"The Captive" is a novel by James A. Michener that explores the life of a young boy named David who is captured by a Native American tribe. The story delves into his experiences and struggles as he adapts to a new way of life, highlighting the cultural differences between his upbringing and that of the tribe. As David grows older, he faces the challenges of loyalty, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel examines themes of captivity and freedom, ultimately questioning what it means to belong to a community, whether it be his original family or the tribe that has taken him in.