Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime Piracy

Cindy Vallar, Editor & Reviewer
P.O. Box 425, Keller, TX  76244-0425

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When conversation turns to female pirates, two names perhaps are most often mentioned-- Mary Read and Anne Bonny. Historians know only the bare bones of these two women’s lives, but the facts are sufficient to form the basis of a novel. Within the pages of The Only Life That Mattered, the story of Mary Read and Anne Bonny, and their captain, Calico Jack Rackham unfolds.

Imprisoned in a Jamaican jail, awaiting trial for piracy, Mary ponders the circumstances that brought her to this point in time. Raised as a boy to gain financial support from her father’s family, she eventually fights with distinction in a British cavalry regiment until the War of the Spanish Succession ends. A brief marriage to her tent mate ends in tragedy, and eventually a destitute Mary returns to her life as Michael Read and signs aboard a Dutch merchantman bound for the Caribbean where pirates attack the ship. Anne Bonny, on the other hand, is the daughter of a wealthy and influential South Carolina businessman, but her rebelliousness and yearning for adventure compel her to elope with a poor sailor to New Providence, a favorite haunt of pirates. There she meets a dashing pirate named Jack Rackham, and together they carry on a torrid love affair in front of her husband. Since adultery is against the law and her husband contrives with the governor’s help to punish the couple, Anne convinces Jack that he must give up his king’s pardon and return to piracy once again. Once Read joins their crew, jealousy, vindictiveness, and fear meld with plundering, fighting, and love to eventually bring about the pirates’ capture.

Survival and isolation make Mary a pragmatist who knows how to survive, and while she dreams of a different life, she accepts what fate has dealt her. Anne lives for the moment, wishing only for adventure, with little desire for close interaction with others. Jack achieves the daring success and reputation of a pirate captain, but fear gnaws at him. How three such disparate individuals form an unlikely partnership is what makes these historical individuals come alive in this book. Nelson’s knowledge of pirates combined with his experience as a sailor provide a credible and enthralling glimpse into pirate life during the Golden Age of Piracy. Although readers know the outcome before they open the book, Nelson’s masterful storytelling compels them to read until the last page to find the nuances and surprises that make this an unforgettable and alluring tale of piracy and women who choose to follow a path different than the one society contrives.

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Note: This book was originally published as The Sweet Trade by Elizabeth Garrett.  Substantial revisions were made to this edition prior to this current publication.

Book Review Copyright ©2005 Cindy Vallar

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