BOOK REVIEW: The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Have you ever heard of the Irish folk hero Grace O’Malley? I had not, until reading The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon (author of The Frozen River). Now, I’m fascinated by her.

A contemporary of Queen Elizabeth, Grace was the daughter of an Irish chieftain who took over his fleet after his death, and continued his warlike and pirating ways. She expanded her sphere of influence through war and marriage (not always her choice) until she was one of the most powerful leaders in Ireland. Unfortunately, not only was she beset by rival clans, but also beleaguered by the grasping English.

The novel brings her story to life in a nonlinear way, moving back and forth through time, highlighting the big events, of which there were many. This works surprisingly well, keeping the pace taut and the interest level high. Each chapter has a heading stating the year and Grace’s age, so the reader never gets lost when the timeframe switches.

Grace is a strong woman, who manages to rise above the limitations placed on her by others because of her sex. She develops a devoted following. After a disastrous first marriage, she eventually finds love.

Fans of historical fiction featuring true-life, strong, female protagonists, and fans of swashbuckling adventure, will find much to love in Lawhon’s new novel.