The novel is called The Wing. The title comes from the meaning of the name Wenepoykin, the youngest son of Nanepashemet. The English called him Sagamore George.
In 1684 he came home from slavery in Barbados, an old man, and died that summer at a kinsman's house. Before he died, a young Native pastor named Daniel Takawombait heard him say who his land should go to. Daniel is a real person, and two years later he swore to it in court.
My book imagines the rest: George telling his whole family's story while Daniel writes it down. It moves from the Mystic to Saugus, Salem, Nahant, Rumney Marsh, and the shore right here in Marblehead.
It comes out October 15.
