The True Story of Pocahontas

The True Story of Pocahontas

 This book, an easy reader, helps readers
 understand the culture and beliefs of Indians better.

   Personally, I enjoy the movie, "Pocahontas" and the beautiful song, "Colors of the Wind" a lot. In fact, they have aroused my interest in knowing more about the Indian princess Pocahontas. Reading this book, The True Story of Pocahontas shed new light on her life, Indian life, and the origins of Virginia.

   There are four chapters in this book:

     1. The Sailing Ship

         Seeing a big sailing ship in the bay, Pocahontas was very  
         excited, but her father, Chief Powhatan was quite concerned
         because he thought the coming of the white men would only
         bring them big problems.
     2. Pocahontas meets John Smith
         Captain John Smith and his men came to establish a small
         establishment  there, later called Jamestown. But when
         looking for food, John Smith and his men killed two Indians.
         Hence he was captured and sentenced to death. But
         fortunately Pocahontas came to rescue his life.    

         (History background: The Origins of Virginia)

     3. Winter in Jamestown

         Winter came to Jamestown. The settlers there had little
         food to eat. Were it not for the help of Pocahontas and other
         Indians, many more settlers would have starved to death. 
         Pocahontas saved John Smith once again by notifying him
         that his life was in danger. After this adventure, John Smith
         returned to England.    
     4. Chief Powhatan declares War!
         Chief Powhatan declared war against the white settlers.   
         Pocahontas was sent to live with the Potomac Indians. But 
         she was trapped and sent to Jamestown.
         (History background: Indian Life)
      5. Pocahontas falls in Love
          In Jamestown, Pocahontas met her future husband, John
          Rolfe, a white man. In 1614, they got married. It was
          believed that their marriage brought peace to the 
          Virginia Colony.
          Soon after their marriage, the couple went to London.
          Pocahontas was warmly received by the people in the big
          city. Surprisingly, she met John Smith, whom she thought
          had been dead.
          Pocahontas and John Rolfe had a son. But after the birth of
          her son, Pocahontas became very sick and died at the age 
          of 21. Though her life was a short one, this Indian
          princess was remembered by many people for her
          courage and compassion showed in her friendship toward
          the English settlers of Jamestown.     

          (History background: Virginia Today)