Chronicle Book Club

Chapin author and Chronicle columnist MaryJo Briggs-Austin recommends a new book on a famous pirate by Ralph Jarrells of West Columbia, “Fiery Red Hair, Emerald Green Eyes and a Vicious Irish Temper.”

Fiery Red Hair, Emerald Green Eyes and a Vicious Irish Temper isn’t a title you’ll typically find on my reading list.

I like certain types of books. Historical fiction isn’t one of them. When author Ralph Jarrells asked me to review his new work I could not refuse. I was mesmerized by the first page.

The title and description don’t do the book justice.

The topics are Charleston in the 18th century, pirates in the Caribbean, a female Irish-American pirate disguised as a man, and privileged life on a plantation.

I still was not sure I would enjoy this book.

Anne Bonny was the daughter of lawyer William Cormac and his domestic servant, Mary Brennan.

Anne is a strong character navigating a man’s world, a woman ahead of her time.

As I interviewed Ralph, I discovered how he learned of Anne Bonny and her story. I was intrigued.

“It is a historical story that morphed into a biography,” he told me.

Ralph is an eloquent and self-taught storyteller. The reading was easy. I felt I was inside the book living the story. Once done, I wanted more.

Anne lost her mother when she was a teen.

She falls in love with a small-time pirate James Bonny.

Her father William is against the relationship, but Anne marries James anyway.

She thinks he is a bonafide pirate captain. When she finds he was dishonest, she finds a new relationship.

Her pirating skills are supreme – better than all the others.

Next, she travels with a true pirate, Captain “Calico” Jack Rackham, looting ships and killing their crews.

The book reads like a story unfolding right before your eyes.

Anne ends up in prison. An unexpected pregnancy saves her from hanging.

I can’t tell you the rest or it’ll spoil the story.

History repeats itself when Anne’s own daughter leaves the plantation. A rebel at heart like her mother, she leaves her with 1 important thing.

You need to read the book to find out what.

Themes in this book are universal and benefit everyone. Child rearing. Parental authority and loss. Conflict and money troubles. The power, importance and authority of slaves in the daily lives of white folk. One woman’s ability to overcome difficulties.

Life lessons about trust, marriage, practicing a trade and relationships run richly through the book. A brief mention about sexuality makes it more powerful.

This is a perfect read for people who like mystery, history, suspense and unpredictable plot twists.

Ralph does an impeccable job writing of the anguish and pain Anne faces in telling her granddaughter her life story. Her guiding light was the truth.

She tells her feelings. Her dreams. Her worries and deepest concerns.

I listened to Ralph and realized what a gifted and talented writer he is.

The characters in the book interact naturally. The story takes on a life of its own.

I was unable to put the book down. The love between Anne and Sweet Annie is precious.

The ending brought tears of joy to my eyes. I can easily relate to the feelings and key themes in this one-of-a-kind book.

If you love historical fiction get this book. If you’re a woman, a mother or grandmother this is a must read for you.

Anyone who wants to be swept away into a story about pirating and eloquent real life story telling, get your copy today.

It’s available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and many online booksellers. Once you’re done reading please email me to let me know your feelings. My email is maryjobriggsaustin@gmail.com .