Review of "Bloody Jack"

Bibliography: Meyer, L.A. 2002. Bloody Jack. New York: Harcourt, Inc. ISBN: 978-0152167318

Critical Analysis

The full name of the book is, "Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary 'Jacky' Faber, Ships Boy." In this story we come to know Jacky Faber, born Mary Faber, a girl of about twelve years of age, whose parents and sister died of the plague when she was only seven or eight. When we meet Mary she has been living on the streets of London, begging with a group of street urchins for the past four or five years. When their leader, "Rooster Charlie" is killed by a man who sells bodies to scientists, Mary takes Charlie's clothes and skiv, and heads for the coast. She is able to land a position on a navy vessel heading to sea because she can read. A full-fledged ships boy, she couldn't be prouder and happier in her accomplishments. It takes no longer than her first trip to the ship's bathroom for her to realize that disguising her femininity, which she terms, "The Deception," is going to be more difficult than she first expected.

The author of this story, L.A. Meyer is a former naval officer who lives in a fishing village, and it is clear that in addition to knowing the ins and outs of sailing and naval ships, he also researched the history of the era. But the most striking thing about this story is the protagonist he has created in "Jacky" Mary Faber. Full of spunk, fight, and goodwill, Jacky also is a survivor. She gets her name "Bloody Jack" by shooting a pirate in the back, and although that is her first act of violence, it is not her last. Resourceful, and insightful, this heroine constantly offers the readers gems, such as the following, in which she ponders dresses vs. pants - "I'm thinking that dresses are funny things, though, now that I've actually worn one. Why would a country like ours that prizes the so-called purity of its women so much have them wear something like a dress? I mean, trousers and drawers give a certain amount of protection, it's got to be admitted. Like if someone has evil on his mind and he's go to work through the belts and pant legs and such, it's going to take him a bit of time and effort, during which such time rescue might be on its way . . . with a dress, why, you just lift it up and there you are, objective in sight . . . It's a nagging thing, and probably ain't true, but I'd hate to think that a dress's lack of protection is the whole point of it. Don't seem right, somehow" (Meyer 198).

"Bloody Jack" does a wonderful job of presenting a historical tale that deals with contemporary issues. Gender role analysis is at the heart of this action filled tale of survival.

Review Excerpts

Booklist: "From shooting a pirate in battle to foiling a shipmate's sexual attack to surviving when stranded alone on a Caribbean island, the action in Jacky's tale will entertain readers with a taste for adventure. Phrases from old ballads echo through the text as well as some of the chapter headings, adding to the period feel of the telling. A first novel with a strong voice that is also a memorable piece of historical fiction."

Kirkus Reviews: "Jacky is such a marvelous creation that the other characters feel shadowy in comparison, and the least engaging parts of the novel involve her secret romance with a fellow ship's boy. Capped by a fitting but bittersweet ending, the first-person narrative shines, and a wealth of historical research is seamlessly knitted into the material."

Awards and Recognition

Lupine Award 2002 (Maine)
YALSA - Best Books for Young Adults 2004
ALA - Top Ten Youth First Novels 2003
ALA - Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth 2003
Bulletin Blue Ribbons 2002

Connections

Drama would be a great follow-up activity for Bloody Jack. I can see children being extremely enthusiastic about acting out a sequence from a seafaring novel - particularly one that involved a fight with pirates! Children could be challenged to get the historical details of speech, costume, and custom correct, which could lead to further research of the historical era the novel is set in.