Compelled
Based on a True Story
P. Gifford Longley

Tate Publishing & Enterprises
January 4, 2011 / 978-1617392306
Genre Fiction
Amazon

Reviewed by Christine Lindemer

Compelled is the companion volume to Captive, also by P. Gifford Longley. This story, spanning in time from the spring to fall of 1698, tells the story of the ransom of John Longley - one of 13 hostages taken in a raid on the pioneer settlement of Groton, Massachusetts, in which 19 were killed - and the adventurous tale of his retrieval from the Abenaki in Acadia (Maine Province).

John Longley's uncle Jack and another of Jack's nephews - Thomas Tarbell - embark on a back-country expedition to attempt to locate and return 'the captive' (John Longley) who had four years earlier been taken by force. With Longley's ransom having been paid through the Native America called Hector, Jack and Thomas employ the expert guide services of Pial, also a Native American.

The Abenaki Nation - following the Treaty of Ryswick - was allied with the French, and travels by English pioneers through the northern New England areas occupied by the Pennacook, Kennebeck, and Penobscot was extremely dangerous. Stories of captures, torture, and killings of English citizens crossing the Native Americans' trails kept most pioneers from attempting to ransom and rescue family members taken into captivity.

Reports of John Longley's success in survival with famous sagamore Madockawando are delivered through returning captive John Shepley, also of Groton. The harrowing adventure of Uncle Jack Longley and his nephew, Thomas Tarbell, include a voyage along the Maine coastline aboard the Province Galley and whitewater treks in Pial's canoe. Locating John Longley proves to be difficult, as the Abenaki people, led by Madockawando, migrate according to seasonal changes.

Just as in Captive one is made to wonder how this adolescent boy of English ancestry, John Longley, could have been captured by the Abenaki following the killings of many of his family members by these very people and later decide to remain with Madockawando and the Abenaki and live with them, according to their culture and customs, as part of their tribe. This part of the story in itself is intriguing.

There is a devout religious tone throughout this book starting with Jack Longley and his quest for purpose in his life. References are made to the Christian faith of various family members - detailed bios of which are included in the book's introduction - and scripture is sometimes quoted. It is very believable that faith compelled various individuals in this story to have the drive to do what was necessary under their extremely adverse circumstances.

P. Gifford Longley honored his ancestors by weaving such an intricate story around the bits of truth gleaned from official documents and histories of the area. He writes in an engaging style, giving the characters great depth and depicts wilderness scenes with stunning beauty. I hope this isn't his last book. The last line leaves me wondering . . .

Reviewer's Note: Compelled is companion volume to Captive. Both books are based on a true story.