This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own
The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye: A Novel by Briony CameronPublication Date: June 4, 2024
Publisher: Atria Books / Simon & Schuster
Pages: 368
Goodreads: Add It
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / African American & Black / Historical
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis:
This epic, dazzling tale based on true events illuminates a woman of color’s rise to power as one of the few purported female pirate captains to sail the Caribbean, and the forbidden love story that will shape the course of history.
In the tumultuous town of Yáquimo, Santo Domingo, Jacquotte Delahaye is an unknown but up-and-coming shipwright. Her dreams are bold but her ambitions are bound by the confines of her life with her self-seeking French father. When her way of life and the delicate balance of power in the town are threatened, she is forced to flee her home and become a woman on the run along with a motley crew of refugees, including a mysterious young woman named Teresa.
Jacquotte and her band become indentured servants to the infamous Blackhand, a ruthless pirate captain who rules his ship with an iron fist. As they struggle to survive his brutality, Jacquotte finds herself unable to resist Teresa despite their differences. When Blackhand hatches a dangerous scheme to steal a Portuguese shipment of jewels, Jacquotte must rely on her wits, resourcefulness, and friends to survive. But she discovers there is a grander, darker scheme of treachery at play, and she ultimately must decide what price she is willing to pay to secure a better future for them all.
An unforgettable tale told in three parts, The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye is a thrilling, buccaneering escapade filled with siege and battle, and is also a tender exploration of friendship, love, and the search for freedom and home.
REVIEW
If you love diving into historical fiction with a splash of high-seas adventure, you’ve got to check out Briony Cameron’s debut novel, The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye. This story brings to life the legendary Jacquotte Delahaye, a supposedly real female pirate from the 17th-century Caribbean.
The book begins with Jacquotte’s humble beginnings on Hispaniola as the mixed-race daughter of a Frenchman and a local woman. Things take a wild turn when the ruthless pirate Captain Blackhand captures her, making her an indentured servant on his ship. But Jacquotte’s got grit—she uses her smarts and bravery to rise from servant to one of the rare female pirate captains of her time. She leads her crew through some seriously thrilling adventures on the high seas.
Jacquotte is one tough cookie. The struggles she faces, especially her rough time as Captain Blackhand’s servant, moulds her character. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment unfolds against a backdrop of pirate life, exploring themes of race and gender inequality. There’s also a great supporting cast, including Teresa, another captive who becomes Jacquotte’s love interest, adding more layers to the story and showing the strong bonds formed under tough conditions.
The book contains themes like race and gender inequality, self-discovery, romance, and friendship. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of pirate life, highlighting the fight for freedom and against oppression. The whole “found family” vibe is strong here, with Jacquotte and her crew forming tight bonds amidst the chaos. Plus, the romance between Jacquotte and Teresa adds an emotional punch, showing love as a source of strength and comfort.
Briony Cameron’s writing style is something to talk about. Her storytelling is vivid and immersive, making the 17th-century Caribbean come alive with rich descriptions and well-researched details. The author has crafted a fast-paced and action-packed narrative, grabbing your attention from the get-go. Cameron has a knack for creating multidimensional characters and weaving complex themes into an adventure story.
All in all, The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye is a gripping read that mixes adventure, history, and solid character development. Its main strengths are its strong, assertive heroine, well-crafted narrative, and exploration of important social themes. Sure, some might find the violent parts intense, but it’s still a standout debut that historical fiction and pirate adventure fans will love.
By painting a nuanced picture of a legendary figure, Briony Cameron has crafted a novel that is both educational and entertaining. Whether you’re into high-seas adventures or stories of personal triumph, The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye is worth a read.
