- What was your first impression of Lizzie Rowell? Did your opinion of her change over the course of the book? Does she make good decisions?
- The Derby and Crowninshield families are closely related through marriage, yet they function as business and political rivals. What were their family dynamics?
- What type of future does Captain Geroge Crowninshield envision for his sons? Do the young men have the same goals?
- How would you characterize Captain George Crowninshield as a parent?
- What was the relationship between Captain George Crowninshield and his wife, Mary?
- What type of businessman is Hasket Derby? How do his decisions compare with those made by Captain Geroge Crowninshield?
- What is your impression of the relationship between Captain Nathaniel West and his wife, Betsey?
- What sort of person is Eliza Derby? What is her relationship with her children? Her husband?
- How would you characterize Eliza Derby’s ambitions? Are they the same as her husband’s? Is Eliza an effective social leader?
- In January 1791, Captain Elias Derby returns to Salem after spending three years at Isle de France and India. How well does he adjust to being back in Salem? What is his relationship with his father?
- In 1791, Captain Nathaniel Silsbee sails for Hasket Derby aboard the Betsey. He is eighteen years old. How well does he cope with is first command? Does he make good decisions?
- Why does Hasket Derby build the Grand Turk? Why is this ship important to him? Does his son Elias share Hasket’s attachment to the ship?
- How does Captain Nathaniel Silsbee react to news of his father’s death? What effect does it have on Nath’s future plans?
- Do you think Captain Nathaniel Silsbee made the right decision to bring the Sally back to Salem? How does his decision affect his future career?
- Why does Captain George Crowninshield visit his son Edward? What is Edward’s response?
- As things turn out, do you think Geordie Crowninshield and his brother Edward had similar discomfort with their situations within the Crowninshield family?
- Captain Nathaniel Silsbee’s command of the Benjamin included severe challenges. Under crisis conditions, did Nath make good choices?
- What sort of person is Jacob Crowninshield? What are his aspirations? How does he compare to his brothers?
- What do you think about Jacob’s risk in bringing back an elephant from India to America?
- Why do you think Jacob wants to marry Sarah Gardner?
- Does Geordie treat Lizzie fairly before he leaves on the Polly & Sally? Do you think her situation was unusual?
- Is Hasket Derby pleased with the Grand Turk’s performance?
- How would you characterize Hasket Derby’s relationship with is wife and children?
- When Geordie returns, how does he treat Lizzie and his child? Did he behave responsibly?
- Why is Captain Elias Derby attracted to Lucy Brown? Is it just her appearance?
- What affect do the wars between Britain and France have on America merchant vessels?
- Did Captain Silsbee’s decision to lose the money he had won at baccarat surprise you?
- How did Geordie respond when British marines boarded the Belisarius and impressed one of his men?
- Compare Geordie’s decision with Nath Silsbee’s response to the impressment of his crew member at Madras. What motivated their decisions?
- Does Geordie make a smooth transition to life ashore? If his father hadn’t removed Geordie from his command of the Belisarius, do you think he would have made the same domestic arrangements with Lizzie?
- Any thoughts on why Geordie doesn’t propose marriage to Lizzie?
- What is your impression of Captain Elias Derby? Do you think Lucy made the right decision when she married him?
- Who is your favorite character in the story? Why?