Book Review (Canon): Bloody Jack

Bloody Jack: Being An Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary “Jacky” Faber, Ship’s Boy

Written by L.A. Meyer in 2002

The Raccoon: Determined to move beyond her life of urban poverty in the early 1800s, an orphan girl disguises her gender and joins the British navy.

UNMASKED: Meyer likely wrote Bloody Jack for children, featuring young protagonists and humorous situations to drive the action forward.  Nevertheless, the novel is stuffed to the brim with brilliant content and a heroine that no reader should be deprived of meeting, making it a worthwhile read for all ages.

The very first sentence sets up three characters and their attitudes, and the following paragraph fills in the narrator’s entire present situation, all without a hitch.  Meyer maintains this pace and fluid storytelling throughout the entire novel; every single sentence either adds to the reader’s understanding or gives him/her something new to think about.  Moreover, the book is incredibly witty, and most of the humor arises from scenes rather than from dialogue, so that the smirk that one line brings to the reader’s face stays for the rest of the page (and often the next page as well).

Meyer’s greatest achievement in Bloody Jack is “Bloody Jack” herself, the protagonist and narrator.  The novel is heavily character-driven, and Jacky’s own daring nature steers her into events, rather than the author forcing them on her.  Her balance of sarcasm and curiosity ensure that the minutiae of ship life and navigation are understood but not overbearing.  Entertainingly, the reader actually witnesses the book’s language become more refined whenever Jacky mentions her studies or the passing months.

Bloody Jack is the first novel in a twelve-book series, and I already know that I will stay for the entire voyage.  I encourage you to join.

Strengths:

• Several scenes are unforgettable due to their humor and creativity.
• Meyer accurately and openly addresses the issues of gender stereotypes that naturally arise from the book’s plot.
• Bloody Jack does not attempt to glorify piracy and violence, and Meyer effectively shows the characters wrestling with notions of bravery, morality, and reason.
• Meyer avoids the trope of writing characters who are outrageously modern for their time and/or who invent earlier versions of modern machines without any relevant education.  Jacky possesses enviable yet realistic imagination and resourcefulness.

Weaknesses:

• The love interest never seems to have done or said anything worthy of Jacky’s attention.

Rating: 19/20 dissections

Ideal Setting: Read this whenever you need a push to go beyond your comfort zone.