Author Jeffery S. Williams’ historical fiction novel, “Anne Bonney: My Pirate Story,” follows the volatile youth of an illegitimate child, misbegotten aristocrat, rebellious daughter, hot-tempered teen, and cutthroat pirate who pines for seafaring adventures, true love, and the lasting bonds of friendship.

Anne Bonney: My Pirate Story

Jeffery S. Williams with Katherine Williams
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 9780595373048
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06)

Anne Bonney was born out of wedlock in 1700 to Peg Brannan, a maid, and her employer William McCormac.  She lived with her mother and her Uncle Edward.  He was kind to her and she loved him.  When the schoolmaster thrashed her for beating up the school bully, she learned the hard way that “silence in violence and violence in silence.  It left my enemies adrift with uncertainty.”  Her unswerving defiance unnerved the schoolmaster.  Anne had learned a life lesson, “most people do not have the stomach for direct confrontation.”

At ten years of age Anne and her mother and father left Ireland for the Carolinas.  She cherished the sea.  She’d found her destiny, on a ship. 

Anne came to despise her father.  She saw him as a brutal master to the slaves and yet spineless.  Her father picked suitors for her but she would have none of them.  When James Bonney asked her to marry him she agreed despite her father’s objections.  Her father knew that Bonney was a penniless indentured servant out to get the family’s money.  Her father disowned her.

James was working for the government accusing men of being pirates.  Anne had respect for most of the pirates and despised her husband for betraying them. When Anne set eyes on Calico Jack Rackham he lingered in her mind.  She felt he was a man she could respect. 

Anne took to wearing James’ clothing and secretly visited the taverns which the pirates frequented.  When the opportunity arose Anne joined Rackham on his ship.  By day she dressed as a male pirate and by night she lay in his bed.  When a shipmate attacked her she killed him.  She now had the respect of the crew but they still believed she was male.  But their respect didn’t stop her from being arrested for piracy.

Jeffery S. Williams is a talented writer; his perspective on Anne Bonney’s story is fascinating.  He captures the feminine viewpoint perfectly.  The plot flows smoothly, yet has twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting.  I eagerly turned the pages reading this book in one setting.  I had to see what adventure Anne would face next.  The cover is beautifully done.  The ship with the beautiful sunset sets the tone of the story.  This story contains fiction and nonfiction, action, adventure and romance.  I love the ending.  I highly recommend “Anne Bonney: My Pirate Story” to those who enjoy historical fiction and nonfiction.