Amanda3

           Caroline B. Cooney wrote The Ransom of Mercy Carter. This novel is appealing to people of all ages because it contains struggle, adventure, and loyalty. While not only getting the entertainment of an interesting tale, the audience is also learning about history. Together these traits join to form a masterpiece.
           The book begins with Mercy Carter putting her siblings to sleep in her hometown of Deerfield, Massachusetts. This is set in the early 1700's when Indian attacks were a likely possibility. The town took precautions because the New World was still very knew and property was still being disputed. The French used their allies, the Indians, to their advantage. The Indians did the French dirty work, and dirty work it was. On the night of February 28, 1704, the Indians did in fact attack Deerfield. Mercy's stepmother, baby sister, and brother are all murdered right there in their hometown. The survivors not murdered on the spot, mostly children, are taken prisoner and forced to head on foot to Canada. The life Mercy Carter once knew is now changing forever.
            The trail to Canada is very harsh. The weather is viscous, food is scarce, and hearts are broken. Few survived these rigorous conditions. Mercy owes her survival to the Indian that was responsible for her; his name is Tannhahorens. Each Indian is given a prisoner to guide and watch out for. Tannhahorens is especially nice and considerate to Mercy. He changes her shoes, gives her his deerskin cloak, feeds her, and lightens her load. Mercy in return is respectful to Tannhahorens. She learns bits of his language, and is cautious not to whine or give up for fear of his disapproval.
            The Indians and their prisoners split up into all different directions after their long journey. Mercy is once again ripped away from what little family and friends she has left. Tannhahorens takes Mercy to his tribe, where she is treated as his child. After several struggles with loyalty, Mercy lets down her guard and partakes in the Indian traditions. Coming from a Puritan, white family, her lifestyle is completely changed. Her clothes, language, and customs are all transformed into those of the Indians. Seldomly Mercy encounters someone who lived in her hometown of Deerfield, Massachusetts. These old friends are either shocked by Mercy's new appearance, or they too have endured a drastic change of life. The world Mercy once knew has now become a memory.
              Mercy has heard talk of ransom. Ransom in these days was when the family or community paid for their loved ones return. Mercy was never positive when or if ransom would ever come. This uncertainty is how she allowed herself to build love relationships with some of the Indians. In May of 1705, over one year after Mercy's capturing, ransom arrives. Tannhahorens has died and Mercy is left to deal with this major decision with her Indian mother, Nistenha. Mercy had always dreamed of her return. Once, she even attempted to run away, but failed. She is now faced with the opportunity to fulfill her dream, but something holds her back. Leaving the reservation means shattering and leaving behind the new people and life she has recently made and grown to love. Mercy chooses to remain with the Indians. The once resident of Deerfield transformed into a member of an Indian tribe.
               Personally, I was confused throughout the entire book.   A part of me was hoping for Mercy to one-day return to Deerfield and be united with her family. The other part of me was thankful to Tannhahorens and his family for their acceptance and love. Just like Mercy Carter I was confused. Unlike Mercy I was crying throughout the novel. My favorite part in the whole book is the ending. Cooney did a superb job. Mercy's letting go of whom she once was and acknowledging who she has become is a perfect example of the dignity and strength displayed throughout the entire novel. Mercy thinks to herself, "Mother, she thought, beloved mother in heaven, forgive me. I walk now into another life." (Cooney, 242).