loves telling this story. It is evident on every page. She tells it with passion and gratitude. She tells it with a certain joyous delight knowing that she is ‘family,’ and the blood of Mary runs in her veins. At many of the most surprising moments in the story, you will see a twinkle in her eye and hear her say with pride, “That’s the Mary Chilton in me!”
No betrayal of the ancestors here, Mr. Emerson. This book is a celebration.