Samuel Bryan Chapter members meet quarterly to have dinner and discuss their latest book club selection.
This quarter’s book: “The Jamestown Brides: The Story of England’s Maids for Virginia” by Jennifer Potter, is a historical non-fiction book that tells the story of the first English women to arrive in Jamestown, Virginia in 1620. The book focuses on the journey of these women, who were chosen to become wives for the male colonists in Jamestown, and the circumstances that led to their migration.
The book begins by setting the historical context of the early 17th century, when the Virginia Company of London was struggling to establish a permanent settlement in America. The company believed that one of the reasons for the failure of the colony was the lack of women, who could provide a stabilizing influence and encourage family life. The company decided to recruit young women from England, who were willing to travel to America and marry the male colonists.
The book describes the journey of these women, who were called the “Jamestown brides,” from their recruitment in England to their arrival in Jamestown. The journey was long and treacherous, with many women falling ill and dying on the way. The book also describes the women’s experience in the colony, where they faced many challenges, including cultural differences, harsh living conditions, and the threat of Native American attacks.
Despite these difficulties, the Jamestown brides played an important role in the success of the colony. They provided much-needed companionship and support to the male colonists and helped to establish a stable family life in the colony. The book also explores the legacy of the Jamestown brides and their impact on the development of America.
Overall, “The Jamestown Brides: The Story of England’s Maids for Virginia” is a fascinating and well-researched book that sheds light on a little-known aspect of American history. It provides a vivid portrait of the lives of these women, who made a significant contribution to the development of the early colonies.
Our next Book Club meeting will be at our usual time and place, on July 11, 2023. Join us as we discuss our book club selection: “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek”, by Kim Michele Richardson.
