Penner's Pilgrims are heroes, and deservedly so. She takes the story of
their crossing on the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony,
and fleshes it out with all the distasteful, even disgusting, details of
their struggle for survival. Everything that made life difficult in the
1600s is mentioned--the acceptance of insect infestation in one's hair,
clothing, bed, and food; the lack of efficient implements for home
construction; the danger of crossing the Atlantic on an open vessel; and
the deadly aftermath of disease. The author makes it clear that without
the Indians' help, these settlers would not have made it through their
first year, dependent as they were on European agricultural methods not
suited to the New World.
While Penner gives a complete picture of the Pilgrims' daily life, her
prime focus is on food--what the people ate; how they raised, prepared,
served, and preserved it. Her writing style has a light touch that makes
this interesting reading, often with a wry slant. The book concludes
with a ``Pilgrim Menu'' for readers to prepare with adult supervision.
The illustrations include pen-and-ink drawings and lithographs that show
period artifacts and various food items.