Richard’s own life often mirrors that of Jamestown, as both are getting a rocky new start. They face challenges and uncertainty, plus connection and sometimes violence in their dealings with the Powhatan with whom Richard shares pipes, knowledge, meals, and looks of “silent friendship.” Richard befriends Na-ta’a-em, a young Powhatan who often rescues Jamestown, whether from starvation, snake bite or attacks from rebellious Powhatan. The scenes that show the developing but still tense friendship between Jamestown and Na-ta’a-em are uplifting. Hovering like guardian angels throughout are Richard’s reliance on God, the Bible and his father’s comforting words of wisdom.
Na-ta’a-em teaches Jamestown survival skills, and the narrative often is focused on rebuilding the fort, council meetings, and the storm-tossed ships, passages that suggest the textures of life. Accounts of atrocities from both sides, including beheadings and scalping, prove wrenching, and Richard, for all his level headed piety, is relatively human: sometimes selfish, growing obsessed with his lost love and making others’s pain or joy solely about himself. Still, this is a hopeful novel, with an emphasis on community building, the power of faith, and cross-cultural friendship, and all that unites us as humans. Especially involving is the well-drawn parallel between Na-ta’a-em’s closeness with his father and Richard’s closeness with Francis and with God.
Takeaway: Uplifting novel of faith, cross-cultural connection, and the settling of Jamestown.
Comparable Titles: Elizabeth Struthers’s A Prayer for Therese, Angela Hunt’s Roanoke.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
I was utterly captivated by the entire plot. The characters came to life in such a vivid and realistic manner that their descriptions alone painted a vibrant mental image. Jamestown: A New Life is a mesmerizing masterpiece of drama and revelation. The narrative is adorned with exquisite details and descriptions that truly showcase the author's brilliance.
The protagonist's desperate struggle to survive in the new world, facing unknown adversaries, wild creatures, and native settlers, deeply touched my heart. It was awe-inspiring to witness the remarkable workings of God in Richard's life as he chose to remain faithful in the face of adversity. The book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, and I am certain that I will be recommending it to my friends for days to come.
Publisher Books to Life released two new audiobooks on September 1, 2023. Both books are narrated by Andy Robert and are part of the Faith of Our Fathers Series. The first book is titled "The Royal Order of the Last Coin," and the second book is titled "Jamestown - A New Life." If you're interested in checking out these books, you can find them on Audible.