Just in time for Bay Area RenFest’s High Seas Adventure weekend
Michael Crichton’s “Pirate Latitudes” is a fascinating look at the life of Captain Edward Hunter, a Port Royale privateer. The novel by Michael Crichton was discovered and published posthumously,
Alerted to a Spanish galleon at anchor in well defended bay at Matanceros, Hunter and Jamaican governor Lord James Almont conspire to take the prize. An expedition to the same island a year earlier resulted in the supposed loss of the entire crew. Therefore, it was believed that any ship under the fort’s guns was safe. Knowing that one man–now known only as Whisper–made it back alive, Hunter contacted him information about the island and laid out a plan to prove differently.
With a trusted crew of specialists, Hunter’s Cassandra sailed from Jamaica with a Letter of Marque to cut timber. Following privateer code, the crew voted to retain Hunter as captain and heard the plan. They agreed to try the risky trip and set sail.
Thus began the adventure that includes outwitting a Spanish warship, not once but twice; rescuing the governor’s niece; surviving a hurricane and assault by a kraken; and penetrating an impenetrable stronghold.
Political tides change while the Captain and crew are at sea. Returning, they are confined to prison, charged with piracy on the testimony of a former crewmember. Found guilty, Capt Hunter is confined pending his execution two days hence. With help from those out of favor with the new political bosses, he escapes. Revenge is exacted on those who sat on the tribunal and the traitorous crewmember.
In the last chapter, Crichton tells what happened to the crewmembers who were instrumental to the story. He ends with Edward Hunter’s headstone epitaph and information about his journal.
My favorite character was Enders, the ship’s surgeon and “sea artist.” Crichton described him as having a connection with the ship that allowed him to feel the ship, the seas it rode on, and the weather patterns. Though a minor character, I found him fascinating.
I enjoyed listening to this book. Yep, I’m a books on tape kind of girl. The storyline provided insight to the morals of the day, the conditions in Port Royale prior to the earthquake that destroyed it, and another layer of sea lore.
If you’ve got time on your hands and want a good privateer’s tale, I’d recommend “Pirate Latitudes” by Michael Crichton. That’s an affiliate link, if you buy from Amazon, they’ll give me a few cents for helping you find the book.
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