Book Summary and Reviews of The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon

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Janine_S

Bringing a mystery to life
I heard Ariel Lawhon speak recently at Calvin University’s Faith and Writing semi-annual event this past April where she stated she didn’t write historical fiction, she wrote mysteries. That is, her writing is about bringing to life the mysteries of the past which she has done splendidly in her most recent novel about a resilient woman defending Ireland during the reign of Elizabeth I.

First, I have to say I wasn’t too excited about the topic of this book. Several previous novels have attempted to bring Grace O’ Malley to life and I’ve been sorrily disappointed in them. Second, I’ve never been a lover of pirate fiction. And probably my biggest objection was the period of British history Grace fell into. So while excited to get this ARC (my thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday), I approached the read with great trepidation only to once again realize that when it comes to Ariel Lawhon, storytelling is at its best and her reason for choosing Grace (don’t forget to read the Author’s Note at the end) made it easier to snuggle down to great read.

Grace O’Malley literally cannot be found in English records of the period she lived in. Since history is usually written by the victors of whom in most cases are men, Lawhon has done a marvelous job of giving life to a woman who defied men and history. Taking legends and what is known about her lineage, we are treated to a story told in three parts: Grace as the “maiden” - from a young girl to her marriage; Grace as the “mother” - in her thirties and forties leading her clan; and Grace the “matriarch” fighting against English tyranny and defending her clan. The book alternates between these three periods of Grace’s life which helps develops her character (this is a character-driven book) and center the historical elements of the story. I think this structure was clever and the best way to tell Grace’s story because a linear novel would be boring.

Lawhon also has done a marvelous job of describing the Irish countryside and the sea. I felt at many points I was literally there in a scene (and I’m not a very visual reader). The book is also action packed as Grace works to protect her clan from rivals and the nefarious Sir Richard Bingham, her arch enemy - this was a guy you just love to hate. Her fiercely loyal clan is brilliantly epitomized in the character of Gully and a few others (all fictional but Grace in legend was known for the loyalty of her clan). I probably enjoyed the Mother and Matriarch sections the best but that was because the hated Bingham would appear.

I’m not sure I like pirate stories much better after finish reading this book, but I do know that the mystery of Grace O’Malley was solved in this finely written novel. I can understand after reading this book why Grace’s legend survives as she is so fierce, so defiant and so willing to buck the norms for woman - how can you not like her.

Highly recommend.