The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye

Inspired by women pirates who sailed the Caribbean in the 17th century, Cameron’s fast-paced, swashbuckling debut traces the rise of Jacquotte Delahaye, a queer shipwright-turned-pirate of Haitian and French descent. The story is told in three parts and based on actual events. Jacquotte flees her island home only to be captured by the ruthless pirate Blackhand, who forces her into indentured servitude. She eventually claws her way free, banding together with a motley crew of refugees and friends who commandeer their own ship and later build an island home. Cameron offers a tender and hugely entertaining read from start to finish, filled with action, adventure, betrayals, sword and gunfights, near-death experiences, loss, sapphic love, and found family. Particularly poignant is the love story between Jacquotte and Teresa, a woman she has an ongoing affair with over many years. The book is superbly narrated by Angel Pean, who deftly gives voice to the full cast of characters, making everyone’s voice stand out.