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As she did in Mr. Emerson's Wife, Belding Brown has meticulously researched the period she writes about in Flight of the Sparrow. And again, she brings to life a complex woman, Mary Rowlandson, who was captured by Native Americans in 1676 in King Phillip's War. Belding Brown introduces us to Rowlandson in the opening pages: her compassion for others, including those looked down upon by members of her husband's Puritan congregation, her outward submission to his will, and the work involved in simply feeding and clothing her family. After her capture, she is at first shocked by the cultural differences of her captors. As time goes on, however, Rowlandson realizes she has more freedom as a slave of the tribe than she did before her capture. She is touched by the open affection and kindness tribal members have for children, in contrast to the Puritan strict discipline that included whipping children. Make no mistake. Life is hard as the tribe moves to escape British soldiers. They are often hungry and cold. But the burdens are shared equally. After almost four months, she is returned to her husband who has raised money for her ransom. She is asked to write about her captivity. Belding Brown imagines Rowlandson's adjustment, not just to her stern husband, but to a woman's subservience in general. And now Rowlandson can clearly see the hyprocrisy of her society and especially those who profess Christian values but show little or no kindness, only judgement. Even her account of her captivity is skewed by the man who edits it. Belding Brown paints a compelling picture of 17th century life in colonial America. We are there during Rowlandson's dramatic captivity, and we are there as she reconciles conflicting values and experience. We hear Rowlandson's complex voice and strong spirit. This is a fine and moving historical novel.