The Only Life That Mattered: The Short and Merry Lives of Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack Rackam by James L. Nelson

The Only Life That Mattered: The Short and Merry Lives of Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Calico Jack Rackam Reviews

• 
  Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~*

  Although Grace O'Malley has always been my favourite female pirate, Iv'e also wanted to know more about the other two famous "lady pirates" in the trade, Anne Bonny and Mary Read.
  Normally I would brush up on the "historical facts" first before I take on a biography of such historical figures than compare it to what the author has written and how she/he has perceived it, but I decided to forgo that first and just plunge in.
  
  ANNE BONNY:
  A pampered southern belle longs for a life more exciting and dangerous than the dreary life she has now.
  To escape from her father and his plans for her she elopes with a "nobody" sailor to escape and alters the course of her life forever.
  
  MARY READ: A sensible English woman who has been living as a man (due to events of her childhood) and earning her living as a merchant sailor also has her life changed when her ship is attacked and taken over by Calico Jack.
  
  CALICO JACK: a devious pirate with hopes of accepting the governors pardon and leaving the "Sweet Trade" has his plans and course of life forever changed when he lays his eyes on Anne Bonny.
  When these three join forces, they form a union that will carry them to the ends of the earth, births deaths, untold passions, battles more exciting and dangerous than any of them would have dreamed of.
  
  We also see the very human side of each character, their hopes, dreams, regrets, and fears while keeping up their "image."
  What a great non-stop read!
  A very impressive insight into the conflicts and passions of the early eighteenth century.
  Of two seafaring women that breathe life, warmth, passion, veracity, into this story and who have risked their lives by choosing to live the life as men, rather than accept the strict rules forced on women of their times.
  And one man... Calico Jack who under the fearsome pirate facade who plunders the high sea's and puts fear into man and woman alike, is a man with his own dreams, hopes, and most of all fears. So..did I look up "historical facts" after reading this?
  No I have not..I loved this account of these three amazing figures I'm afraid to spoil this authors version of what she thought it was like for them.
  I also have another "Anne Bonny" book I want to read
  then I think I will do comparison.
  But if you wish to learn more of these characters I would start with this book first as it has it all! And while there is "passion" among each of them in their lives, it is NOT a "fluffy romance" that over powers the telling of this great story.
  Highly recommend for pirate lovers and those who love great battle scenes that make you feel as if your on that ship with them feeling all of their emotions.
• 
  Frank

  Somehow, I've recently managed to acquire various books about pirates, and this is the second one I've read in the last few months. This particular one is a historical novel rather than a straight history (like the last one I'd read), and it is quite entertaining. Although fiction, the story is based on the factual accounts of 3 people, 2 of whom are women, who become pirates in the early part of the 18th century. Reasonably well-executed, plot-driven story, with many interesting details about the times in general and pirate lives in particular. I could have used a bit less of the bodice-ripping style of intrigue and sexual escapades, but all-in-all, a good read and fast-paced novel, especially during a vacation while sitting in the Florida Keys sunshine (as I am today). Better than many "beach reads," but I'd certainly recommend it as one.
• 
  Denise

  In case you're wondering: Why yes, of course the reason I'm mainlining books about pirates is absolutely related to my obsession with a certain HBO show I've been watching on repeat for the past month or so... Though this historical novel about the lives of Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and Jack Rackam had been sitting on my TBR for years, so it was high time to get around to it in any case. There really isn't all that much solid information to be had about these three fascinating figures aside from trial records and the not always reliable
  A General History of the Pirates, but Nelson sticks closely to what those two sources have to offer. Unfortunately, he's just not all that good that writing lifelike, relatable female characters... and it's all a mite heteronormative for my liking, too.
• 
  Claire Hill

  I know how Mary Reade and Anne Bonney’s story ended historically but I wondered if they’d do a revisionist thing and no it’s just sad! So never mind
• 
  Benjamin Thomas

  As a fan of James L. Nelson’s nautical fiction I had high expectations for this stand-alone historical novel and I was well-rewarded for my time. Most of what I’ve read of Nelson’s work tends toward fictional stories with historical figures interspersed here and there to lend an air of authenticity. But this time out, he goes full-on historian, piecing together the actual stories of some of history’s most notorious pirates and telling their stories.
  
  The stars of this novel are the two female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Reed. As females in such a brutal, male-dominated “profession” their stories can’t help but be interesting and the fact that they both ended up together serving under Captain “Calico” Jack Ratham is just one of those historical happenstances that is just too unlikely to be anything other than actual historical fact.
  
  I purposefully chose to read the book before doing any of my own arm-chair research on these historical figures because I wanted to experience the uncertainty of what the outcome would be. It seemed likely that their end would be the same end as most pirates achieved in the early 18th century but that uncertainty made the whole read exciting. It’s a book full of adventure, as expected, but also some surprisingly well-developed characters, not only in the big three but also in a number of side characters along the way. The pacing was nicely done, not over-indulging in any aspect of the tale. Those that have ever watched the TV series, “Black Sails” will recognize many of the characters that populate this book, including Captain Charles Vane, Captain Benjamin Hornigold, and assorted lesser pirates in Nassau.
  
  An excellent novel by the continuously under-appreciated James L. Nelson.
  
• 
  Rima Jean

  I loved Nelson's Pirate Round books, but this one was a disappointment. While Nelson is a pro at writing maritime fiction, he struggles to develop his characters enough for one to feel close to them. While this is fine for a book that is action-based, it's not ok for a book that depends on its characters to carry it. Nelson doesn't write women well at all -- Anne Bonny and Mary Read are not likeable, and it is difficult to feel anything for them and their experiences. Anne Bonny is an insatiable man-eater, and there isn't a thing real about her. A shame, considering the stories of these pirate women was fascinating.
• 
  Zefyr

  Haha...a book for if you like your historical novels as authorially interpreted as possible in order to be as bodice-rippy as possible, and think character depth is for irritating and distracting. I randomly grabbed this off the library shelf and foolishly thought that if I kept reading it might get better.
• 
  Janke

  I am a bit conflicted on this one. James L. Nelson does a good job of writing a novel around the bare bones of the story of these three people that we know from the most reliable sources. The few things we actually know of these pirates are so insane that they are, in themselves, almost unbelievable and seem to be taken from some outrageous novel, so writing a book based on this, that still seems somewhat believable, is worthy of some praise. It does have a bit of a beach read-feel, but there's nothing wrong with that every once in a while. Although I found Anne Bonny to be a bit of a flat character, only interested in leading an exciting life and absolutely nothing more, Mary Read and Jack Rackham were fairly well developed, interesting to read characters.
  
  The main problem with this is the way Nelson writes the female characters and their love interests. It's a typical case for r/menwritingwomen. My interest in this book flared up after seeing Mary Read and Anne Bonny being described as 'bisexual pirate disasters' somewhere else. And honestly, if you want to get my interest for a book, that's how you should go about it. Add some fantasy and I'm sold, but there's none of that in this book (no bisexuality and no fantasy). Although Anne is interested in Mary at first, before learning that she, too, is a woman, there is absolutely no more of that afterwards. Instead, Anne is delighted by Mary being a woman 'because she could love her blood sister without the complications that arise between men and women'. The words 'blood sisters' at some point became synonymous with 'gal pals' in my head. Jack does suspect something is going on between them, and is afraid that Mary leads his dearly beloved wife to do 'unnatural things'. The heteronormativity in this book made me a bit sad. Of course, there is something to say for the fact that these were different times, but there is strong evidence that during the golden age of piracy, homosexuality was generally more accepted than in the ages afterwards, both by the pirates themselves, and the established English society.
  
  All things considered, this was an enjoyable read, but I will have to keep looking for my book about bisexual pirate disasters.
  
  Edit: Oh yes, I should add: a lot of incomplete sentences. Like this.
• 
  Christopher

  The difficult thing about this book is not any fault of the author's. He is telling a truly interesting and unique story, one that sounds like complete fiction, but it's not, at least at its core. Jack Rackam, Mary Read and Anne Bonny were all real people, and they were 18th century pirates who spent some time together on the same ship. When they were captured, Anne Bonny and Mary Read both claimed they were pregnant, and that Jack Rackam was the father. He was hanged, and the women were put in prison. Mary Read died in prison within a year, and no one knows for sure what became of Anne Bonny.
  
  That's all anyone really knows for sure about the three of them. There are a few other details - Bonny was married when she met Rackam, things like that, but it just isn't enough to write a full, non-fiction account of their story. No one knows how they got together. Rackam had been the quartermaster on Charles Vane's pirate ship, and then led a mutiny to depose Vane. He took over the ship and at some point, the two women became crew members. It has the makings of a great story, but to tell it, you have to fill in the blanks, which is what Nelson does. And as soon as you turn it into a fiction story, it starts to sound fantastical, and a little unbelievable, like an ocean-going bodice-ripper.
  
  The golden age of piracy has fascinated me since I was a kid, and it still does. It's too bad that the definitive book on that chapter of world history doesn't seem to have been written, and it may never be, because there just isn't enough known about people like the ones portrayed in this book.
• 
  Kieralee

  I read this book a long time ago in high school and absolutely loved it. It was a favorite of mine. Upon rereading this, I still like it. I enjoy the perspective shifts, and the way each of them handles situations. I relate to Jack's anxiety, and love the fox metaphor for something gnawing at your stomach. It handles the decline of piracy in such a bitter, intimate way by following these three characters.
• 
  Rachel

  I like stories like this, author uses true stories/real events to base his story off of. Reading a book that only speaks truth & fact can be very dry & hard to finish.
  It's hard to know what truly happened to these rogues that sailed under the black flag. This book is a fun way to find out. And it's not all carefree like so many may think.
• 
  Lindy

  Had to quit in the middle. Just not up to par with Nelson's other series...which is a shame because I love Ann Bonny.
• 
  Becca C

  I was so surprised by this book. I struggle with historical novels, so when I find one I can enjoy I fly through it. This book was no exception. I wish I could forget it and reread it again.
• 
  Sara

  A solid historical fiction based on the true story of Calico Jack and the 2 women who were on his pirate ship.
• 
  Kristin

  I’ve been on a bender of novels relating to Anne, Mary, and Jack. This has been my favorite so far.
• 
  Paula

  Enjoyable swashbuckling tale.
• 
  The Sapphic Nerd

  A lesson about not judging a book by its cover. It doesn't look like much but if you pass up on this, you'll be missing out on a fantastic story with memorable characters you'll fall in love with (and we know I have a weakness for good characters). Anne and Mary should be on the cover because they're the ones who carry the book - the way they interact with each other is delightful and so pure and beautiful... Historically accurate (as much as possible) with exceptional characterization and interactions. It's masterfully written. I love the way Nelson's writing flows, his descriptions are detailed but don't overdo it. I may have teared up at the end. The best pirate book I've ever read... I need someone to write fanfiction for it.
• 
  Danny Deshong

  If you like reading about pirates this book may be for you. The lives of Jack Rackham, Mary Read, and Anne Bonny are explored within. This book helps to fill in the blanks of what may have happened on a day to day basis with theses pirates. Some facts are true allot are fantasy written to help provide a possible backstory but it draws you in and allows the imagination to flourish. I became interested in the pirate genre from playing Assassin's Creed Black Flag and watching Black Sails. I do know that the idea of being a pirate can be romanticized too much. The truth is that the life was dangerous from being hanged, to being murdered, to disease etc... However reading about these brave people proves interesting none the less. Enjoy!
• 
  Katie

  This is one of the best books i've read in a while. When i found this book on the library shelf, i couldn't wait to start it, and it lived up to all my expectations. The book was based on the lives of the pirate Captain Calico Jack Rackham, and Anne Bonny and Mary Read (the two female pirates on his ship). Based on what i already knew about the lives these three people (and then after reading the historical notes in the back of the book) the story seems very historically accurate. The author did an excellent job of making the reader really feel the sense of place and time throughout the book, and feel emotions and ethics of each of the characters. The descriptions of life at sea were amazing and very detailed. And the only improbability i noted in the book included a problem of bullet trajectory after the lowering of a gun (apparently this particular bullet did not obey the laws of phyisics). Overall this was an amazing book, despite some of the parts being rather risque, but i guess since it is a book about the life of pirates, some things of scandalous nature are bound to occur.
• 
  Chelle

  I picked this book up because of the long standing rumor that Anne Bonny buried treasure on an island in Casco Bay (Maine). It's a story I've related (as legend) so I figured a read about her would give that legend better context. Well nothing was mentioned about the trip North so I guess I'll have to do more research.
  
  This was a very interesting and engaging read. The story of the two most famous female pirates and their VERY different journeys of how they ended up outlaws was very engaging. It's not your typical swashbuckling romanticizing of pirates but rather their story as whole people and what motivated them. It was engaging and well researched. Each character clearly had their own voice which was essential as the tale was told from their various points of view. It's a great snapshot of the decline of the great days of privateers and pirates.
  
  Mary Read and Anne Bonny lived lives well outside the norm for women of their time. They embraced adventure at every turn and as such led "short and merry" lives.
• 
  Tom Batalias

  This story intrigued me for two reasons. First, I am reading a bunch of pirate history this summer. And two, I love reading James Nelson's history books. His version of the story of Anne Bonney, Mary Read and Calico Jack Rackam was fascinating in that he was able to take all the known historical accounts of their lives (which is not much), and fill in all the rest, to create a interesting story. One of the reasons I love historical fiction is the way a good author can bring people back to life, so to speak. I felt that Nelson had a bit of admiration (or sympathy) for Mary Read, and contempt for Rackam. I can also understand why he used a female pen name (the version I read) for the original publishing due to the romance novel narrative in some places. All in all, an enjoyable read, and a catalyst for doing some additional research on those historical figures.
• 
  Trina

  I love the idea of pirates. In real life I'm sure they were just evil, disgusting and blood-thirsty, but I like to romanticize that there were "gentleman" pirates out there. This book is a great story about two women pirates, based on eye witness accounts. It is a great read for someone like me who loves learning about the lifestyle not only of the pirates, but also of life in general during the 1700s and life on the water at that time. It was well written and captivating. And the best part, when the story was done, was reading the author's comments about what timeline events actually happened.
• 
  Todd Stockslager

  Fictional account of the true-life pirates of the subtitle. The brief afterword explains the historicity and references the few primary sources.
  
  Think "Pirates of the Caribbean", the R rated non-Disney version. Sometimes reads like history with a bare frame work of fictionalization, but generally flows well as a story and sounds plausibly like what we think we know a pirate's life was like. Of course the comparison also suggests that the book is more entertaining than fulfilling, and this is true, although the poignancy of the title leaves one thinking: Whose life, or is it which life (ie. lifestyle), is the only one that mattered?
• 
  Kristy

  I absolutely loved it & would recommend it to anyone! It's very entertaining, captured my attention from the first page, and it's extra awesome because it's based on the truth. (Even more so than you would guess as you're reading it, there's a great bit at the end that talks about where the author got his facts from and what he based the characters personalities off of, etc. I wouldn't recommend reading it before you read the book because it gives too much away, but just know that you'll be surprised how much is true!) A true "good read".
• 
  Jessa

  It feels like I've been waiting my whole life for this book, the awesome and badass and just all-around incredible (and as based on historical fact as possible) life of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, notorious lady pirates who proved women, if so inclined, were just as fierce and awesome as the men.
  
  There's not much more than that I can say. Pirates, historical accuracy, badass women... Love, love, love.
  
  I would say the ONE criticism I have is that the title is pretty awful and makes this sound like a cheap thriller book.
• 
  Elise Williams

  Though this was a fictionalized account of true-to-life people, I found it to be an inside look at the life of pirates. It was exciting and engrossing, and I couldn't put it down. James Nelson knows boats and his descriptions were understandable and action-packed. I liked his characterizations of all the characters and found them all to be believable. They seemed real to me. This is a MUST READ if you are interested in pirates!
• 
  Emi

  I really loved these characters and I regret that the story ended, I wish that the author covered their time in prison. Also I almost cried finding out about Mary's past, and I loved Anne's feisty personality. "Calico Jack" was a very interesting character to see into the mind of. I was going cry once more as I got to the end, because I loved every one of them. I actually was inspired to learn more by assassin's creed 4 black flag.
• 
  Kate

  Eric and I are reading this aloud, so I don't read it when he's not here. We're not even halfway through yet; the writing style's pretty corny. The author is nice in person, but he hardly knows how to narrate from a woman's point of view. Or a man's point of view...But it is about pirates (women pirates), after all...entertaining ;)