An
Interview with Samuel Endicott
- Is the historical fiction credible?
- How is the novel different from others?
- How will your novel enhance a reader?
- In three words, describe the novel's message.
- Would young adults be interested in Molly Lake?
- Provide some reasons readers would want to purchase and read this novel?
- What is the most fascinating component of this novel?
- Is there anything in the novel that will make its readers uncomfortable?
- Does your book blaze new trails?
- Is Molly Lake controversial?
- Do you reveal any secrets?
- Are there any parts of the novel that would offend any special interest group (or appeal to a special interest group)?
- What are your future projects?
Is the historical fiction credible?
I think my knowledge of the events and ability as a storyteller are the secrets of the story's success. As a former instructor at the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff Officer Course, I studied and wove into my lesson plans Wolfe's siege of Quebec. During that time, I wrote [U.S. Army] doctrine on integrating terrain and knowledge of the enemy's forces and tactics into the battle plan. I used the siege of Quebec to illustrate the teaching points... Tom Sickinger and I published an article (Military Review, May 1992) where we argued that had General Montcalm (the French general at Quebec) successfully integrated his commanding topography with his understanding of the English Army's desire for a European style battle (shoulder to shoulder volleys followed by a bayonet charge), he could have forced Wolfe to abandon the siege. But four years later I began to review the switching of a Canadian militia company for a regular French battalion overlooking Wolfe's landing site. I thought there was something fishy about that and wanted to examine it more closely.
How is the novel different from others?
My main character is a teenage heroine caught up in a conflict between two European empires. She finds herself in the male dominated world of the military. In a subplot, the novel probes the issue of whether New France was betrayed, who betrayed it, and motive, means and opportunity. I believe one function of fiction is to ask questions. I certainly hope the story motivates historians to take another look at Wolfe's landing.
How will the novel enhance a reader?
It illustrates the role determination plays in achieving a goal. The novel also places physical and emotional fear into proper perspective. The protagonist is a good role model for young women. And... I believe, Molly Lake reinforces the notion that certain wrongs cannot go unchallenged... yes, there are times when turning the other cheek isn't an option.
In three words, describe the novel's message.
Hmmm, I think there are four themes in Molly Lake. First, determination achieves miracles. Also… family is paramount... and there is always love conquers all. And I believe (as does Molly) that some events cannot be allowed to stand… you have to step up and say, "That's wrong, and I won't stand for it."
Would young adults be interested in Molly Lake?
I wanted to target the 12 - 16 year old female... so I hope so. And on several levels a teen would be interested in how Molly handles herself in situations with the adults she encounters. And teens should understand that when they have compatible goals with adults, they will receive support and mentoring... as happens to Molly. And a lesson for us all is that physical violence has lasting consequences.
Provide some reasons readers would want to purchase and read this novel?
Well, first, Molly Lake is a saga that transports the reader to colonial Canada which I found to be an unfamiliar, yet fascinating setting… and the reader will also experience life aboard a Georgian navy frigate will fascinate many readers as well. Second, there is a wonderful story of courtship. Loyalty is also a recurring theme... adult loyalty between husband and wife and soldier to soldier. Third, the novel shatters several myths Canadians have accepted as axioms for why New France fell to the English. Fourth, European readers will gain insights into the impact the North American theatre played on the first global conflict also known as the Seven Years War. And whether you are American, French, English, or Canadian, you will be exposed to the differing points of view between the nations involved.
What is the most fascinating component of this novel?
For me, it is the tension produced by the irreconcilable triangle of characters -- good Canadians and French soldiers versus the organized crime syndicate within the Canadian administration versus the besieging English Army. Any one of the three corners of the triangle opposes the other two. And yet, this triangle gives the complicated dynamics remarkable clarity.
Is there anything in the novel that will make its readers uncomfortable?
Perhaps the violence… though not gratuitous, it certainly isn't cartoonish. I'm only saying that when a character becomes injured, it is usually seriously.
Does your book blaze new trails?
I believe Molly Lake will become the trailblazer in a new genre… a war story that appeals to females. With more and more women joining the military (and making it a career choice), the literary field is open for books to stimulate young women to think about the military and the satisfactions that career entails. Another new trail blazed by Molly Lake is my hypothesis for two mysteries surrounding the siege of Quebec. First, did a traitor arrange for the area above the Anse au Foulon to be lightly defended? Second, why did Colonel Bougainville arrive late… after the battle when General Montcalm critically needed his regiment to trap the English army. And as a totally tongue in cheek bonus, Molly's Ottawa friend, Opechwan, explains the riddle that today is above the post office door in Quebec City. Molly Lake addresses these issues… it ought to be an eye-opener for the Canadians.
The book does challenge many Canadians' beliefs about the causes of Montcalm's defeat on the Plains of Abraham and the fall of New France. The book may anger English military historians who feel that Wolfe's victory would be cheapened if it was made possible by Canadian treachery. I am really not in a position to assert as fact that treason occurred, but I echo the belief asserted by Kathleen Turner's movie detective character, V. I. Warshawski, Detective in High Heels, "Follow the money." Who would benefit by treason... and why?
Journalists (and historians) assert, 'In war, truth is the first casualty.' I believe that one legitimate role of fiction is to ask the question. My fervent hope is that historians will take a second look at Wolfe's success. Molly Lake introduces my hypothesis that a certain key Canadian government official had the motive, means, and opportunity for treason. This individual headed a crime syndicate known as the "Grand Society." The consequence of the siphoning of monies and supplies sent by King Louis XV for New France was the defeat of French forces in North America. The colonial Canadian government fell as much to corruption as to the English on their doorstep. The Grand Society's infamous gambling soirees each night and their schemes of graft are key elements in the plot. It's no stretch to say that their crimes in Canada played a hand in bringing down the French monarchy thirty years later.
Are there any parts of the novel that would offend any special interest group (or appeal to a special interest group)?
Perhaps the scalping of the dead and wounded by Native-American characters in several scenes may offend some as stereotype, though the novel has both admirable Native-American characters and villainous ones. Undeniably, the offensive act of scalping occurred during this period of history, and it benefits no one to cover it up or rewrite history. Native-Americans will find the motives of the different tribes in cooperating with either the French or English side of the conflict interesting.
For people who enjoy a healthy dose of historical accuracy in their fiction, I researched the actual events of the siege, the calendar days, the weather that day, etc. and wove the details into the saga. If it storms on a certain day in Molly Lake, it stormed on that day in 1759. And I am pleased that Molly Lake contains the most graphic and realistic keelhauling in English literature.
Canadian residents will enjoy one character's explanation of the enigmatic riddle of Le Chien d'Or that is chiseled above the Quebec City main post office door.
What are your future projects?
I have three in mind. I'd like to do a Molly Lake Epilog and give readers closure to the Canadian criminals that fled to France after Quebec fell. I would also like to write a short story based on my grandmother's answer to my question of how she met grandfather, but do so with Molly and her grandson, Peter. The story of how she and Jean-Luc fell into the river and met under a capsized canoe is classic. I'd also like to write a Molly Lake novel with the St. Alemberts established firmly in New York City society and assisting General Washington under the very nose of the Tory socialites and British general, Clinton. I would like to use the Revolutionary War as a backdrop for a future Molly Lake novels.
