The Mayflower Marriage

Book excerpt: The Mayflower Marriage breathes life into the story of the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth in 1620. This compelling and very human tale follows John Alden and Priscilla Mullins as they fall in love during the historic 1620 crossing of the Mayflower from Plymouth, England to Massachusetts. Their love is constantly challenged, but survives batterings and betrayals, and through this the couple achieve a stronger and deeper devotion. John and Priscilla meet in England as preparations for the Mayflower's departure are in progress, Priscilla as a passenger and John as a member of the crew. They gradually discover their mutual attraction as they cope with a voyage fraught with sickness, strife and ferocious storms. Life in early Plymouth is grim as the settlers suffer famine, disease and death. One after another, Priscilla loses her father, mother and younger brother. The comfort and support John longs to give her is limited by Pilgrim morality and strict social norms. Over time, conditions in the new colony gradually improve, with help from friendly Native Americans and occasional supply ships. Despite resistance from the Pilgrim leadership, John and Priscilla finally win through and marry. The sweeping, heroic narrative follows them throughout the remainder of their long and eventful lives, raising a family while navigating the political infighting and squabbling of early Pilgrim society.