Introduction

Fire on Dark Water is recounted by an English gypsy called Lola Blaise, who knows that Captain Edward Teach is a buccaneer when she marries him but has no idea she is about to become the thirteenth wife of the infamous Blackbeard, nor does she realize the unconscionable deeds she will have to perform to avoid the fate of her tragic predecessors. The action takes place in the Eighteenth Century's 'Golden Age of Piracy'. Lola takes us on an epic journey from her early Romany childhood, to loss of innocence in the slums of London, a horrific voyage on a white slave ship, indentured servitude on a Charleston rice plantation, life in a brothel on the 'Pirate Republic' of New Providence, and ultimately aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge (Blackbeard's flagship), as she interacts with real characters in factual situations. This is a gritty, violent, realistic portrayal of the lascivious, often manic events, acted out by dangerous drunk individuals with little left to lose.  Warning: Not a tale for the faint of heart!

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Excerpt

January 5, 1719

The severed head bobbed afore the mast of the pirate sloop like a grisly lantern exactly as rumor predicted. But the black eyes now only flickered intermittently when glazed by shafts of sunlight, and the septic snarl was set against further cursing. The trophy – tied by its long gory mane to the bowsprit – twisted on air like licking vipers, conjuring life where it had long since ceased to writhe. Shock had frozen the face in a roar of defiance and confusion lay trapped in the hazy whites of his eyes. A swollen tongue protruded from the black matted beard while the nose, still screwed up for battle, lay lost in the purpling wax of decaying flesh. The decapitated prize twirled ceremoniously in proof – a public deterrent for fellow buccaneers to witness.

When the townsfolk of Hampton heard the news they swarmed to the north shore of the river like a flush of vengeful ducks, huffing and squawking to waddle ahead of the press, anxious for confirmation and to claim their brag in history. Is it him? I ran too – eager to know if the law had finally vanquished the Terror of the Seas. I jostled my way toward the front of the mob, and the impact of that spinning skull knotted the breath in the base of my throat. I could scarcely believe in the prize hung before me – The infamous Blackbeard is dead!

Now I know some folks may contend that I am far too enamored of these sea-villains, having recently completed an account of The Life and Strange Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. But the moment I gazed at the dead captain’s eye-pits I felt a compelling urge to begin a new book, although possibly under some pseudonym this time. I have a notion to write a general history of the most notorious pirates so that their brave and terrible deeds may not fade unrecorded – an idea that came to me as I scanned the crowd surrounding Governor Spotswood and noticed him conferring with some common gypsy wench.

Thinking it strange that the most esteemed gentleman in the colony would be holding court with such a lowly creature, I immediately enquired of a by-stander as to who this young slattern might be? I judged she was not yet of age, but even under the youth and grime I could tell she was some gamy thing – all lithe legs and wide moist eyes. Well, consider my surprise when someone whispered she was Blackbeard’s doxy. And then imagine my utter disbelief when I learned that she was the one who had betrayed him!

It is my deepest desire to interview this trollop – for whom better to give me an insight into the outlaw’s secret kingdom? But as soon as she had identified the dangling head, she scurried into the crowd and was lost to sight. I have just heard rumor that she may be headed for one of the Carribee Islands – which is where I will begin my search as soon as I have the resources. Whatever it takes, I must find this wench. For I believe that my entire future enterprise depends upon it . . . .

Daniel Defoe view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

From the author:

1. “What fates impose, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both wind and tide” – Discuss the role of fate. At what point does Lola Blaise become proactive in her own destiny?

2. Share your thoughts about the title, Fire on Dark Water.

3. “Life isn’t kind . . . neither is she.” Is Lola Blaise a sympathetic or likable character?

4. How does the book change your perception of pirates? Does this portrayal of Anne Bonny align with what you have read about her in the past?

5. What was the most intriguing or appealing aspect of a life “on the account”? What type of men and women were drawn to this dangerous lifestyle? Is there any correlation with the modern day pirates of Somalia?

6. Which specific elements make Fire on Dark Water a literary novel, rather than a romance?
7. Share your thoughts regarding the two pirate ladies’ men – Calico Jack Rackham and Blackbeard. Are they depicted fairly? How much of their image is filtered through Lola’s potentially - biased narrative?

8. In this era women were often treated as sexual commodities. How do Lola and Anne respond to male expectations? In what ways do they exploit and subvert the patriarchy?

9. Are modern day attitudes towards gypsies any more enlightened than in the Eighteenth Century?

10. School children are taught about the African-American slave trade. Were you aware of the white slave trade that preceded this practice? Why might this aspect of colonial history be given less emphasis in the general curriculum?

11. Were there any aspects of the novel that you found particularly disturbing?

12. “Fact is, there’ll always and ever be war as long as there are two men and one desirable tract of land – or woman – left.” Do you agree with Lola’s assessment of human nature? Or are there other factors that might explain piracy and war?

13. To what extent might Fire on Dark Water be read as a novel about privilege, class and social status? How is the pirate democracy different? And in which ways is it similar?

14. Lola questions how “ even the ugliest king has lovers lining up to bed him.” Why are so many women attracted to bad-boy characters like Blackbeard? Share your thoughts and observations.

15. Mary Reed successfully passed herself off as a male sailor, even fooling Anne Bonny. Discuss the practical difficulties in carrying out such a deception on board a crowded ship.

16. Lola complains that women are “sold on dreams of the happy forever” – unrealistic notions of love. Do you agree? How does this novel challenge the traditional view of love?

17. If “ it wasn’t prize or power that drove Teach,” what do you think may have motivated Blackbeard to become the “ Terror of the Seas”?

18. Consider the relationship between Lola and Anne.
What was Anne’s opinion of Lola? Why did Lola remain loyal to her? Is there any suggestion of genuine regard or friendship between these two central characters?

19. How does Lola’s first - person narrative draw the reader into the story? Was the pirate dialogue effective in helping to recreate the historical period?

20. Why does the author introduce Daniel Defoe into the narrative? What historical importance does he have? What does his inclusion add to this novel?

Weblinks

»	Publiser's Book Info
»	Fire on Dark Water web site
»	Author Wendy Perriman's web site

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