Description
An epic literary historical novel set during the Golden Age of Piracy, about the life of the infamous female pirate Mary Read.
About the Author
Francesca de Tores is a novelist, poet, and academic. She is the author of four novels, published in more than 20 languages, with film rights optioned by DreamWorks. In addition to a collection of poems, her poetry is widely published in journals and anthologies. Saltblood is her first historical novel. She grew up in Lutruwita/Tasmania and, after fifteen years in England, is now living in Naarm/Melbourne.
Reviews
A ravishing picaresque told with fireworks, finesse and gusto -- PAUL LYNCH, author of Prophet Song
A wholly original vision of a life, Saltblood is not only a gripping tale of one woman's extraordinary adventures, but also a profound meditation on identity, sexuality, survival and what makes us human. The sensory detail of the period is vivid, immersive and sometimes shocking in its intensity. You are on board the ship with Mary, bearing witness to her life, listening to her inimitable voice. Saltblood is a triumph of the imagination -- ELODIE HARPER, author of 'The Wolf Den' trilogy
A wonderful tale and so exquisitely told ... Master and Commander meets Thelma & Louise -- JAMES OSWALD, author of the 'Inspector Mclean' series
Like some great, lost 18th-century adventure novel, Saltblood is a thrilling, gender-shaking roar of a tale every reader will enjoy. Moll Flanders answers back -- NEIL BLACKMORE, author of Radical Love
I was not expecting a story about pirates to be as beautiful as this one; indeed, Saltblood is exquisite. The writing is sumptuous and lyrical, the story fascinating -- LOUISE O'NEILL, author of Asking for It and Idol
An absolute treasure trove of book. Francesca has taken the real story of 18th century female pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny and woven something startling, fresh and brilliant. Deserves to be huge -- ANNA MAZZOLA, author of The Clockwork Girl
Saltblood is a complete triumph. A glittering jewel of a novel; a treasure chest of delight. I cannot bring myself to put it down it's so utterly absorbing ... The infamous but scantily documented Mary is rendered so human I am with her on every step of her piratical journey. I adore this book * E.S. THOMSON, author of Beloved Posion *
A well crafted, salty, old-fashioned adventure about identity and freedom * The Times *
Addictive * Sunday Post *
A blood-soaked story of piracy and prejudice * Telegraph *
An immersive, poignant, hurrah of a feminist tale ... Francesca has shown herself to be an exciting new voice in historical fiction * Debut Digest *
Adventure, intrigue, subterfuge, romance, brilliantly evocative * Chiswick Calendar *
Exploring gender, survival, friendship, love and identity, this novel is a treasure indeed * Woman & Home *
Both a gripping read and intellectually and emotionally nuanced ... A rollicking read, a compelling picaresque of journey and challenge and change * Australian Book Review *
A swashbuckling picaresque, with a lively mix of gender-bending adventure and romance * Sydney Morning Herald *
Saltblood is an engrossing, deeply felt historical novel ... De Tores's portrayal of Mary is nuanced and riveting, and her prose feels both historically accurate and gorgeously poetic ... A joy to read * Books + Publishing *
Book Information
ISBN 9781526661333
Author Francesca De Tores
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC