Prisoners of Hope: A Tale of Colonial Virginia

Name: Prisoners of Hope: A Tale of Colonial Virginia
Author: Mary Johnston

By Mary Johnston

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American Literature

About This Book

The narrative unfolds in seventeenth-century Virginia, portraying the social and political life of a planter household and its circle as colonial assemblies, rivalries, and maritime connections shape fortunes. Personal relationships—courtship, family loyalties, and betrayals—interweave with public affairs: legislative debates, conspiracies, smuggling, and violent confrontations on rivers and plantations. Scenes range from intimate domestic gatherings to midnight expeditions, captures, duels, and climactic clashes, while characters navigate honor, ambition, and the precariousness of colonial society amid changing power and law. The work balances romantic elements, adventure, and historical detail to trace consequences of choice and allegiance.

About the Author

Mary Johnston

Mary Johnston was an American novelist and suffragist, known for her historical fiction that often explores themes of colonial America and the struggles of women. Her notable works include "Prisoners of Hope: A Tale of Colonial Virginia," which delves into the complexities of life in early Virginia, and "Lewis Rand," a narrative that reflects her interest in the Southern experience. Johnston's writing is characterized by its vivid portrayal of characters and settings, contributing to the literary heritage of the early 20th century. In addition to her novels, she was an advocate for women's rights, making her a significant figure in both literature and social reform.