Set in 17th century Massachusetts, Caleb's crossing is the story of the struggles of early settlers and the original people of the land. Geraldine Brooks did a great job of transporting me to that time and place; beautiful, harsh and such hard work. It is a sad book, as is fitting, life was so precarious then, but the characters were strong willed and fought to make their way. Unfamiliar with this history, I found the book very enjoyable.