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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.2
EAN num: 9780140436761
ISBN number: 0140436766
Label: Penguin Classics
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 448
Printing Date: November 01, 1998
Publishing house: Penguin Classics
Sale Popularity Level: 38973
Studio: Penguin Classics
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The house at Bethel had, both in front and in rear, a portico, or, as it was more humbly, and therefore more appropriately named, a shed; that in the rear, was a sort of adjunct to the kitchen, and one end of it was enclosed for the purpose of a bed-room, and occupied by Magawisca. Everell found Digby sitting at the other extremity of this portico; his position was prudently chosen. The moon was high, and the heavens clear, and there concealed and sheltered by the shadow of the roof, he could, without being seen, command the whole extent of cleared ground that bordered on the forest, whence the foe would come, if he came at all.
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Rated by buyers 
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This is an extraordinary historical romance about the complex relationship between the Puritan settlers of New England and the Native Americans they encountered. Hope Leslie is a spirited heroine who seems out of place in this repressive society; but at the same time, she is able to bring out the best of those around her. She has an amazing effect on her friends, and has almost a sorceress-like quality with which she bends them to her will. In no way, however, is she an anti-Christian heroine. She is as virtuous as any Puritan woman, but she also prefers to follow the desires of her own emotions. She is alike in many ways to Everell Fletcher, her childhood companion, who gets caught up in her adventures.
This story is very much a romance, in that the main characters, Hope, Everell, and Magawisca, a Pequot princess, possess qualities that ordinary people don't. They commit acts of fierce loyalty and sacrifice, and have the willingness sacrificing their lives or freedom to help an innocent. The other characters in the book, however virtuous, are nonetheless content to trust in Providence. They do not go out of their way, risking everything, to do what they feel and know is right.
Hope Leslie is also an historical novel. It depicts not only real people, like Governor Winthrop and Cotton Mather, but also real events, like the tragic Pequot War. Magawisca relates the story of the massacre of her village like a real witness. In reality, many of the unfortunate Pequot survivors were sold into slavery, or forced to become servants, which is exactly what happens to Magawisca and her brother, Oneco. Although the story itself is fiction, one can readily see that the portrayal of real-life people and events gives it a credibility that other novels set in the period do not have. It is likely that events much like the ones depicted in Hope Leslie did take place, in some form.
Rated by buyers -
This is an interesting novel, and a fascinating study of liberal attitudes on race, gender and religion in the US of the 1820s, between the War of 1812 and the Jackson era. It invites comparison with James Fennimore Cooper's The Wept of Wish-Ton-Wish, a darker, more realistic treatment of similar themes.
Rated by buyers -
Hope Leslie is an enjoyable tale that was remarkable in its day. The women characters are strong and it brought attention to racial issues with the Native Americans. The author wrote it at a time when most people thought nothing about the way Native Americans were treated. But don't forget, this book is a romance. That means that parts of it, just like Last of the Mohicans, are unrealistic. However, I felt this story was much better than Last of the Mohicans, because Sedgwick's characters actually have more depth to them. Cooper seems to care more about the American landscape than he does about his characters interactions, whereas Sedgwick addresses matters of the heart.
Rated by buyers -
A much better read the The Last of the Mohicans, this book is actually presented in understandable language. And while trivial at times, this novel presents a clear and interesting picture of 17th Century colonial life and is an enjoyable read.
Rated by buyers 
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Just because it was written by a woman and in the past, does not make it good. There were plenty of women writers during this time period, who we seem to forget yesterday manage to outsell the men every time. In the case of Nate Hawthorne, we can clearly understand why.
In Hope Leslie, Catherine Sedgwick's main goal was to persuade the readers that what they were doing to Native Americans was wrong, and that the English descendants were just as wrong in 1800 as they were in 1600. Unfortunately, although her puritan characters, all stolen from history, are narrow minded, they are very kind. This was not the case people. They hung and pressed "witches," all right? Do you really think they wouldn't punish Hope for breaking two Indian women out of jail? And her little "the devil did it, maybe," excuse wouldn't have flown.
Also, this is not a feminist text. I do not care what anyone says. Simply because Esther realizes she doesn't have to get married does not make it a feminst book. Esther would have married Everell in a heartbeat if given the chance. Remember how she tired to sleep herself to death after he rejectd her?
If you must read this for a class, I will give you a short summary:
Magawisca: Oh, you evil, white men. You have killed my family and rained destruction on this land.
Hope Leslie: I am pretty and my eyes change colors, but I will save you from jail Magawisca, while still believing in my heart that you are inferior, but a really nice girl.
[Stuff happens. A ship blows up. Everell and Hope help Magawisca escape.]
Everell: Live with us, Magawisca, and teach us to be pure, like you!
Magawisca: Thanks, you guys, but you have hurt my people so badly that the white man and indian can never be friends. I will go to the wild woods now, and live in peace with God.
Esther: I will go away and pretend it is not because Everell likes my best friend better. When I come back, everyone will want me, but I learned my lesson with men. My havishhaminess will be attributed to feminism for generations to come.
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