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Captain in Calico
George MacDonald Fraser was famed for his legendary Flashman series, featuring the incorrigible knave Harry Flashman. In the colorful standalone novel Captain in Calico , which has never been published, Fraser introduces another real-life Captain John Rackham, called “Calico Jack,” an illustrious eighteenth-century pirate who marauded the Caribbean seas.
On a tranquil evening in the Bahamas, Calico Jack, long wanted on counts of piracy, makes a surprise appearance at the Governor’s residence and asks for a pardon. A deal is brokered after Jack reveals the motive for turning himself love. When he last set sail from the Bahamas two years ago, Jack left behind a beautiful fiancée, and he hopes to win her back. But while Jack was off pirating, his beloved has become betrothed to a new man—the governor himself. It doesn’t take long for this truth to come to light, and after embarking on a new romance with famous Irish pirate Anne Bonney, Jack is quickly transformed back into a thieving captain in calico.
With his trademark picaresque style, Fraser draws readers into the wild west of the British empire, where black sails prowl the waters and redemption can be found in the most unexpected places.
On a tranquil evening in the Bahamas, Calico Jack, long wanted on counts of piracy, makes a surprise appearance at the Governor’s residence and asks for a pardon. A deal is brokered after Jack reveals the motive for turning himself love. When he last set sail from the Bahamas two years ago, Jack left behind a beautiful fiancée, and he hopes to win her back. But while Jack was off pirating, his beloved has become betrothed to a new man—the governor himself. It doesn’t take long for this truth to come to light, and after embarking on a new romance with famous Irish pirate Anne Bonney, Jack is quickly transformed back into a thieving captain in calico.
With his trademark picaresque style, Fraser draws readers into the wild west of the British empire, where black sails prowl the waters and redemption can be found in the most unexpected places.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2015
38 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
George MacDonald Fraser
116 books692 followersGeorge MacDonald Fraser is best known for his Flashman series of historical novels, purportedly written by Harry Flashman, a fictional coward and bully originally created by Thomas Hughes in Tom Brown's School Days. The novels are presented as "packets" of memoirs written by the nonagenarian Flashman, who looks back on his days as a hero of the British Army during the 19th century. The series begins with Flashman, and is notable for the accuracy of the historical settings and praise from critics. P.G. Wodehouse said of Flashman, “If ever there was a time when I felt that ‘watcher-of-the-skies-when-a-new-planet’ stuff, it was when I read the first Flashman.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 21, 2015
First off: I have to admit, I haven't yet read anything else by George MacDonald Fraser, so those hoping for me to compare this book with his larger body of work must remain disappointed - sorry!
When I picked this up, I wasn't aware that this is actually Fraser's first novel, which remained unpublished during his lifetime. I just knew that I'd heard the author's name around for quite some time, and that it was a pirate story. (Pirates are always a selling point, with me.)
As one might guess from the title, this is a fictionalized account of the notorious Calico Jack Rackham and Anne Bonney. (it's quite a different take from the one currently being broadcast in 'Black Sails' - but I'd still recommend it to fans.)
My verdict? Well, as a story of pirate adventure, it does the job. It doesn't transcend the job, however. It's not a great work of literature, it's not full of great historical research or insights, and it does feel a little old-fashioned. It also ended a little abruptly, I thought. But if you're looking for a quick, fun read - with pirates - this may buckle your swash.
I've still got to get one of George MacDonald Fraser's more well-known and acclaimed works onto my reading list.
Many thanks to Mysterious Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinions are solely my own.
When I picked this up, I wasn't aware that this is actually Fraser's first novel, which remained unpublished during his lifetime. I just knew that I'd heard the author's name around for quite some time, and that it was a pirate story. (Pirates are always a selling point, with me.)
As one might guess from the title, this is a fictionalized account of the notorious Calico Jack Rackham and Anne Bonney. (it's quite a different take from the one currently being broadcast in 'Black Sails' - but I'd still recommend it to fans.)
My verdict? Well, as a story of pirate adventure, it does the job. It doesn't transcend the job, however. It's not a great work of literature, it's not full of great historical research or insights, and it does feel a little old-fashioned. It also ended a little abruptly, I thought. But if you're looking for a quick, fun read - with pirates - this may buckle your swash.
I've still got to get one of George MacDonald Fraser's more well-known and acclaimed works onto my reading list.
Many thanks to Mysterious Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinions are solely my own.
August 13, 2023
This book was so boring and confusing I literally could not get through it. Also the author refers to Black people as the N-word the whole time. Like what this book was made in 2015? Yeah and the main character didn’t die in the end he escaped. Wow I am so disappointed in this book
May 10, 2022
Published posthumously after being found in a locked safe by members of Fraser’s family, and moreover having been rejected for publication, this novel is historical fiction set around a Caribbean pirate. Nowhere close to being as brilliant as his Flashman novels, it was still entirely readable and an interesting view into his early work.
June 3, 2015
Loved it. Reminded me of my favorite Flashman books. Also reminded me of Sabatini of Captain Blood fame, a favorite of mine and Fraser. Pirates, damsels in distress, and old school romance- this book has it all! Read it.
June 7, 2021
A perfectly serviceable and pleasant pirate story, notable largely for the name of its author: George MacDonald Fraser. Captain in Calico was a manuscript written by a dissatisfied journalist and rejected for publication in 1959, ten years before the author found (fully deserved) fame with the first Flashman book. The rejection letters and feedback included as an appendix in the book – finally published in 2015 seven years after the author's death – give an interesting insight into the publishing process.
How Fraser went from this to the ingenious riches of Flashman and his subsequent stellar writing career (he never wrote a bad book) makes you wonder at the strange alchemy that goes into creating a novel. Perhaps Fraser was selling himself short here, not being ambitious enough: though there's plenty of the storyteller's eye in evidence and whispers of the later G.M.F., the plot is very conventional and the characters don't always land. Perhaps Fraser was writing too close to the pirate adventures of his literary heroes Sabatini and Henty, erroneously believing there might be fruit in mimicking them rather than in finding his own voice. It was perhaps unkind for Captain in Calico to have been rejected, but it is also clear to see why it was. As the appendix letters note, it is not bad and is often rather good, but it was not distinct enough to stand out and be commercially viable.
I enjoyed it – who doesn't like a pirate story? – and it served as a reminder of the roots of one of our country's most under-rated pure storytellers. I am immensely saddened that I have now read everything published by George MacDonald Fraser: twelve Flashman novels, six other novels (including this one), two histories, two autobiographies and one collection of short stories. And I've loved every line. Even in an evidently inferior work like Captain in Calico (but remember – always – the caveat that it is a posthumously published manuscript) you can't help but be swept up by Fraser's infectious storytelling. One easily forgives the inferiority of the book, for one enjoys not only the charm of the story but the riches it hints at, to be found in bounteous quantities in all of Fraser's later works. As one character says on page 14, ye'll have the pardon and keep the plunder too. I feel I should be ending my last review of a George MacDonald Fraser book with something more profound and heartfelt, but I can only say that I have a fondness for this author's body of work that I scarcely feel for any other.
How Fraser went from this to the ingenious riches of Flashman and his subsequent stellar writing career (he never wrote a bad book) makes you wonder at the strange alchemy that goes into creating a novel. Perhaps Fraser was selling himself short here, not being ambitious enough: though there's plenty of the storyteller's eye in evidence and whispers of the later G.M.F., the plot is very conventional and the characters don't always land. Perhaps Fraser was writing too close to the pirate adventures of his literary heroes Sabatini and Henty, erroneously believing there might be fruit in mimicking them rather than in finding his own voice. It was perhaps unkind for Captain in Calico to have been rejected, but it is also clear to see why it was. As the appendix letters note, it is not bad and is often rather good, but it was not distinct enough to stand out and be commercially viable.
I enjoyed it – who doesn't like a pirate story? – and it served as a reminder of the roots of one of our country's most under-rated pure storytellers. I am immensely saddened that I have now read everything published by George MacDonald Fraser: twelve Flashman novels, six other novels (including this one), two histories, two autobiographies and one collection of short stories. And I've loved every line. Even in an evidently inferior work like Captain in Calico (but remember – always – the caveat that it is a posthumously published manuscript) you can't help but be swept up by Fraser's infectious storytelling. One easily forgives the inferiority of the book, for one enjoys not only the charm of the story but the riches it hints at, to be found in bounteous quantities in all of Fraser's later works. As one character says on page 14, ye'll have the pardon and keep the plunder too. I feel I should be ending my last review of a George MacDonald Fraser book with something more profound and heartfelt, but I can only say that I have a fondness for this author's body of work that I scarcely feel for any other.
July 2, 2018
Definitely felt a little less complete than The Pyrates, but I love the Calico Jack story so it was still fun to see a different take! The swashbuckling, the adventure and action, and even the unexpected twists were all great. I think the things that kept me from really loving the story, though, were a) I didn't really like any of the characters except Jack that much, and b) the realism got to be a bit much sometimes.
In terms of A, I still feel the characters were very lively and varied, but they just weren't likable people. A lot of them were terrible people in their own ways, and not even in a fun way because it all ends up screwing Jack over. I was a bit more interested in some of the original crew (e.g. Ben) but they weren't given much development. Kate was probably the only other character who was a good person, but she ended up a bit flat and her character development came very suddenly at the tail end. Anne was interesting initially but then became something of a villain, which I felt made her a lot less complex and interesting.
For B, the realism was certainly interesting to me, but at the same time the grittiness and Jack getting screwed over and over just made the story kind of depressing considering it was sort of advertised as a romantic (in the traditional sense, not the love story sense) book about pirates. Meanwhile, Jack was just tired and angry and sad and honestly kind of lonely.
I loved Jack, though.
In terms of A, I still feel the characters were very lively and varied, but they just weren't likable people. A lot of them were terrible people in their own ways, and not even in a fun way because it all ends up screwing Jack over. I was a bit more interested in some of the original crew (e.g. Ben) but they weren't given much development. Kate was probably the only other character who was a good person, but she ended up a bit flat and her character development came very suddenly at the tail end. Anne was interesting initially but then became something of a villain, which I felt made her a lot less complex and interesting.
For B, the realism was certainly interesting to me, but at the same time the grittiness and Jack getting screwed over and over just made the story kind of depressing considering it was sort of advertised as a romantic (in the traditional sense, not the love story sense) book about pirates. Meanwhile, Jack was just tired and angry and sad and honestly kind of lonely.
I loved Jack, though.
January 31, 2016
I loved this book! I never heard anything about it but as a big fan of pirates needed to read the book when I spotted it on a shelf.
I knew Calico Jack before and I knew a little bit about his life and I think the author found a good way to combine the actual person's life with fiction, so that even if you know about the character you can still be surprised by the story.
Also I really enjoyed his way of writing.
BUT one little thing (contains possible spoiler)...
I think he kind of lost Anne Bonney on the way. I was so excited when she was introduced and for a few chapters this excitement stayed but then she kind of moved on and it just felt like we 'lost' her so suddenly without a real explanation , which was really sad because she started out as a great and strong character and played a big role in Rackham's life.
Overall, as I stated before, I really enjoyed the book, had a great time reading it and felt a little sad when only a few pages were left.
I knew Calico Jack before and I knew a little bit about his life and I think the author found a good way to combine the actual person's life with fiction, so that even if you know about the character you can still be surprised by the story.
Also I really enjoyed his way of writing.
BUT one little thing (contains possible spoiler)...
I think he kind of lost Anne Bonney on the way. I was so excited when she was introduced and for a few chapters this excitement stayed but then she kind of moved on and it just felt like we 'lost' her so suddenly without a real explanation , which was really sad because she started out as a great and strong character and played a big role in Rackham's life.
Overall, as I stated before, I really enjoyed the book, had a great time reading it and felt a little sad when only a few pages were left.
November 5, 2015
The preface to this book is very upfront about it's provenance. GMF's children found this manuscript after he died and debated publishing it. They felt (rightly) that many of GMF's Flashman fans would be disappointed, but they chose to publish anyway since it was dear to their father's heart. If you do not approach this book as a book by the author of Flashman, you will probably enjoy it. If you enjoy action, pirates, the Caribbean and good writing you will definitely enjoy this book. I hoped for and expected more (any) humour but once I got over that disappointment I conceded that it is well written, and well, a swashbuckling, good book.
October 8, 2015
I received this books through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Being unfamiliar with this genre, this author and this historical period, I really did not know what to expect when I started this book.
I found this to be a light read with lots of interesting characters, especially the hero, Captain John Rackham ('Calico Jack'). My understanding is that some of the book's characters are real life people that have been fictionalized. The author has done a fine job of making them seem authentic.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in 18th century Caribbean pirates or anyone who wants to simply spend a few pleasant hours of escapism. Not earth shaking but enjoyable.
Being unfamiliar with this genre, this author and this historical period, I really did not know what to expect when I started this book.
I found this to be a light read with lots of interesting characters, especially the hero, Captain John Rackham ('Calico Jack'). My understanding is that some of the book's characters are real life people that have been fictionalized. The author has done a fine job of making them seem authentic.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in 18th century Caribbean pirates or anyone who wants to simply spend a few pleasant hours of escapism. Not earth shaking but enjoyable.
February 13, 2017
I won my copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This is a fun adventure story that reminds me of Alexander Dumas' novels, Horatio Hornblower books, and Ivanhoe. The female characters are not well developed, and the emphasis is on the story, not character development, overall. So, while this is not a very deep or insightful novel, it is a fast, fun read about pirates in Barbados and Jamaica under British rule.
June 3, 2015
I can smell the fragrance of the high see,taste the sweat, hear the men's swear. ......
thanks Laszlo
thanks Laszlo
September 17, 2018
Not one of GMF's finest - the Pyrates is much better. Still, a fun read for completists, fans of the genre and anyone who enjoyed Black Sails.
May 31, 2020
Oh boy, okay.
Not gonna lie. I'm disappointed AF.
This has been on my TBR for a few years. I didn't get to it sooner, thinking I'd enjoy it for sure-- it's pirates after all, what's not to like? --but I was quite wrong.
Characters
I struggled to invest in the characters. They felt like flimsy, two-dimensional, caricatures of pirates.
Calico Jack Rackam, such a fascinating part of the Golden Age of Piracy, felt so BLAND in this book. He lacked personality. So much so that I have very little to actually say about him.
But let's get onto Anne, cause this one really pissed me off.
Anne Bonny, historically a fierce pirate and skilled fighter, was reduced to little more than an embodiment of her sex appeal. When she wasn't being portrayed as Jack's rather helpless/useless love interest, she became the 'spiteful bitch' character trying to make him jealous by showering attention on other men.
Anne is the main female character in this book and she's written terribly.
The author even spelt Anne Bonny wrong. This is the level of research that's taken place.
At one point, when talking about Anne, one of the pirates says "She's one of us, and twice the man you'll ever be."
Haha! Really? Could've fooled me. So far she's done bugger all to prove that. Literally all she did was seduce Jack with her body, required rescuing by Jack, and then turned on Jack to flirt with anyone who looked at her. Don't tell me she's a badass and show me literally the most vacuous characterisation of a female ever.
Plot
I think what bothers me most about this novel is how historically inaccurate it is. Like seriously.
I read historical fiction for a little bit of truth and a whole lot of fun. Sure the author knew a lot about sailing terms and the things captains need to consider that aren't normally shown in pirate movies.
But the history of Rackham and Anne is very easily researched, even in the day before the internet. They're an iconic outlaw couple, and this story didn't do them justice.
If you know nothing about real pirates or the Golden Age, then you might enjoy this. If you're a history buff or passionate about pirate history, then I think you'll find this unsatisfying.
There isnt even a mention or Mary Read.
The actual plot of this story is pretty basic and nothing original to the genre.
Writing Style
This feels incredibly old-fashioned. Not even classic old-fashioned like Treasure Island.
After finishing, I discovered old letters in the back regarding the rejected of publication in the late 50s.
Publication back then was easier than today. It's a very tough market nowadays and getting published is harder than ever.
I can't help think, if it wasn't good enough then, is it really going to be good enough now?
The writing itself isn't inherently bad, but the storytelling is so dated it almost affected my enjoyment.
There was a slightly theatricalism about it that was a little too corny to be taken seriously.
The author wrote accents for his characters but not consistently. If your going to write phonetic accents, then you have to do it throughout. Readers notice continuity errors.
Anne didn't even get to say her iconic last words to Jack.
Final Impression
Wouldn't recommend to pirate lovers. The inaccuracies are too infuriating to overlook. Enjoying this is a struggle when you're familiar with the real story of Jack and Anne.
The only reason I finished it was cause it was so small. Not because I was particularly invested in the story or the characters, just because it's a small book and I've had it a long time.
It was okay. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
Not gonna lie. I'm disappointed AF.
This has been on my TBR for a few years. I didn't get to it sooner, thinking I'd enjoy it for sure-- it's pirates after all, what's not to like? --but I was quite wrong.
Characters
I struggled to invest in the characters. They felt like flimsy, two-dimensional, caricatures of pirates.
Calico Jack Rackam, such a fascinating part of the Golden Age of Piracy, felt so BLAND in this book. He lacked personality. So much so that I have very little to actually say about him.
But let's get onto Anne, cause this one really pissed me off.
Anne Bonny, historically a fierce pirate and skilled fighter, was reduced to little more than an embodiment of her sex appeal. When she wasn't being portrayed as Jack's rather helpless/useless love interest, she became the 'spiteful bitch' character trying to make him jealous by showering attention on other men.
Anne is the main female character in this book and she's written terribly.
The author even spelt Anne Bonny wrong. This is the level of research that's taken place.
At one point, when talking about Anne, one of the pirates says "She's one of us, and twice the man you'll ever be."
Haha! Really? Could've fooled me. So far she's done bugger all to prove that. Literally all she did was seduce Jack with her body, required rescuing by Jack, and then turned on Jack to flirt with anyone who looked at her. Don't tell me she's a badass and show me literally the most vacuous characterisation of a female ever.
Plot
I think what bothers me most about this novel is how historically inaccurate it is. Like seriously.
I read historical fiction for a little bit of truth and a whole lot of fun. Sure the author knew a lot about sailing terms and the things captains need to consider that aren't normally shown in pirate movies.
But the history of Rackham and Anne is very easily researched, even in the day before the internet. They're an iconic outlaw couple, and this story didn't do them justice.
If you know nothing about real pirates or the Golden Age, then you might enjoy this. If you're a history buff or passionate about pirate history, then I think you'll find this unsatisfying.
There isnt even a mention or Mary Read.
The actual plot of this story is pretty basic and nothing original to the genre.
Writing Style
This feels incredibly old-fashioned. Not even classic old-fashioned like Treasure Island.
After finishing, I discovered old letters in the back regarding the rejected of publication in the late 50s.
Publication back then was easier than today. It's a very tough market nowadays and getting published is harder than ever.
I can't help think, if it wasn't good enough then, is it really going to be good enough now?
The writing itself isn't inherently bad, but the storytelling is so dated it almost affected my enjoyment.
There was a slightly theatricalism about it that was a little too corny to be taken seriously.
The author wrote accents for his characters but not consistently. If your going to write phonetic accents, then you have to do it throughout. Readers notice continuity errors.
Anne didn't even get to say her iconic last words to Jack.
Final Impression
Wouldn't recommend to pirate lovers. The inaccuracies are too infuriating to overlook. Enjoying this is a struggle when you're familiar with the real story of Jack and Anne.
The only reason I finished it was cause it was so small. Not because I was particularly invested in the story or the characters, just because it's a small book and I've had it a long time.
It was okay. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
April 24, 2022
Now while I did enjoy this, I do have a few words, most of them not exactly positive.
So let's be positive for a moment.
Now the story was pretty simple and, because it was so short, it did move fast and a lot happened very quickly. At the same time this was to it's detriment at times because it isn't entirely clear what is happening some of the time.
The characters were alright for the most part.
Although it was widely inaccurate in many areas, I wasn't really too bothered by it because it wasn't intending to be that way. It was just meant to be a fun adventure that just happened to be about real people.
Kate is actually a little sweetie and made me think, somewhat, of Charlotte from Blackbeard (2006). But she's not quite a Queen like Charlotte was... A Princess maybe who needs more time in the oven.
I also like how they actually had that Jack had his death faked and he managed to escape to live another day. It's a different take on things.
Negatives.
I was told, both on Wikipedia and another book that Mary Read was in this... She isn't. I thought Alan Kinsman might have been because of the closeness with Anne, his suspiciousness but also the fight with Penner. He's not. I thought the same about Sir John, an English Captain because of his "effeminate face" but it's never addressed and he never returns and never mentioned again.
Anne is just a truly despicable person and irredeemable in every way. She lies and manipulates everyone around her and by the end I wondered whether her husband was as bad as she said he was or it was just more of her lies. She's the true villain of the story, and pretty much gets off without any consequences. She's also allegedly more a man than Sir Williams but she literally does nothing the entire time.
You can tell it's a published draft because there are so many spelling mistakes.
It can be a bit hard to read at times, admittedly, but I put that down to it being written in the 50s. At the same time, Alice in Wonderland is easy to read and older still.
The annihilation of my boy, Woodes Rogers. For the most part he is as I expect him to be. Very put together and collected, smart thinking and all that but he does have a bit of a temper on him and may lash out. However... where the fuck is Sarah Whetstone Rogers, you know... his fucking wife? Sure, they separated in 1713 and never spoke again, but they were still married and he even had contact with his two alive children, William and Sarah (Jr), at least as of about 1728/9. Yet here he's set to marry Kate Sampson and Sarah isn't mentioned once and it's even said later on that he "required a wife". Bitch you have a wife, even if you hate her. Where she at? Is she dead? Does she not exist? Are you divorced? I need answers here, fam, or I'll just accuse you of Bigamy and throw you to the hounds.
So yeah, this was alright for the most part. Gorgeous cover and blessedly short.
So let's be positive for a moment.
Now the story was pretty simple and, because it was so short, it did move fast and a lot happened very quickly. At the same time this was to it's detriment at times because it isn't entirely clear what is happening some of the time.
The characters were alright for the most part.
Although it was widely inaccurate in many areas, I wasn't really too bothered by it because it wasn't intending to be that way. It was just meant to be a fun adventure that just happened to be about real people.
Kate is actually a little sweetie and made me think, somewhat, of Charlotte from Blackbeard (2006). But she's not quite a Queen like Charlotte was... A Princess maybe who needs more time in the oven.
I also like how they actually had that Jack had his death faked and he managed to escape to live another day. It's a different take on things.
Negatives.
I was told, both on Wikipedia and another book that Mary Read was in this... She isn't. I thought Alan Kinsman might have been because of the closeness with Anne, his suspiciousness but also the fight with Penner. He's not. I thought the same about Sir John, an English Captain because of his "effeminate face" but it's never addressed and he never returns and never mentioned again.
Anne is just a truly despicable person and irredeemable in every way. She lies and manipulates everyone around her and by the end I wondered whether her husband was as bad as she said he was or it was just more of her lies. She's the true villain of the story, and pretty much gets off without any consequences. She's also allegedly more a man than Sir Williams but she literally does nothing the entire time.
You can tell it's a published draft because there are so many spelling mistakes.
It can be a bit hard to read at times, admittedly, but I put that down to it being written in the 50s. At the same time, Alice in Wonderland is easy to read and older still.
The annihilation of my boy, Woodes Rogers. For the most part he is as I expect him to be. Very put together and collected, smart thinking and all that but he does have a bit of a temper on him and may lash out. However... where the fuck is Sarah Whetstone Rogers, you know... his fucking wife? Sure, they separated in 1713 and never spoke again, but they were still married and he even had contact with his two alive children, William and Sarah (Jr), at least as of about 1728/9. Yet here he's set to marry Kate Sampson and Sarah isn't mentioned once and it's even said later on that he "required a wife". Bitch you have a wife, even if you hate her. Where she at? Is she dead? Does she not exist? Are you divorced? I need answers here, fam, or I'll just accuse you of Bigamy and throw you to the hounds.
So yeah, this was alright for the most part. Gorgeous cover and blessedly short.
January 13, 2022
Captain in Calico is not a novel about Sir Harry Flashman, even though it has the same progenitor. This historical-fiction tale of swashbuckling, lust, love, luck, vengeance, and piracy is both less and more than the comedies about the luckiest ne’er-do-well in all historical fiction which made George MacDonald Fraser famous (well, that and his screenplays for The Three Musketeers and Octopussy, as well as his brilliant apology for historical fiction films, We Learned It at the Movies: The Hollywood History of the World). Rather, Captain in Calico is a novel of adventure, love, and betrayal (not necessarily in that order) about one Captain John Rackham, aka “Calico Jack,” who is historically credited for being the first to fly the skull and crossbones flag known as the “Jolly Roger” today.
At times, Captain in Calico reads like a movie serial where the character is plunged from one situation to another with only a teaser of what is to come. At times, the novel reads like an adventure novel with duels, abductions (however willing), boarding actions, and the betrayal(s) mentioned elsewhere. Although the novel was published posthumously, it was written before Harry Flashman appeared on the literary scene. Fraser’s family assumes it was their father’s love of pirate stories that kept him from dispensing with a much-rejected manuscript. And even though it isn’t Fraser’s writing at his finest, one can see the sparks of his more famous and more fictional rogue in Rackham’s eyes from time-to-time.
In Fraser’s treatment of John Rackham, a governor’s clerk pontificates: “A man has only a share in shaping his destiny—the rest is chance. …And some are lucky and some are not. I think you’re one of the unlucky ones.” (p. 276) For “Calico Jack” in the novel, he is sometimes lucky in circumstances and sometimes unlucky in circumstances with comic and tragic consequences. He is sometimes lucky in his judgment of character and sometimes unlucky, again with comic and tragic consequences. It is that mix of consequences that makes Captain in Calico worth reading.
There is one particular scene which takes place after a boarding action that I would love to see on the big screen—even though I anticipated it from early in the book. Still, it’s just so classic and cinematic that I’d love to see it. Unfortunately, too much of the rest of the novel seemed slow-paced to me. That may be because the duel, the abduction, the chase, and the boarding action were so satisfying that the next 50-60 pages dragged for me.
I’m glad I read this book, but I sure wouldn’t recommend it to be anyone’s first or second experience with this delightful author’s work.
At times, Captain in Calico reads like a movie serial where the character is plunged from one situation to another with only a teaser of what is to come. At times, the novel reads like an adventure novel with duels, abductions (however willing), boarding actions, and the betrayal(s) mentioned elsewhere. Although the novel was published posthumously, it was written before Harry Flashman appeared on the literary scene. Fraser’s family assumes it was their father’s love of pirate stories that kept him from dispensing with a much-rejected manuscript. And even though it isn’t Fraser’s writing at his finest, one can see the sparks of his more famous and more fictional rogue in Rackham’s eyes from time-to-time.
In Fraser’s treatment of John Rackham, a governor’s clerk pontificates: “A man has only a share in shaping his destiny—the rest is chance. …And some are lucky and some are not. I think you’re one of the unlucky ones.” (p. 276) For “Calico Jack” in the novel, he is sometimes lucky in circumstances and sometimes unlucky in circumstances with comic and tragic consequences. He is sometimes lucky in his judgment of character and sometimes unlucky, again with comic and tragic consequences. It is that mix of consequences that makes Captain in Calico worth reading.
There is one particular scene which takes place after a boarding action that I would love to see on the big screen—even though I anticipated it from early in the book. Still, it’s just so classic and cinematic that I’d love to see it. Unfortunately, too much of the rest of the novel seemed slow-paced to me. That may be because the duel, the abduction, the chase, and the boarding action were so satisfying that the next 50-60 pages dragged for me.
I’m glad I read this book, but I sure wouldn’t recommend it to be anyone’s first or second experience with this delightful author’s work.
June 22, 2019
First novel I have read by this author so difficult to say how this rates along his other books...but given that it is a posthumous release which in actuality was a rejected manuscript from very early in his career...well I think you have to enjoy it on the basis that alike the releases that flock from the vaults of various given rock stars after their demise this possibly isn't vintage stuff.
It doesn't really seem a cheap cash in neither...more a release of a manuscript the author had kept in a safe with rejection letters suggesting if not proud of it maybe he himself felt it was worth preserving and the family do through an introduction acknowledge this is the work of a then fledgling writer and as such should be taken in that vein.
It's a pirate tale featuring Calico Jack and Anne Bonney and in fairness the character of Bonney is I feel the stronger and if later period revision of this book had been attempted I feel she would maybe have been the stronger(she's certainly the more interesting)character.
As it is this is a maritime yarn with some plot...though alas considering it features pirates little true action...I enjoyed it for maybe the first two thirds of the book but for me it didn't really seem to build like a good tale of this type should...despite some twists and skullduggery well..for me it didn't engage that well.
As a manuscript I'm sure a later period revision and maybe going totally against some of the factual semi biographical elements of the book may have given a satisfying if sensational read.
It doesn't really seem a cheap cash in neither...more a release of a manuscript the author had kept in a safe with rejection letters suggesting if not proud of it maybe he himself felt it was worth preserving and the family do through an introduction acknowledge this is the work of a then fledgling writer and as such should be taken in that vein.
It's a pirate tale featuring Calico Jack and Anne Bonney and in fairness the character of Bonney is I feel the stronger and if later period revision of this book had been attempted I feel she would maybe have been the stronger(she's certainly the more interesting)character.
As it is this is a maritime yarn with some plot...though alas considering it features pirates little true action...I enjoyed it for maybe the first two thirds of the book but for me it didn't really seem to build like a good tale of this type should...despite some twists and skullduggery well..for me it didn't engage that well.
As a manuscript I'm sure a later period revision and maybe going totally against some of the factual semi biographical elements of the book may have given a satisfying if sensational read.
March 17, 2018
An early works of a talented writer, showing even here that the adventure is forever alive and the price of a good heart is above all.
Captain John Rackham, called “Calico Jack”, is unlucky, one might say. The love of his life is betrothed to another one and there are not much chances of his life - unless an attractive and greedy woman offers him an adventure to get their hands on the king´s gold. But this adventure might be of a very high cost.
Yes, this is an early work and one might call it lacking on several accounts, but the writing style is very livid and the fire of the true adventure is burning brightly here.
One can only like the sympathetic pirate, who is still of a character - and this serves as showing that the living heart still might get you the high price (even if it can mislead you, too).
I enjoyed the read and will be on the lookout to this talented writer´s works from now, as it can touch my heart with something young and of spring.
Captain John Rackham, called “Calico Jack”, is unlucky, one might say. The love of his life is betrothed to another one and there are not much chances of his life - unless an attractive and greedy woman offers him an adventure to get their hands on the king´s gold. But this adventure might be of a very high cost.
Yes, this is an early work and one might call it lacking on several accounts, but the writing style is very livid and the fire of the true adventure is burning brightly here.
One can only like the sympathetic pirate, who is still of a character - and this serves as showing that the living heart still might get you the high price (even if it can mislead you, too).
I enjoyed the read and will be on the lookout to this talented writer´s works from now, as it can touch my heart with something young and of spring.
December 28, 2020
I was somewhat nervous about Captain in Calico. Fraser's historical satires the (Flashman Papers) are some of the best historical fiction ever written, but his historical farces (the Reavers & The Pyrates) left me utterly cold. All I knew about Captain in Calico going in was that it was published posthumously, and that even his family thought it was more of a curiosity than a work of literature.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the book itself. It's a straightforward swashbuckler, filled with blood, sex, and piracy on the high seas. If it lacks the insight & beauty that elevate the Flashman Papers, it also lacks the excesses of the Fraser's farces. It's simply a very good pirate story, with a few minor hints of Fraser's brilliance.
Does Captain in Calico compare to the Flashman Papers? Not really. Is it anywhere near the perfection of Patrick O'Brian's sea novels? Absolutely not. But it's a well-executed adventure story that's sure to please most readers.
That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the book itself. It's a straightforward swashbuckler, filled with blood, sex, and piracy on the high seas. If it lacks the insight & beauty that elevate the Flashman Papers, it also lacks the excesses of the Fraser's farces. It's simply a very good pirate story, with a few minor hints of Fraser's brilliance.
Does Captain in Calico compare to the Flashman Papers? Not really. Is it anywhere near the perfection of Patrick O'Brian's sea novels? Absolutely not. But it's a well-executed adventure story that's sure to please most readers.
October 23, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. What is a guy to do? You became a wanted man due to someone else's act, you seek a pardon to return to your fiancée, only to find out that the man who "brokered" your pardon, is now engaged to your fiancée. So you get drunk, fight a duel, meet Anne Bonney, decide on a bit of piracy to get back at your pardon broker, have the "piracy" fail, you get captured and sentenced to death. Based on the forward, this was a precursor to the Flashman series, the family deciding it should bee available to George MacDonald Fraser fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2022
An interesting insight to how the great GMF (nearly) started his writing career.
He is still finding his way and I would urge folks NOT to read it unless they already have a few GMF books under their belts - it would be grossly unfair to judge him by this unpublished work.
The letters in the appendices which illustrate how manuscripts were offered up and chosen for publication are a pure Brucey-bonus; and are fascinating.
He is still finding his way and I would urge folks NOT to read it unless they already have a few GMF books under their belts - it would be grossly unfair to judge him by this unpublished work.
The letters in the appendices which illustrate how manuscripts were offered up and chosen for publication are a pure Brucey-bonus; and are fascinating.
June 17, 2023
A good book for what it is worth, with writing that displays an understanding of the subject, almost in the style of Captain Blood, and the characters are interesting. The writing was smooth, and gripping at some points. It also had an interesting ending, with a alternative history switch. Calico Jack survives, and his execution was fake, which was an interesting idea. Would recommend for enjoyers if pirate books.
August 27, 2020
Worth a read, not as good or racy as his other works, can't help but feel his death cut this novel short and a publishing house cobbled an ending together to release it, still a great sadness on completion, knowing there's nothing else from George Macdonald Fraser coming out again. Yes he's a mysogynist, love him for it. Noone else will write a book for adult men any more.
February 12, 2017
This was an earlier story by Mr Fraser in his career, which his children decided to publish. A fun tale of pirates and it seemed that it certainly helped hone his story telling for the excellent Flashman adventures in his future. An easy, entertaining read, lots of action. Try it!
May 8, 2021
Good, not fantastic
This is George MacDonald Fraser’s first ever novel. It is not Flashman or Pyrates, but flashes of both occasionally appear and you can see the writer he became. So it’s a pleasant read, not fantastic, but well worth it.
This is George MacDonald Fraser’s first ever novel. It is not Flashman or Pyrates, but flashes of both occasionally appear and you can see the writer he became. So it’s a pleasant read, not fantastic, but well worth it.
May 15, 2021
A pirate caper.
I hesitated to purchase this book as it was rejected for publication. A tale of Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny , both real life pirates. Not up to the standard of The Pyrates or the Flashman novels but still a worthwhile romp which the author's fans should read.
I hesitated to purchase this book as it was rejected for publication. A tale of Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny , both real life pirates. Not up to the standard of The Pyrates or the Flashman novels but still a worthwhile romp which the author's fans should read.
October 20, 2023
The author's children make it clear that it's not his best work. It was Fraser's first novel that was never before published. There are numerous narrative problems, but I loved the adventure and the characters who weren't what you might expect in this kind of book.
December 12, 2017
A poor ending
Too many loose ends thankfully gmf improved with flashmans adventures don't think there wil will be a sequel mores the pity
Too many loose ends thankfully gmf improved with flashmans adventures don't think there wil will be a sequel mores the pity
August 1, 2018
An early George MacDonald Fraser with a story which was rejected by publishers. Published after his death by his children, with the text "the author of the Flashman papers". Say no more.
April 8, 2019
Hey rather disappointing pirate story.
July 17, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel. The prose is engaging and the story is pure adventure.
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