David Buchan is sent to the Bay of Exploits to familiarize himself with Beothuk. Beothuk or red Indians are facing extinction. The extinction is due to the activities carried out by white settlers and neighboring tribe. Buchan befriends John Peyton Jr., who is torn apart between bullying red Indians and serving them well. Peyton’s kindness ruins the relationship between him and his father. Peyton is eager to win Cassie’s love. His father is only interested in protecting his family and the wealth he acquired illegally. The divergent opinion between them culminates in tragic consequences. Love, loss, regrets, and guilt are some of the significant themes featured in this novel.
Peyton is of the view that red Indians need to be protected. He wants a peaceful co-existence between white settlers and Beothuk. Peyton’s kindness is evidenced when he accommodates a Red Indian woman and treats her well. The book demonstrates how people can differ in opinions and attitudes. While Peyton and Buchan want to establish peaceful co-existence between white settlers and Red Indians, John Peyton Sr. is interested in protecting his properties.
The misunderstandings, barbarity, and violence witnessed are due to the desires of people. Greedy for wealth is the cause of conflict between people. The conflict between John Sr. and his son develops due to the materialistic desire of wealth. John Sr. values his properties more than human life. Such attitudes have culminated in the loss of lives.
