Props to Howe for marking a spot intersecting multiple creative wins. This story is not one period piece but two, and arguably three. The writing is approachable, yet I found myself looking up a few words that I'm now happy to have added to my vocabulary. It's rare to read a new interpretation on the swashbuckling pirate genre. ( )

In 1930, Dr. Marian Beresford is presented with "A True Account..." by an undergraduate named Kay. Kay is, by all appearances, the polar opposite of Hannah, but even she is excited to pursue the story. They learn that after witnessing a brutal murder of a boy and now on the run, Hannah takes the name of Billy Chandler on a ship captained by the notorious Edward Low. She survives by being observant and adaptive, earning the trust of the crew. Hannah sees firsthand how brutal pirates really are, after they take a French ship called the Rose Pink. But as Billy, she participates in and falls into the life of a criminal at sea. But for Marian and Kay, the book is the only source for a possible treasure hidden somewhere in Key West...

When you tell someone to picture an 18th century woman in their mind, they see either an Abigail Adams or a Marie Antoinette. In reality, the majority of women were rough, hard working, and marginal, esp. the whalers' and sailors' wives of Boston. Also, the accuracy of the dialogue, the maritime terminology, and the setting made my little heart happy. Hannah Masury could've been written as "vivacious", gorgeous, or coquettishly rebellious. She is none of these and yet so much more. After all, a pretty smile and sweet behavior means nothing to the unforgiving ocean. True, I loved Hannah from the beginning but I grew to like Marian as well. Judgmental at first, she learns a valuable lesson about assumption but gets a well deserved, self-assuring confidence boost at end. Also, a nice dose of LGBTQ+ representation in this one! I've now read The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, The Penguin Book of Witches and now A True Account! Katherine Howe is definitely a must-have author for me. 🏴‍☠️ ( )

Dual timelines, pirates and the possibility of treasure all come together beautifully in 'A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself'.

After seeing pirates hanged, Hannah surprisingly ends up a hand on a pirate ship. Learning the ropes, weathering storms, and trying to keep her female identity secret keep Hannah on her toes.

Professor Marian Beresford leads a somewhat sedate life. When she is presented with evidence of a journal by a previously unknown female pirate she can't help but want to look for her own treasure.

This was a fun book, a great way to start off my 2024 reads.

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wasn't bad, just didn't hold my interest ( )

#FirstLine - I don’t know what made me determined to go to the hanging.

A True Account masterfully explores the parallel journeys of two remarkable women, challenging societal norms and risking everything to carve their paths. Howe's narrative skillfully navigates between past and present, weaving together a tale of resilience, bravery, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. The captivating historical backdrop, coupled with the mystery that binds these two women, creates a mesmerizing story that captivates readers from start to finish. ( )