Perhaps there were horror stories related to the unknown of the new land. When they finally landed, they faced harsh winters, lack of food, and potential attacks from native tribes. The settlers had to struggle to survive in an unfamiliar and often unforgiving environment, which was terrifying for them.
The disease outbreak on the Mayflower is quite well - known. So many people falling ill and the ship becoming like a floating hospital of sorts. It was a nightmare for those on board as they watched their fellow passengers get sicker and die with little means to help them.
I'm not sure specifically as I don't know which 'Mayflower Novel' you're referring to. But generally, there could be Pilgrim leaders as main characters, like William Bradford. There might also be ordinary settlers, perhaps a family trying to start a new life in the New World.
One common theme is survival. The Pilgrims on the Mayflower had to endure a difficult journey and then start a new life in a strange land. Another theme is religious freedom. They were seeking a place where they could practice their religion without persecution. And also, the theme of community. They had to rely on each other during the voyage and in building their new settlement.
The Mayflower journey was tough. The Pilgrims on board faced many hardships during the voyage. When they landed, they had to start from scratch. The Native Americans showed them kindness and taught them survival skills. The first Thanksgiving was a result of this new community coming together. It was a free celebration in the sense that it was a natural outpouring of gratitude for all that they had achieved and received. It was a combination of different cultures sharing in a moment of thankfulness.
One great Mayflower historical novel is 'The Mayflower' by Nathaniel Philbrick. It offers a detailed account of the journey of the Mayflower and the early days of the Plymouth Colony.
The 'Mayflower Novel' can be a powerful literary work. Since the Mayflower is such a symbol of the beginning of American settlement, a novel about it could have many layers. It could look at the relationships among the passengers, the leadership on the ship, and how they made decisions during that arduous journey. Once they landed, it could explore how they interacted with the native people and the environment. All these elements combined make it a potentially rich and important piece of literature.
Survival is a common theme. The Pilgrims on the Mayflower faced numerous challenges during the voyage and in establishing the colony, like harsh weather and lack of food.