
One Small Candle is a historical fiction novel by Thomas Fleming, which recounts the story of the Pilgrims' first year in America. The book explores the Pilgrims' unique achievements, such as the Mayflower Compact and their tolerance for other faiths, and highlights the leadership of young men like William Bradford and Miles Standish. Fleming's narrative provides a compelling account of the Pilgrims' harrowing journey across the Atlantic and their struggles in building a colony in Plymouth, New England. The story also sheds light on the complex relationship between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, challenging traditional narratives about the first Thanksgiving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Book Title | One Small Candle |
| Author | Thomas Fleming, Evelyn Tidman |
| Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Word Count | 175-176 pages |
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What You'll Learn

'One Small Candle' is a work of historical fiction
One Small Candle: The Pilgrims' First Year in America is a work of historical fiction. The book was authored by Thomas Fleming, a New York Times bestselling writer, and published by Goodreads and Amazon. It is a concise history book that gives a clear account of the Mayflower’s trip across the Atlantic and covers the events of the first year after the Pilgrims landed.
The book discusses the Pilgrims' unique achievements, such as the Mayflower Compact, their tolerance for other faiths, and the strict separation of church and state. It highlights the younger men who emerged as the real leaders of the colony, including William Bradford and Miles Standish. It also provides insights into the deep humanity and tolerance of the Pilgrims' spiritual shepherd, Elder William Brewster.
Fleming's work sheds light on the hardships and struggles faced by the Pilgrims during their journey and after landing. It mentions the delays, storms, illnesses, dissensions, and exploration into unknown territories that plagued their voyage. The book also discusses the challenges of building a colony, including the struggle against brutal weather, disease, and failed harvests, as well as the complexities of relationships with the American Natives.
One Small Candle brings the Pilgrims' story to life with well-researched information and beautifully descriptive writing. It captures the tenacity and strength of its characters, allowing readers to step into the past and experience the incredible journey of these early American settlers.
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The book is based on the true story of the Pilgrims
The book "One Small Candle: The Pilgrims' First Year in America" is based on the true story of the Pilgrims. It is written by Thomas Fleming, a New York Times bestselling historian, and it gives a comprehensive view of the inhabitants of Plymouth Colony and the voyage of the Mayflower. The book discusses the Pilgrims' unique achievements, such as the Mayflower Compact, their tolerance of other faiths, and the strict separation of church and state. It also highlights the leadership of young men like William Bradford and Miles Standish, who played a crucial role in the colony's first year.
The story begins in Europe with the hiring of the Mayflower and details the harrowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean, including delays, storms, illnesses, and dissensions. The settlers faced challenges upon their arrival, ending up in the wrong place and at the wrong time of year. The book sheds light on the complex relationship between the Pilgrims and the American Natives, offering a different perspective from what is commonly taught in history classes.
Fleming's narrative provides insights into the Pilgrims' struggles, sacrifices, and hardships during their first year in the New World. It captures the determination and resilience of regular people driven by a desire for freedom. The book also mentions the congregation's initial settlement in Leyden and their decision to move to America due to opposition to their Separatist faith.
"One Small Candle" is praised for its well-researched information, beautifully descriptive writing, and seamless integration of historical details with the personal stories of the Pilgrims. It offers a unique perspective on the birth of a nation and the challenges faced by its pioneers.
While primarily based on true events, the book may include some creative liberties taken by the author to shape the narrative. Overall, "One Small Candle" serves as a testament to the endurance and achievements of the Pilgrims during their inaugural year in America.
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It covers the voyage of the Mayflower
One Small Candle is a historical fiction novel written by Evelyn Tidman. It covers the voyage of the Mayflower and the subsequent landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. The novel is based on true events, depicting the Pilgrims' struggles with hunger, disease, and harsh weather conditions during their first year in America.
The novel begins in Europe with the hiring of the Mayflower and the congregation settling in Leyden. The voyage across the Atlantic Ocean is plagued by difficulties, including terrible sickness and storms. The Pilgrims eventually arrive in what is now Massachusetts but at the wrong time of the year, facing delays and dissensions.
The story highlights the unique achievements of the Pilgrims, such as the Mayflower Compact, their tolerance for other faiths, and the strict separation of church and state. It also showcases the leadership of young men like William Bradford and Miles Standish, who played a crucial role in establishing the colony.
One Small Candle provides a comprehensive view of the inhabitants of the Plymouth Colony, including the well-known and lesser-known passengers of the Mayflower. It offers a human perspective on the hardships and determination of the Pilgrims, challenging some commonly held beliefs about their relationship with the Native Americans.
Overall, One Small Candle brings to life the story of the Pilgrims' journey and their first year in America, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they faced in their quest for freedom and a new life.
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The book discusses the Pilgrims' first year in America
One Small Candle: The Pilgrims' First Year in America is a book that discusses the Pilgrims' first year in America. The book is written by Thomas Fleming, a New York Times bestselling historian, and it provides a comprehensive view of the inhabitants of Plymouth Colony and the voyage of the Mayflower.
Fleming's book gives readers a detailed account of the Mayflower's trip across the Atlantic Ocean and covers the events of the first year after the Pilgrims landed. The book discusses the Pilgrims' unique achievements, such as the Mayflower Compact, their tolerance for other faiths, and the strict separation of church and state. It also highlights the younger men who emerged as the real leaders of the colony, including William Bradford and Miles Standish.
The book offers new insights into the deep humanity and tolerance of the Pilgrims' spiritual shepherd, Elder William Brewster. On the first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims are already aware that they are laying the foundation for a great nation. This is reflected in William Bradford's words, "As one small candle may light a thousand, so the light kindled here has shone unto many."
The book also describes the hardships faced by the Pilgrims during their voyage, including delays, storms, illnesses, and dissensions among the travellers and crew. Despite these challenges, they persevered and established a colony in what is now Massachusetts.
One Small Candle is praised for its well-researched information, seamless narrative, and ability to bring history to life. It provides a compelling story that sheds light on the truth about the Pilgrims' landing and their complex relationship with the Native Americans.
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It was written by Thomas Fleming
One Small Candle is a book written by Thomas Fleming, a New York Times bestselling historian. It is a nonfiction book that gives a comprehensive view of the inhabitants of Plymouth Colony and the voyage of the Mayflower. The book covers the Pilgrims' first year in America, discussing their unique achievements, tolerance of other faiths, and the strict separation of church and state.
Fleming's book provides insight into the younger men who emerged as leaders of the colony, such as William Bradford and Miles Standish. He also offers a new perspective on the humanity and tolerance of the Pilgrims' spiritual shepherd, Elder William Brewster. The book begins in Europe with the hiring of the Mayflower and details the harrowing journey across the Atlantic Ocean, including delays, storms, illnesses, and dissensions.
Fleming's narrative style is praised for its ability to bring history to life, with one reviewer noting that it allows readers to "step into the 'past' and into the lives of these incredible people." The book is also well-received for its well-researched information and detailed account of historical events.
Thomas Fleming is the editor of Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture and the president of The Rockford Institute in Rockford, Illinois. He has published numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including "Gentleman of Fortune" and "The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers."
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Frequently asked questions
One Small Candle: The Pilgrims' First Year in America is a work of historical fiction. It is written by Thomas Fleming and published by the Thomas Fleming Library.
The story is about the Pilgrim Fathers, including William Bradford, Miles Standish, and Elder William Brewster.
The book details the first year of the Pilgrims in America, including their voyage on the Mayflower, their landing at Plymouth Rock, and their relationship with the Native Americans.











































