A Lace Cap and Two Boys

It 1663, Indians attack a frontier village, massacring men and taking women and children captive--among them Lucienne and young sons Roland and Oliver. Lucienne and Oliver become slaves to a "master" and "mistress." Roland is awarded to Shantankin, an Indian, to be raised as her son. The captive women endure hardships, while their children fare better. Roland, coached by Shantakin, begins to appreciate Indian customs. After three months, the whites attack the village and free most of the captives--but not Lucienne, Roland, Oliver, and Shanakin. Misfortunes follow as they move from place to place until the culmination. 


The story is told in the words and thoughts of Lucienne, Roland, and Oliver as each views her or his different circumstances. Lucienne is worn by her menial role and torn by Roland's enforced detachment. She and Shantakin become rivals. Roland pictures himself a messianic peacekeeper, while Oliver strives to rival his brother.