The Venetian Betrayal

Rebecca–the story of the founding of one of America's first settlements, the incredible struggles faced in establishing it, and the heavy cost exacted from that colonizing.

For me, a three star indicates that I thought the book was just “all right.” That's how I felt about the beginning of Rebecca. With so many character names (and complicated ones!) I struggled to wade through the first part of the book.

The second half read a lot faster, and I finally mastered all the important names, so I'd rate that a four stars. Thus, the book averages out to 3.5 stars.

Rebecca is based off the true history of the Jamestown colony and the woman that most of us now know as Pocahontas. In her book, Shannon McNear delves into the “what if” questions and brings the real-life characters to life, speculating on the motives and feelings that drove their actions.

Ironically, my dad is currently reading a non-fiction book about the New World during this time period, so I enjoyed comparing the notes that he shared with Shannon's fictional story. She did an excellent job of drawing out obscure historical facts and also of sharing the not-so-flattering parts of history (such as the Englishmen's aversion to bathing).

Sometimes, history can be exceedingly violent, so on a note of warning, this book does contain some hard subjects, including rape. I was a little taken aback at parts because I thought I knew the story well (Pocahontas was a special interest of mine when I was younger). However, considering the story with a little more age on me, I believe that Shannon's interpretation of history is probably correct. Abortion also poses a content issue.

Overall, this is a book that is perfect for anyone up for a challenge and interested in prodding back the veil of history to live out the settlement of Jamestown.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are my own.