Bloody Jack

Meyer, L. A.. 2007. Bloody Jack: being an account of the curious adventures of Mary “Jacky” Faber, ship’s boy. Read by Katherine Kellgren. New Jersey: Listen & Live Audio, Inc. ISBN 9781593160944

Plot Summary

Orphaned on the streets of London when her parents died of the plague, Mary Faber survives by joining a gang of street urchins. When the leader of the gang is killed, Mary decides to get off the streets by going to sea on the HMS Dolphin as a ship’s boy. Once on ship, “Jacky” is determined to keep up the deception of being a boy for as long as possible. In between battling pirates, Jacky has to contend with bullies, unexpected changes in her body, the attentions of a pedophile, a blossoming romance with a fellow ship’s boy named Jaimy, and a shipwreck.

Critical Analysis

L.A. Meyer’s Mary “Jacky” Faber is a wonderfully endearing character. From the very beginning of the story readers will feel an emotional connection with Mary as the bodies of her parents and sister are carted away and she is put out on the street. The detailed account of the hardships of her life on the streets lends credibility to her sudden decision to seek her fortunes on the Dolphin, even though she is sure she will be put overboard as soon as they discover that she is not a boy. Jacky’s ignorance of what is in store for her as a woman, “Nothing else matters now, because I am dying… Two days ago I started to bleed. Down there.”, and her efforts to disguise herself provide humor throughout the story.

“The first-person narrative shines, and a wealth of historical research is seamlessly knitted into the material.” (Kirkus) Jacky’s running commentary of her day to day activities provide an abundance of historical information, although, at times the descriptions of the various parts of the ship almost threaten to interrupt the flow of the story. “This is perfect historical fiction and in audiobook format the sounds of the period and place ring true and clear.” (School Library Journal)

 

“Kellgren’s flexible British accent easily captures the seafaring atmosphere and Jacky’s emotions… excellently reflecting the varied nationalities and personalities onboard.” (Booklist) The performance of the story is outstanding. Not only does she bring the accents of the characters to life, she fills them with emotion, leaving the listener quivering. This story was written to be read aloud.

Review Citations

2002. "BLOODY JACK (Book)." Kirkus Reviews 70, no. 15: 1137.

Goldsmith, Francisca. 2007. "Bloody Jack." School Library Journal 53, no. 11: 70.

Spencer Holley, Pam. 2008. "Bloody Jack." Booklist 104, no. 9/10: 108.