Review: Bloody Jack

Bibliography:

Meyer, L.A. 2002. Bloody Jack: being an account of the curious adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, ship's boy. San Diego: Harcourt. ISBN 0152167315

Plot Summary:

Set in England during the late 18th/early 19th century, Bloody Jack tells the story of Mary “Jacky” Faber. Mary is orphaned at a young age when her family dies from the plague. Forced to fend for herself, Mary joins a gang of street urchins who survive by begging and stealing. After their leader, Charlie, is killed by an unscrupulous Fagan-like character named Muck, Mary decides she must leave London. When she encounters a British Naval Vessel needing ship’s boys, she decides to disguise herself as a boy to get the position. Because of her reading skills, “Jacky” is selected to help teach the ship’s boys to read. She becomes very close with the other boys on the ship, but as she begins to mature, she finds it harder and harder to maintain “The Deception”. Mary also struggles with her feelings toward Jaimy, one of the ship’s boys. Jaimy is conflicted (in a different way) in his feelings toward “Jacky”. She finally tells him her secret and the two begin a clandestine romance. Through an unlikely series of events (involving pirates and a huge kite), Jacky ends up saving her friends and bringing about the capture of the pirate LeFievre. Her secret, however, is out. At the close of the novel Jacky has been promoted to “midshipwench” but is put ashore at Boston to attend the Lawson Peabody finishing school for girls. Her adventures continue in the second Bloody Jack novel, The Curse of the Blue Tattoo.

Critical Review:

As a historical novel, Bloody Jack is “novel” first and “historical” second. Although filled with accurate details from the Georgian period (dialogue, style of dress, position of women, treatment of children, “the pestilence”, life aboard a royal navy vessel, etc.) the book succeeds independently of these elements as a great story with an irresistable main character.

In Mary Faber, Meyer has created an unforgettable heroine. One of the chief successes of the novel is the “voice” Meyer has created for Mary. Strong and feisty, a survivor, funny, vulgar, often vulnerable as well, readers will root for Mary as she manages to succeed against all odds. Those expecting a typical sea tale will be in for a surprise. Although the book does have its share of adventure, more tension is generated from Mary’s “deception” than from the pirates that roam the seas.

Experiencing the story through Mary’s eyes, we feel the injustice of the limitations placed on her because of her sex. We know that Mary is just as able (and often more honorable) than her male counterparts. At the end of the novel readers will cheer for Mary as she is at last able to reveal who she really is. Through her innate character, intelligence, and courage she has gained the respect of her shipmates. Although this story may appeal to females, the adventure, and the liberating theme of being true to one’s self make this a great pick for all readers.

Review Excerpts:

“Meyer evokes life in the 18th-century Royal Navy with Dickensian flair. He seamlessly weaves into Jacky's first-person account a wealth of historical and nautical detail at a time when pirates terrorized the oceans.” – Publishers Weekly (October 7, 2002)

“Capped by a fitting but bittersweet ending, the first-person narrative shines, and a wealth of historical research is seamlessly knitted into the material. A first-rate read.” – Kirkus (August 1, 2002)

Connections:

Read other books in the Bloody Jack series by L.A. Meyer.

Listen to the excellent audiobooks narrated by Katherine Kellgren.

Pair with a nonfiction book about ships such as The Great Ships by Patrick O’Brien or Ships by Phillip Wilkinson.

Compare other historical novels with similar elements such as Pirates! by Celia Rees.