ABENAKI CAPTIVE

A wealth of detail on Native American life provides background for the dramatic conflict between a young Abenaki with a grudge and captive trapper John Stark, later a major general in the American Revolution. After his elder brother is killed by the English, Ogistin goes on a vision quest in order to become a man and exact revenge. Five years later, he's in the party that captures Stark and another young trapper; only by consulting his guiding animal spirit, the lynx, does Ogistin control his still-vengeful feelings. The other captive is sold to the French; Stark is adopted into the tribe and eventually leaves with its blessing -- even Ogistin's. Based on real events, this entry in the Adventures in Time series is distinguished by the author's insight into mid-18th century Native Americans, pressed by the white culture yet firmly based in their own ways. Her characters aren't well defined -- Ogistin's mellowing isn't convincingly motivated, and we're never privy to Stark's emotions. Still, a swift-moving story that opens a window on an era. Glossary; bibliography.