First published 1938
Young William Penn faces a choice that will define his future. Born into wealth and social standing in 17th century England, he enjoys every advantage his family's position can provide. But when he encounters the radical religious movement known as the Quakers, their message of spiritual equality and peaceful resistance captures his conscience. Penn must decide whether to maintain his comfortable existence or embrace a faith that society scorns and the government persecutes. His decision to join the Quakers costs him his inheritance and his father's approval, yet opens an unexpected path to America. When King Charles II grants him vast territories in the New World, Penn sees an opportunity to create something unprecedented: a colony built on religious tolerance and fair treatment of native peoples. This biographical novel follows Penn's transformation from privileged aristocrat to colonial founder, showing how one man's spiritual awakening shaped the future of Pennsylvania.
Genres: historical-fiction, american, biographical-fiction
Vibes: historical, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, fish-out-of-water
Setting: England, America, Pennsylvania
Period: 17th Century
298 pages · Hardcover · The Viking Press