Blackbeard’s Treasure

‘Blackbeard told me’, Abigail said,’that no one knows where his treasure is hidden except him and the devil…’

Abigail lives in the Caribbean with her father, a plantation owner. Her only companion is Boubacar, a slave boy of similar age, and something of a favourite of her father’s. When pirates attack Sandy Point, Abigail’s comfortable life is gone forever and she is forced to re-evaluate things she was once so sure about.

‘Blackbeard’s Treasure’ combines a swashbuckling pirate adventure with much to think about and provoke discussion. The story does not seek to romanticise pirates, but highlights the constant danger, callous indifference and violence of their lives against a background of the hardships of life at sea. Characters from real life- some well known like Edward Teach aka Blackbeard, others less so like Mr Marks- add to the enjoyment of the tale and offer the possibility of further research for those whose interest has been piqued- notes at the end make an excellent starting point for this. The story is rich in details throughout, for example, the use of the different languages Abigail would have encountered, including Fulfulde which Boubacar teaches her much to his mother’s horror.

Abigail has been brought up on a plantation, accepting slavery and all its horrors as the way life is. Quick to feel the disadvantages and limitations being female imposes on her, she comes to learn that things - including her father’s behaviour- were not as she thought and she is forced to question her previous beliefs and standards. At times uncomfortable reading, there is so much to reflect upon and discuss here, making this story an excellent starting point for learning about the transatlantic slave trade at home or at school.

Blackbeard’s Treasure Iszi Lawrence

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801990967