Penelope Stout: History or Fiction?

   This novel is 370 pages of fiction wrapped around a few pages of history. A surprising amount of information still exists about 17th century New Amsterdam. As much as possible I have included people, ships, and events from historical documents. To separate fact from fiction, click on "Novel Time Line" in the left margin.

   In 1640s Amsterdam, the richest city in Europe, near-penniless Penelope Kent dreams of voyaging to America to search for her merchant-father who disappeared on a secretive get-rich-quick scheme. To voyage requires a husband or guardian. Matthew, her betrothed, dreams of finding a new home in America for his congregation of English Separatists like the Pilgrims did a generation ago. But the elders of Matthew’s congregation accuse Penelope of immoral behavior that threatens to expel Penelope from the congregation, from Matthew’s life, and from her dream.
   She can't wait to escape Amsterdam but never imagines the dangers that await her in the New World.

Title: Penelope: A Novel of New Amsterdam
ISBN: 978-0-9851122-0-2 Publication Date: March 2012
Twisted Cedar Press
Format: 5.5 x 8.5 paperback
Length: about 380 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction (adventure)
Price: $15.00 plus shipping

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Status

February 8, 2012
    1. final edit underway
    2. printer likes print file
    3. www.allymacdesigns.com will re-design cover
    4. bought ISBN number
    5. filled out Library of Congress application

My goal is to create a novel:
    1. that expands Penelope's story and shows her immersed in that historical era
    2. that genealogists will buy for themselves and show to their genealogy-phobic relatives
    3. that is so well written and so interesting that those relatives will love the story! Of course, that meant creating more fictional drama such as religious controversy, mother-in-law problems and a murder mystery because a mere scalping isn't enough to sustain an entire novel.

Click on "Read Excerpt" in the left margin and see how well I'm doing
or click on "Documentation" to see the historical record.

After you read my novel, send me the short version of your descent from Penelope, I will enter that info into a genealogy program and print a list of cousins. You may want to use initials for living people. Include your email address as part of your first name if you desire cousins to contact you. Here is my example:
   Penelope (abt 1628 – abt 1738?)
   Alice Stout (abt 1650-?)
   Patience Throckmorton (1671-1726)
   John Coward (abt 1700 -1760)
   Deliverance Coward (1737-1787)
   Hannah Randolph (1761-1837)
   James Longstreet (1786-1833)
   Eliza Parke Longstreet (1828-1914)
   Fannie Holt Lucas (1845-1899)
   Jim's grandfather
   Jim's mother
   Jim (jimmcfarlane@juno.com) McFarlane

   Click here to see your Penelope cousins.