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Cover of To Have and to Hold

To Have and to Hold

Written by Mary Johnston

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Virginia

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About this book

“To Have and to Hold” by Mary Johnston is a historical novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in early 17th-century Virginia, delving into the lives of early settlers, their struggles, and their relationships with one another and the Indigenous people. The narrative is centered around Ralph Percy, a soldier who is caught between the remnants of his violent past and the arduous frontier lifestyle as he navigates new bonds formed through unexpected marriage and loyalty. The beginning of the novel introduces Ralph Percy as he reflects on his solitary life in the wilderness of Virginia after his day's work. He is visited by his friend, John Rolfe, who brings news of a ship arriving with maidens for settling in the colony. A sense of foreboding lingers as Ralph contemplates the uneasy peace with the Indigenous people. When the plot thickens, Ralph ends up marrying Jocelyn Leigh—a woman of noble bearing disguising her true identity as a servant—almost impulsively after saving her from an unwanted encounter. Their relationship starts with misunderstanding, pride, and a deep undercurrent of emotional struggle, hinting at the complexity of their future together as they face the tumultuous and often dangerous backdrop of colonial America.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in To Have and to Hold, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • adventurous
  • romantic
  • historical

Mary Johnston's "To Have and to Hold" is a sweeping historical romance set in early 17th-century Jamestown, Virginia. The narrative follows Ralph Percy, a former soldier seeking a solitary existence, whose life is irrevocably changed by an impulsive marriage to Jocelyn Leigh, a noblewoman fleeing an unwanted suitor in England. Their burgeoning love story unfolds against the perilous backdrop of colonial life, marked by constant threats from Indigenous tribes, Spanish invaders, and the relentless pursuit of Jocelyn's vengeful antagonist, Lord Carnal. The novel intricately weaves themes of love, survival, identity, and the forging of a new society amidst the untamed American wilderness, showcasing the resilience of its protagonists.

“"The wilderness was no place for a woman, but a woman had come to it, and he must guard her."”

Key themes

Love and Marriage in the Wilderness
This central theme explores how love can blossom and strengthen under extreme duress. Ralph and Jocelyn's initial, impulsive marriage, born of necessity and misunderstanding, evolves into a deep, committed partnership as they face shared dangers and trials in the untamed frontier. The harsh environment tests their bond, forcing them to rely on each other and ultimately forge an unbreakable emotional connection.
Survival and the Frontier Spirit
The novel vividly portrays the arduous realities of early colonial life in Virginia. It highlights the constant struggle for survival against natural elements, disease, famine, and external threats from Indigenous tribes, Spanish invaders, and pirates. This theme emphasizes the resourcefulness, resilience, and sheer tenacity required to not only endure but to establish a new society in an untamed land.
Identity and Redemption
Both Ralph Percy and Jocelyn Leigh carry hidden pasts that shape their initial interactions and motivations. Jocelyn is in disguise, fleeing a forced identity and an unwanted future, while Ralph is a man haunted by past violence, seeking solitude and a chance to atone. Their journey in Virginia offers them both an opportunity for reinvention, to shed old identities, and to find redemption and peace in a new life forged together.

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How does the setting of early 17th-century Virginia contribute to the challenges and development of Ralph and Jocelyn's relationship?

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