The Determined by Rachel Rueckert

4.5 ✨

The Determined, by Rachel Rueckert, is a historical fiction about the lives of the two most infamous female pirates: Anne Bonny and Mary Read. It follows their individual lives as they struggle against societal norms and gender roles. As the story unfolds from past to present, Anne and Mary are telling their story to Captain Charles Johnson, a writer, while both in prison.

As someone who is already interested in pirate lore, getting to read about two very real female pirates was fascinating. Anne and Mary’s stories were different, and yet both parallel shared struggles and ultimately similar desires. Rueckert did both Anne and Mary justice as she told their stories. The women were equally complex and driving forces for their time and still today remain relevant.

This was a solid 4.5 star read and left me wanting to explore more pirate histories. If you’re interested in pirates, historical fiction, and/ or iconic women in history, definitely pick up The Determined!

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.