Under the Jolly Roger

Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber (Bloody Jack Adventures) by L.A. Meyer

When I was a kid I adored Pippi Longstocking. I think of her often the more I read this series. I can't help but feel that Mary "Jacky" Faber is the answer for girls / women who have outgrown the idea of a Pippi or for those who feel they could have liked her if only she had been slightly more realistic. For those longing for a girl who has the same kinda of adventures but in a much crueler world. Like Pippi, Jacky should be required reading for girls so long as we still live in a world where people so much as smirk at the idea of a woman doing a “man’s job". The difference here is that Jacky is much rougher reading - once again she's faced with a man who would force himself upon her as several others do nothing to stop it, even knowing the exact time this event is to occur. As I said, a much crueler world and therefore not meant for younger or sensitive readers. There is not especially foul language, so on that end it is acceptable for all ages, but some of the descriptions can be rather brutal when it comes to things that Jacky faces -- and yes some of those are men trying to overpower her in sexual ways.

As we have come to expect there is of course plenty of trouble, there's wars to fight, drunks to deal with, boy troubles, being called horrific names (sometimes for simply being in a place where a man could find you to do the aforementioned things), street gangs -- but Jacky takes on all of these things head on with a style all her own. She takes on any man, no matter how high his status in life or how low hers. When Jaimy seems to have forgotten her, she holds her head high no matter how much it is breaking her heart. She lands herself back on the high seas, and while it was not quite by choice, once there she makes the best her situation, landing herself in a position that no one thought possible -- a position that some people will do anything to ruin for her while others will do anything to protect for her. Reunited with old friends and enemies both, there’s quite a lot of adventure in this book which will not disappoint Bloody Jack fans.

I won’t go so far as to say that this book is perfect, it’s not. There are some weaknesses in this book, but none so great they take away even 1 star. It does begin to feel like you've seen Jacky in this scene or that one before. You do find yourself wondering 'why is she dealing with that person that way that way? She should be doing this or that!!! She's Jacky Faber for goodness sake.' Still, when it starts to feel reptitive or a little off, it then makes a right turn and reminds you again of why you love this little sea vixen.

It should be said that this is a rare book - enjoyable in any format but preferable in audio format. Generally I'd say buy your preferred format - hardcover, paperback, kindle, whatever... In the case of Jacky Faber, however, you'll be missing an experience if you don't hear the audio format.