History through the eyes of New World settlers
“Call of Freedom” by Paul C. Monk continues the saga of the Huguenot family Delpech. Having fled the oppressive dragonnade in France to find refuge in Ireland, in 1699 the family decides to brave a dangerous sea crossing and seek a new life in New York.
The story captures the pervasive anxiety and fear of this treacherous journey, alongside the yearning for a settled life in the countryside. Jacob Delpech, who had been in New York ten years earlier, is plagued with uncertainty. He lost contact with his friend Daniel Darlington and is unsure if the deed for the land he reserved in New Rochelle is still valid.
The narrative shifts back to 1689, where Daniel is tasked by the self-styled governor of New York, Jacob Leisler, to defend against French rivalry with the English over the profitable beaver fur trade. Amidst this, Daniel’s pregnant wife, Marianne, tragically contracts smallpox, adding personal stakes to the broader political and economic turmoil.
In 1699, the Delpechs finally arrive in New York; they discover that Darlington has purchased their land for them and built on an adjacent plot. This twist brings relief and resolution, as the families settle together in the Huguenot village of New Rochelle. It highlights a broader theme of the book: the aspiration for freedom of conscience and the desire to trust God, rather than seeking wealth at the cost of injustice.
But young Paul Delpech faces his own internal conflict, torn between his dream of an adventurous life as a sailor in the Caribbean and his love for sixteen-year-old Lily-Anne.
Monk masterfully portrays the dichotomy between the aspirations of the New World settlers and the often indifferent and remote decisions made by European kings. “Call of Freedom” is a compelling tale of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of a just and peaceful life in the face of relentless challenges.
