On the Face of the Waters: A Tale of the Mutiny

"On the Face of the Waters: A Tale of the Mutiny" by Flora Annie Steel is a historical novel set during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, where British colonizers find their lives and values challenged by a violent uprising. Opening with an auction beside the Goomtee River, the story quickly reveals the fractures in colonial society through characters such as Major Erlton and Mrs. Gissing. This builds an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty as the tiger's growl foreshadows the chaos to come. It reveals the interactions between the British and the native population through both characters views and the brewing rebellion, showcasing the period's exploitation and resistance while setting the stage for a deeper investigation of allegiance, morals, and identity.