How does Geraldine Brooks depict the relationship between Native Americans and the English?

Narrative action in part one of the book explores the tensions between whites and natives on the island where Bethia and her family have made their home, and the tensions within her own family. By the end of Part 1, Caleb and his friend Joel have become thoroughly versed in Christian studies and professed themselves Christian, suppressing their native identity (which, however, resurfaces occasionally). Meanwhile, Bethia's family has suffered several serious losses and Bethia has come to see herself as a dangerous sinner.