Marita Golden
David Wright and David Zoby have written a gripping, unforgettable account
of a group of forgotten but undeniable American heroes. Meticulously
researched and written with power and beauty, Fire on the Beach captures the
story of men, the sea, and the dedication and pride of a group of African
American 'surfmen' who set the standard for courage and performance in one
of the world's most dangerous jobs.
(Marita Golden, author of The Edge of Heaven)
Sheri Reynolds
In Fire on the Beach, David Wright and David Zoby have woven together a
story like none I've read before. I can't combine enough words to describe
this enthralling book. It is the best history lesson I've received in
years, but it reads like an adventure, with language both clear and poetic.
I enjoyed every minute of it. Fire on the Beach is well-researched and
well-written, ambitious and admirable. I hope it sells a million copies.
(Sheri Reynolds, author of The Rapture of Canaan)
Jay Neugeboren
David Wright and David Zoby are splendid guides who takes us through an
exciting chapter of our nation's hitherto unheralded history, and into lives
made legend by brave black seamen of the 19th century. They have brought to
life an amazing story, one scrupulously researched and compellingly
rendered, that does honor to Afro-Americans and to brave seamen everywhere.
As one who has himself served in the Merchant Marine, I am deeply impressed,
both by the wealth of fascinating sea lore, and by the sheer narrative drive
of the tale. Fire on the Beach is an inspiring story of heroism on the high
seas.
(Jay Neugeboren, author of Imagining Robert and Big Man)
Stephen O'Connor
Wright and Zoby's tale of the Pea Island surfmen's heroic struggles against
racism and the sea is wise, brilliantly crafted and as gripping as any
maritime adventure novel. A Fire on the Beach recreates life on the North
Carolina coast from the days of slavery to the early twentieth century in
novelistic detail, and inspires us with the dignity and determination of
Richard Etheridge, the leader of the all African American life saving team.
This is history at its best.
(Stephen O'Connor, author of Orphan Trains: The Story of Charles Loring Brace and the Children He Saved and Failed)
Philip Graham
Combining a thrilling narrative pace with meticulous research, David Wright
and David Zoby have restored for us all a vibrant chapter of our common
history that should never be forgotten. Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island
Lifesavers were both ordinary men and heroes of the highest order, and this
beautifully written book brings them alive for generations to come.
(Philip Graham, author of How to Read an Unwritten Language and co-author of Parallel Worlds)
Alyson Hagy
As Richard Etheridge is a 'man among men,' so is this story of the heroic
Pea Island life-saving crew a tale among tales. Drama, courage, character,
the riches of recovered history Fire on the Beach burns with them all.
(Alyson Hagy, author of Graveyard of the Atlantic)