Pirates!

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Pirates!
Celia Rees
2003

The Summary
For much of her life, Nancy Kington, the only daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, has been subjected to the whims of society and her brothers.  Now, forced forsake the love of her life and marry Captain Bartholome, a cruel and tyrannical man, Nancy decides to take life into her own hands.

Along with Minerva Sharpe, a former slave on the Kington plantation, Nancy and her dear friend flee aboard the pirate ship Deliverance and find a home among a band of cutthroats and thieves - and discover a vocation to which they are both perfectly suited.

But neither Nancy nor Minerva are safe.  Captain Bartholome has vowed to follow them, no matter the cost.

The Good
Celia Rees' novel is exceptionally well-written and finely detailed.  It's filled with adventure and intrigue and suspense, and it's thrilling to read.  It has just enough action, just enough drama and suspense to keep you riveted to the pages.

Besides which, Nancy Kington provides an interesting heroine for Pirates!  Far from being a damsel in distress, or a helpless maiden manipulated and contorted by her brothers's wishes and societal mores, she fights back and demands guidance for her own life.  Like her dear friend Minerva, Nancy isn't afraid to retaliate, and she certainly isn't afraid to speak her mind.

They are a particularly inspiring duo, I think.

The Bad
On certain occasions, Pirates! has several chapters prolonged by action and adventure and exciting new encounters, but the conclusion seems startlingly abrupt.  After all the anticipation and suspense, it seems to end far too quickly - and it wasn't quite what I expected.

Not to say it wasn't a phenomenal ending.  In fact, I found the conclusion particularly satisfying, but it wasn't quite what I anticipated.

The Ugly
The central character of Pirates! is, in fact, a pirate and surrounded by pirates.  By definition, pirates are expected to commit crimes, steal gold, drink rum, swear and curse, and carry out other varying acts of villainy and depravity.

It's just what they do.

So, don't be surprised by what you might read.