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The Pirate Queen: A Novel
Treasure is found in the most unlikely places.The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon--and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life. Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life I’m dying. Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistance, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God's presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
33 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Hickman
30 books42 followers“Hickman gamely unpacks the lies families tell each other, the cost of family secrets to ourselves and others, the bonds between sisters and the walls between husbands and wives. Her sparkling talent is evident in this engrossing story.” ~ Publishers Weekly
Best-selling novelist Patricia Hickman has written 18 books for major publishers like Random House and Hachette Books.
A note from me, the author: Hey! My latest teen fiction title is TINY DANCER, a coming of age story for sophisticated readers of young adult fiction—maybe you!
I love good food, taking road trips, hiking, and biking, but most of all writing you new stories you'll fall in love with. You can visit me here at Goodreads, through my official FB author page, or my website at patriciahickman.com.
Best-selling novelist Patricia Hickman has written 18 books for major publishers like Random House and Hachette Books.
A note from me, the author: Hey! My latest teen fiction title is TINY DANCER, a coming of age story for sophisticated readers of young adult fiction—maybe you!
I love good food, taking road trips, hiking, and biking, but most of all writing you new stories you'll fall in love with. You can visit me here at Goodreads, through my official FB author page, or my website at patriciahickman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 7, 2010
The Pirate Queen surprised me. The first few pages made me think I had stumbled into a Southern-style Danielle Steel novel. But then Patricia Hickman waved her author wand and swept me away into a story with layer upon layer of meaning, emotion and tension, a one-of-a-kind family drama. Tender, compelling, outstanding. A keeper."
April 5, 2011
When I read the books description, I was expecting a bit more fluff. Warm and fuzzy, meet God and now life is perfect, go through suffering, and have all those difficult relationships resolved.
Nope, not this book! This felt real. Yes, the principal charactars become christians, and yes that makes all the difference... but it doesn't make life easy, and it doesn't erase the hurt of the past. It just enables forgiveness.
I love that no one- not the author, nor the pastor she creates, pretends to have all the answers to some tough biblical questions.
But most of all I loved this book because it read like a real story. The charactars were well defined. The story lines weaved together, and were not in your face predictable. There were some tough issues covered here... adultery, a child with aids, a husband dying of cancer.... and none of it wasoverwhelingly depressing, heavy and hopeless... but none of it was brushed off, treated lightly, nor glossed over either.
I feel like I'm making the review more complicated than it should be.... it was a good book. A quick read, well written.
Nope, not this book! This felt real. Yes, the principal charactars become christians, and yes that makes all the difference... but it doesn't make life easy, and it doesn't erase the hurt of the past. It just enables forgiveness.
I love that no one- not the author, nor the pastor she creates, pretends to have all the answers to some tough biblical questions.
But most of all I loved this book because it read like a real story. The charactars were well defined. The story lines weaved together, and were not in your face predictable. There were some tough issues covered here... adultery, a child with aids, a husband dying of cancer.... and none of it wasoverwhelingly depressing, heavy and hopeless... but none of it was brushed off, treated lightly, nor glossed over either.
I feel like I'm making the review more complicated than it should be.... it was a good book. A quick read, well written.
May 8, 2013
The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman Review
Beautifully moving, at times heart breaking, feel the joy and pain as Saphora comes to terms with her failing marriage. Languish in her desperation to reclaim dissipated love even if for a last time, as her husband stands at deaths door.
The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon--and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.
Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.
Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistence, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God's presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?
From the start I was captivated with this book and what would happen next. Saphora at first seemed like a spoiled woman who did not appreciate what she had. Maybe she was ill, was it paranoia schizophrenia she seemed to think every woman she knew had slept with her husband. Why was she not even speaking to her husband about how she felt? Was he that wrapped up in his life that he did not notice how distant she had become. He is a surgeon and that meant long hours away from each other. Why was she so bitter?
It was easy to place myself in her shoes as a woman and feel her life play before me.
The characters were intermingled and presented comfortably throughout the story and I did not feel overwhelmed by them. Although I did not relate to a few scenes like when Saphora left her husband at the hospital overnight alone and that night out. These were the parts that did bring me back to reality quickly and I found her character rather cold at those times. Not sure if this was good or bad, since I could see how she needed her rest and her husband was not responsive. Just something I would not do. Other than these tidbits I enjoyed the book very much. A good read that opens up a door into another life. At times I felt angry, joy and disgust all at once and at the end a craving for another chapter.
Beautifully moving, at times heart breaking, feel the joy and pain as Saphora comes to terms with her failing marriage. Languish in her desperation to reclaim dissipated love even if for a last time, as her husband stands at deaths door.
The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon--and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life.
Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying.
Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistence, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God's presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?
From the start I was captivated with this book and what would happen next. Saphora at first seemed like a spoiled woman who did not appreciate what she had. Maybe she was ill, was it paranoia schizophrenia she seemed to think every woman she knew had slept with her husband. Why was she not even speaking to her husband about how she felt? Was he that wrapped up in his life that he did not notice how distant she had become. He is a surgeon and that meant long hours away from each other. Why was she so bitter?
It was easy to place myself in her shoes as a woman and feel her life play before me.
The characters were intermingled and presented comfortably throughout the story and I did not feel overwhelmed by them. Although I did not relate to a few scenes like when Saphora left her husband at the hospital overnight alone and that night out. These were the parts that did bring me back to reality quickly and I found her character rather cold at those times. Not sure if this was good or bad, since I could see how she needed her rest and her husband was not responsive. Just something I would not do. Other than these tidbits I enjoyed the book very much. A good read that opens up a door into another life. At times I felt angry, joy and disgust all at once and at the end a craving for another chapter.
October 12, 2011
Saphora is a woman who feels that she has become less than she could be, less than she should be, because of the pressures of her less-than-ideal family life. On the heels of Eat, Pray, Love, this book shows us a more realistic version of a common occurrence. A woman gives all she has to her husband, her children, her home, only to find that she reaches a certain point feeling totally spent. The emptiness that could engulf her brings about a last-ditch effort to salvage what is left of her life. In a desperate attempt to escape, she intends to move out and try life on her own.
Here’s where this story veers off from the typical plot. This time, fate steps in before the woman gets the chance to step out. On her way to the car with her suitcase, Saphora’s husband comes home early to tell her he’s dying. In the course of taking care of her terminal spouse, handling the extended family and their idiosyncrasies, and meeting some new friends, Saphora finds her perspective on life changing.
The themes of The Pirate Queen are so universal for women, although very often mishandled. How many of us can say we have a storybook family, instead of a family full of humans that are sometimes whacked out, quirky, or strange? What woman hasn’t felt like throwing in the towel? What mother hasn’t felt unappreciated? What wife hasn’t felt unloved? And how many times are we encouraged to live for ourselves at the cost of our families? Too many books and movies glorify escape as the only happy ending, an ending that women are invited to discover when they take the journey to find themselves. Saphora found herself pretty close to where she’d always been.
Lest I spoil it for you, I’ll vaguely tell you that there were several important issues touched upon in this book, such as terminal illness, marital fidelity, and child neglect. At times the conflicts were coming right on top of each other, as tends to happen in real life. Some things weren’t resolved in the way or in the time frame that is usually found in this style of book, which made it all come alive even more. I look forward to reading more by this author.
You can read the first chapter here, and also use this study guide in a small group setting or alone.
NOTE: WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to post a positive review.
Here’s where this story veers off from the typical plot. This time, fate steps in before the woman gets the chance to step out. On her way to the car with her suitcase, Saphora’s husband comes home early to tell her he’s dying. In the course of taking care of her terminal spouse, handling the extended family and their idiosyncrasies, and meeting some new friends, Saphora finds her perspective on life changing.
The themes of The Pirate Queen are so universal for women, although very often mishandled. How many of us can say we have a storybook family, instead of a family full of humans that are sometimes whacked out, quirky, or strange? What woman hasn’t felt like throwing in the towel? What mother hasn’t felt unappreciated? What wife hasn’t felt unloved? And how many times are we encouraged to live for ourselves at the cost of our families? Too many books and movies glorify escape as the only happy ending, an ending that women are invited to discover when they take the journey to find themselves. Saphora found herself pretty close to where she’d always been.
Lest I spoil it for you, I’ll vaguely tell you that there were several important issues touched upon in this book, such as terminal illness, marital fidelity, and child neglect. At times the conflicts were coming right on top of each other, as tends to happen in real life. Some things weren’t resolved in the way or in the time frame that is usually found in this style of book, which made it all come alive even more. I look forward to reading more by this author.
You can read the first chapter here, and also use this study guide in a small group setting or alone.
NOTE: WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to post a positive review.
December 12, 2010
Saphora Warren's life looks idyllic to the rest of the world. She is married to a handsome, well-renowned plastic surgeon, mother to three children. She has two beautiful homes and a life full of luxury. But things aren't always what they seem. Her husband is a philanderer and her children have grown, leaving Saphora alone and feeling empty. When Southern Living comes to her home for their magazine, it is to be Saphora's last day living her life for everyone else. But when her husband Bender comes home early, her plans change.
It wasn't until after I requested this novel that I realized it was Christian fiction, a genre I don't normally read or enjoy. But the premise of the book still intrigued me so I read it with an open mind. As the story began and Saphora's personna developed, it was obvious that she was intended to be the sympathetic character as opposed to Bender, the womanizing, controlling husband. But her seeming inability to do for herself and her dependence on hired help to do for her completely turned me off of her. But the book was intriguing and I was still engrossed with the story. Very soon into the book, the first plot twist is introduced and I felt like I was supposed to now find Bender a sympathetic character and, on some level, I did. But his controlling, superior ways still annoyed me. As the other characters were brought into the story, a second storyline emerged about a little boy named Tobias that was as integral to the story as Bender's story. That storyline was emotional in so many ways. It was raw in both its reality and in the emotions that it invoked. It was full of love and sweetness, even some bittersweetness.
As the story went on, and more was learned and understood about Saphora and Bender, I warmed to them and felt like I finally understood them as people. I didn't expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did, as it isn't my usual reading taste. Yes, there was definately a Christian tone to it, but it complimented the story without overpowering it.
It wasn't until after I requested this novel that I realized it was Christian fiction, a genre I don't normally read or enjoy. But the premise of the book still intrigued me so I read it with an open mind. As the story began and Saphora's personna developed, it was obvious that she was intended to be the sympathetic character as opposed to Bender, the womanizing, controlling husband. But her seeming inability to do for herself and her dependence on hired help to do for her completely turned me off of her. But the book was intriguing and I was still engrossed with the story. Very soon into the book, the first plot twist is introduced and I felt like I was supposed to now find Bender a sympathetic character and, on some level, I did. But his controlling, superior ways still annoyed me. As the other characters were brought into the story, a second storyline emerged about a little boy named Tobias that was as integral to the story as Bender's story. That storyline was emotional in so many ways. It was raw in both its reality and in the emotions that it invoked. It was full of love and sweetness, even some bittersweetness.
As the story went on, and more was learned and understood about Saphora and Bender, I warmed to them and felt like I finally understood them as people. I didn't expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did, as it isn't my usual reading taste. Yes, there was definately a Christian tone to it, but it complimented the story without overpowering it.
April 11, 2011
This was an amazing story. When I first sat down with this book, I figured this was going to be a chick-lit type of book. Instead I was taken on an emotional roller coaster. Within the first two chapters, you know that this book is going to end sadly. Saphora's husband whom she was going to leave, finds out he has a brain tumor and its terminal. So they head to their home in Oriental for him to be there as he goes through treatment. As a reader, you know how this is going to end and that you will need Kleenex's. However, the author throws in another character for the reader to fall in love with, a little boy named Tobias. This little boy was born with AIDS and Saphora and her family love this boy and try hard to help him and his family learn to stand there grounds against others who just don't understand. Even with the tears and heartache in this book, you still end this book with a happy ending. Something you just didn't see coming at the beginning. As I stated, this is an amazing story. I loved it and when it came time to rate it, there was no other rating then 5 stars.
I recommend this book to almost any reader. Sometimes you just need a book to sit down and read that isn't full of killers, or two people falling in love, you just need a story.
I recommend this book to almost any reader. Sometimes you just need a book to sit down and read that isn't full of killers, or two people falling in love, you just need a story.
March 9, 2013
Sapphora Warren has it all, a Lake Norman home, a wonderful group of children and grandchildren, and married to a plastic surgeon who is a philanderer. On the evening of a photo shoot for SL magazine,, she plans to leave him and settle into their summer home in Oriental, NC, a place they never really used. Bender, her husband, comes home early and breaks the news...he's dying. She stays with him, in Oriental, and as her sanctuary is overrun by children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends, and an extremely endearing brilliant child named Tobais, she learns more about her life, her habits, and finds a renewed faith in God and His plan.
This book, one of the best I've read in a long, long time, is one that is a renewal of self.
This book, one of the best I've read in a long, long time, is one that is a renewal of self.
June 12, 2024
A story of life, love, hardships and ultimately finding evidence of God and rich treasures that come in surprising packages.
October 25, 2011
Saphora Warren is a wife, mother and grandmother. She is an asset to her physician husband and has been a devoted wife for the years they've been married. But Saphora has had enough. At the end of a Southern Living lawn party (a party her husband wanted even though he didn't show up for it), she is planning on leaving her beautiful house and philandering husband to regroup and decide what she wants from life. At least that was the plan until her husband arrives home before she can leave and announces he has cancer and is dying. Saphora must now decide whether she stays to help her husband or goes off on her on in The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman.
To say that Saphora is downtrodden is being kind. She seems to do whatever her husband Bender wants and puts up with years of neglect and verbal abuse in the form of snide and belittling remarks. The worst part is that her husband doesn't even seem to know that he's being neglectful or abusive. At least he didn't until he received his death sentence.
Saphora is left to try and pick up the pieces of their life while dealing with a remorseful and introspective Bender. It's rather strange that she could take the years of possible philandering but has problems dealing with her husband as he becomes aware of his faults. In addition to dealing with a husband dying of brain cancer, she must contend with her grandson for most of the summer. Her eldest son has to work, as does his ex-wife and the baby-sitter quit so Eddie goes to the beach house with his grandparents. While at the beach, Eddie, Saphora and Bender befriend a young boy with AIDS. Tobias was born with AIDS and adopted but is dearly loved by his adoptive mother. Regrettably, although this appears to be taking place in the present, there's a lot of prejudice and misconception about AIDS and Tobias is persona non grata at most facilities and functions around town.
Saphora, her children and grandchildren, are all forced to watch Bender as he slowly fades away from their lives. Fortunately Saphora has become a woman with a backbone and isn't willing to take crap from anyone any longer. There's plenty of high drama and grief in The Pirate Queen. Most of the drama is centered on AIDS and the reaction Tobias receives from a variety of people, including Saphora's son and daughter-in-law, as well as Bender's penchant toward selfishness. One example of such selfishness is his desire to have their housekeeper drop everything and come to the beach even though her young son has the measles and obviously needs and wants his mother.
I wanted to like The Pirate Queen. Saphora ends up being a likeable and admirable character, but she starts off somewhat spacey and comes across as just flaky and a pushover. The friendship between Eddie and Tobias, as well as Tobias and Bender is heart-warming. Eddie accepts Tobias for what he is, another kid and a playmate. Bender and Tobias accept one another for what they are, two people battling potentially deadly illnesses. It was rather uplifting to see that Bender sought atonement for his actions and spiritual guidance toward the end of his life. I don't know if that can make up for years of neglect, but Saphora seems willing to overlook it. In addition, Saphora's children are all adults but come across as spoiled and selfish children at times.
There are redeeming qualities about this book, especially in Tobias's story. Although this does have an uplifting ending, beware there are plenty of tear-jerker scenes toward the end. As I stated previously, I wanted to like The Pirate Queen but for me it was nothing more than an okay read, in part because of the spacey qualities of Saphora's character for the first half of the book and also because the dialogue was a little hard to follow at times. The Pirate Queen isn't a bad read, but it simply didn't do it for me.
To say that Saphora is downtrodden is being kind. She seems to do whatever her husband Bender wants and puts up with years of neglect and verbal abuse in the form of snide and belittling remarks. The worst part is that her husband doesn't even seem to know that he's being neglectful or abusive. At least he didn't until he received his death sentence.
Saphora is left to try and pick up the pieces of their life while dealing with a remorseful and introspective Bender. It's rather strange that she could take the years of possible philandering but has problems dealing with her husband as he becomes aware of his faults. In addition to dealing with a husband dying of brain cancer, she must contend with her grandson for most of the summer. Her eldest son has to work, as does his ex-wife and the baby-sitter quit so Eddie goes to the beach house with his grandparents. While at the beach, Eddie, Saphora and Bender befriend a young boy with AIDS. Tobias was born with AIDS and adopted but is dearly loved by his adoptive mother. Regrettably, although this appears to be taking place in the present, there's a lot of prejudice and misconception about AIDS and Tobias is persona non grata at most facilities and functions around town.
Saphora, her children and grandchildren, are all forced to watch Bender as he slowly fades away from their lives. Fortunately Saphora has become a woman with a backbone and isn't willing to take crap from anyone any longer. There's plenty of high drama and grief in The Pirate Queen. Most of the drama is centered on AIDS and the reaction Tobias receives from a variety of people, including Saphora's son and daughter-in-law, as well as Bender's penchant toward selfishness. One example of such selfishness is his desire to have their housekeeper drop everything and come to the beach even though her young son has the measles and obviously needs and wants his mother.
I wanted to like The Pirate Queen. Saphora ends up being a likeable and admirable character, but she starts off somewhat spacey and comes across as just flaky and a pushover. The friendship between Eddie and Tobias, as well as Tobias and Bender is heart-warming. Eddie accepts Tobias for what he is, another kid and a playmate. Bender and Tobias accept one another for what they are, two people battling potentially deadly illnesses. It was rather uplifting to see that Bender sought atonement for his actions and spiritual guidance toward the end of his life. I don't know if that can make up for years of neglect, but Saphora seems willing to overlook it. In addition, Saphora's children are all adults but come across as spoiled and selfish children at times.
There are redeeming qualities about this book, especially in Tobias's story. Although this does have an uplifting ending, beware there are plenty of tear-jerker scenes toward the end. As I stated previously, I wanted to like The Pirate Queen but for me it was nothing more than an okay read, in part because of the spacey qualities of Saphora's character for the first half of the book and also because the dialogue was a little hard to follow at times. The Pirate Queen isn't a bad read, but it simply didn't do it for me.
December 14, 2010
When I first came across Patricia Hickman at my local library, I was immediately hooked and read the entire Millwood Hollow series. Patricia is one of my favorite authors and I was excited to review her newest book.
I didn’t think Patricia’s writing could get any better and yet The Pirate Queen just proved me wrong. This is a book that will have you thinking about the characters long after the story ends. It’s profound and moving; a definite page turner. It deals with topics that many people would sweep under the rug or shy away from.
As the story begins readers meet Saphora Warren, a woman of elegance, prestige and wealth. To those on the outside looking in the Warrens have everything. Bender Warren is a successful surgeon with a beautiful wife, two elegant sprawling homes, a housekeeper and great kids.
In reality things are not as happy as their friends and family would like to believe and Saphora finally gathers her courage and makes plans to leave behind the life she’s known for the past three decades. Tired of being invisible and putting her dreams on the backburner, Saphora is ready for a change.
Saphora has been fantasizing for a long time about a life of her own, free from the unrealistic expectations of her demanding husband but a sudden unforeseen tragedy forces Saphora to lay her plans aside and once again put herself last.
Through this tragedy, Saphora makes some surprising and heart wrenching discoveries. She pulls from an inner strength she didn’t realize she possessed and watches as her life rearranges itself and mysteriously unfolds, going directions she never planned nor thought about.
This is a story of discovery, heartbreak, betrayal, restoration......just about any emotion you can think of, this story has it. Longtime fans of Hickman will happily add this one to their collection.
I didn’t think Patricia’s writing could get any better and yet The Pirate Queen just proved me wrong. This is a book that will have you thinking about the characters long after the story ends. It’s profound and moving; a definite page turner. It deals with topics that many people would sweep under the rug or shy away from.
As the story begins readers meet Saphora Warren, a woman of elegance, prestige and wealth. To those on the outside looking in the Warrens have everything. Bender Warren is a successful surgeon with a beautiful wife, two elegant sprawling homes, a housekeeper and great kids.
In reality things are not as happy as their friends and family would like to believe and Saphora finally gathers her courage and makes plans to leave behind the life she’s known for the past three decades. Tired of being invisible and putting her dreams on the backburner, Saphora is ready for a change.
Saphora has been fantasizing for a long time about a life of her own, free from the unrealistic expectations of her demanding husband but a sudden unforeseen tragedy forces Saphora to lay her plans aside and once again put herself last.
Through this tragedy, Saphora makes some surprising and heart wrenching discoveries. She pulls from an inner strength she didn’t realize she possessed and watches as her life rearranges itself and mysteriously unfolds, going directions she never planned nor thought about.
This is a story of discovery, heartbreak, betrayal, restoration......just about any emotion you can think of, this story has it. Longtime fans of Hickman will happily add this one to their collection.
February 4, 2014
Saphora Warren seems to have it all: Married to a successful plastic surgeon, living in a house being featured in Southern Living, with youthful looks that belie her grandmother role.
But on the day Southern Living comes to feature her garden party, Saphora is planning to leave her husband, Bender, for his repeated unfaithfulness. When the party's over, she packs her bag, intending to retreat to their Outer Banks house for some alone time. But then Bender comes home early and announces he's dying. Cancer. And her plans vanish into a frenzy of doctor visits and Bender's convalescence at the very house where Saphora planned to escape.
Thus the story begins in The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman.
The family--sons, daughter, grandkids--gathers at the house as Bender battles cancer. Through surgery and further complications, they all cope in various ways. Saphora busies herself with family, including grandson Eddie who is with them from day 1. When they arrive at the beach house, they meet another boy, Tobias, who they eventually learn is also sick.
Honestly, it's hard to pin down what I loved about this book. The characters are well-developed, and there's an air of mystery as Saphora tries to discover why her neighbor stays up late digging holes in his yard. There's friendship forged in trial and love discovered and rediscovered. It's not an escape-your-troubles kind of book, but it's not depressing, either. Hope threads through the pages as Saphora discovers treasures hidden within herself and her marriage.
I don't read many books whose lead characters are over the age of 50, but it's not really an issue in this book. Saphora has a strength of character and grace about her that I think most women would envy.
The Pirate Queen is an honest take on how tragedy can transform a person and a relationship.
But on the day Southern Living comes to feature her garden party, Saphora is planning to leave her husband, Bender, for his repeated unfaithfulness. When the party's over, she packs her bag, intending to retreat to their Outer Banks house for some alone time. But then Bender comes home early and announces he's dying. Cancer. And her plans vanish into a frenzy of doctor visits and Bender's convalescence at the very house where Saphora planned to escape.
Thus the story begins in The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman.
The family--sons, daughter, grandkids--gathers at the house as Bender battles cancer. Through surgery and further complications, they all cope in various ways. Saphora busies herself with family, including grandson Eddie who is with them from day 1. When they arrive at the beach house, they meet another boy, Tobias, who they eventually learn is also sick.
Honestly, it's hard to pin down what I loved about this book. The characters are well-developed, and there's an air of mystery as Saphora tries to discover why her neighbor stays up late digging holes in his yard. There's friendship forged in trial and love discovered and rediscovered. It's not an escape-your-troubles kind of book, but it's not depressing, either. Hope threads through the pages as Saphora discovers treasures hidden within herself and her marriage.
I don't read many books whose lead characters are over the age of 50, but it's not really an issue in this book. Saphora has a strength of character and grace about her that I think most women would envy.
The Pirate Queen is an honest take on how tragedy can transform a person and a relationship.
August 7, 2014
The Pirate Queen was Page Turners’ (my church book club) July selection. This contemporary women’s fiction novel by Patricia Hickman was given a unanimous thumbs up by our members. We loved the complex characters and issues that made up The Pirate Queen. A southern novel, this one will touch your heart and make you think.
Saphora Warren has a perspective on her life not really shared by those around her. Her picture perfect life, including her picture perfect home and husband, hides heartache, longing and regrets. Her attempt to escape is interrupted when her husband announces he has cancer. The oasis of emotional healing she had envisioned for her time spent at their beach house, is shattered with the inundation of family and their assorted baggage. But what Saphora thought she wanted is replaced with what she needed.
The Pirate Queen offers a lot to discuss — marriage, motherhood, family, illness, relationships. The characters are by turns earnest, exasperating and very real. Saphora’s transformation is the focus of the book, but other characters also stretch and grow. Secondary plots touched us as much as Saphora’s story. The setting of the novel is North Carolina, including a small coastal town. The soothing backdrop of the river and slower pace of the town is a good contrast to the chaos of Saphora’s life. There is heartbreak and heartache, but the novel ends with hope and a promise of the future.
If you are looking for women’s fiction that challenges you and will keep you thinking after the last page is read, then check out The Pirate Queen.
Recommended.
Great for Book Groups.
Audience: Adults
(I actually won this book in a contest. Thanks to Waterbrook for the copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Saphora Warren has a perspective on her life not really shared by those around her. Her picture perfect life, including her picture perfect home and husband, hides heartache, longing and regrets. Her attempt to escape is interrupted when her husband announces he has cancer. The oasis of emotional healing she had envisioned for her time spent at their beach house, is shattered with the inundation of family and their assorted baggage. But what Saphora thought she wanted is replaced with what she needed.
The Pirate Queen offers a lot to discuss — marriage, motherhood, family, illness, relationships. The characters are by turns earnest, exasperating and very real. Saphora’s transformation is the focus of the book, but other characters also stretch and grow. Secondary plots touched us as much as Saphora’s story. The setting of the novel is North Carolina, including a small coastal town. The soothing backdrop of the river and slower pace of the town is a good contrast to the chaos of Saphora’s life. There is heartbreak and heartache, but the novel ends with hope and a promise of the future.
If you are looking for women’s fiction that challenges you and will keep you thinking after the last page is read, then check out The Pirate Queen.
Recommended.
Great for Book Groups.
Audience: Adults
(I actually won this book in a contest. Thanks to Waterbrook for the copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
February 24, 2011
I was surprised at how much I liked this book. I'd forgotten that Patricia Hickman wrote Painted Dresses which I hated, so when I received the book and realized this, I was concerned that it would be much of the same. Thankfully, it wasn't. While it took me a while to like Saphora, I ultimately did. I cared about her and what happened. I cheered as she discovered her strengths and her faith. I enjoyed her interactions with family and friends and I even liked Bender. Their moments together towards the end were sweet and tender.
Because the story deals with the death of a spouse, it could be sad and depressing. I'm happy to report that it's not. It's tender and poignant, instead. And sweet little Tobias steals the story completely. I'm still surprised that AIDS has such a stigma and I thought it was handled so well here.
A lovely story about family, faith and love. Easily recommended.
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for the opportunity to review this book.
Because the story deals with the death of a spouse, it could be sad and depressing. I'm happy to report that it's not. It's tender and poignant, instead. And sweet little Tobias steals the story completely. I'm still surprised that AIDS has such a stigma and I thought it was handled so well here.
A lovely story about family, faith and love. Easily recommended.
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for the opportunity to review this book.
April 12, 2011
How does one go from a suburban matriarch to a pirate queen? Saphora Warren makes the transition in Patricia Hickman’s contemporary novel “The Pirate Queen.”
Saphora has what might be considered “it all” by some. Her husband Bender has a thriving plastic surgery practice. Her three children are grown and on their own. She lives in a magazine showplace of a house in an upscale lakefront community. Yet she plans to leave because there is one aspect of her life she can no longer tolerate: her husband is a philanderer and many of his women are in her own social circle.
Her careful scheme to escape unnoticed unravels when Bender comes home early with startling news. He’s been diagnosed with cancer and expects Saphora to provide him the same level of devoted care she’s always given. Her planned getaway to solitude becomes a journey to hospitals, tests and medical consultations.
Read more here
Saphora has what might be considered “it all” by some. Her husband Bender has a thriving plastic surgery practice. Her three children are grown and on their own. She lives in a magazine showplace of a house in an upscale lakefront community. Yet she plans to leave because there is one aspect of her life she can no longer tolerate: her husband is a philanderer and many of his women are in her own social circle.
Her careful scheme to escape unnoticed unravels when Bender comes home early with startling news. He’s been diagnosed with cancer and expects Saphora to provide him the same level of devoted care she’s always given. Her planned getaway to solitude becomes a journey to hospitals, tests and medical consultations.
Read more here
July 11, 2015
Again - I like Patricia Hickman... And again - it spoke to where I am - she hurried at the end and wrapped it up kind of quick - but I enjoyed it... She used some great quotes from others as well as some of her own...Mary Jean Irion - "Normal day, let e be aware of the treasure you are... Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow" or Carolyn Myss "Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it?" Maya Angelou - "You man encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." Finally a couple from Patricia Hickman, "You have more control over those inner voices than you realize." and "...love is not a feeling. It's the actions you take whether or not you feel like it."
May 17, 2011
Most of my books reviews will have this disclaimer. Most of the books in my library are audiobooks. I prefer audio books especially on long trips. I feel that if the book is that bad at least my time was not a complete waste. With that said I enjoyed the book. As I picked up the book I tried to judge it by it's cover. To my surprise the book was heart warming, deep and full of surprises with a lot of twists. Instead of a life that was empty and how it lost it's sense of purpose, Sephora finds life in those closest to her. The story of death threaded itself throughout the book. The author helps the the reader to see the beauty and how how we can grow from sorrow. It is in our giving that brings hope, love and a sense of fulfillment. The characters were so real and we learn to see the beauty that grows from despair.
March 2, 2015
The Pirate Queen illuminated a picturesque lifestyle magazines document. The luxury of a cook and cleaner. The decadence of several hundred dollar shirts and garden parties. And pain caused by an unfaithful and manipulative husband and father. I appreciated this rawness and the way Hickman showed years of his meticulously (and often damagingly) cultivated lifestyle and especially its effects on Saphora, the story's protagonist. The story was compelling, emotive, and very real. I also appreciated the way the characters sought God in their suffering. Their questions and transformations were believable and helpful.
This story ended much too neatly. Most of the characters fell in love or became successful by the current culture's standards. I would have appreciated less tightness and more focus on the characters' spiritual lives, for this is most important.
This story ended much too neatly. Most of the characters fell in love or became successful by the current culture's standards. I would have appreciated less tightness and more focus on the characters' spiritual lives, for this is most important.
June 6, 2013
Saphora lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children that are successful in their own right. Her husband is a successful attractive, strong, plastic surgeon--and a chronic adulterer. She makes up her mind that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine...she is leaving this town and the life that she has created up to this 30 something years. He walks in and tells her he is dying from a chronic/fatal disease, and things change for everyone in every way. There are many new characters peppered throughout and the storyline just gets more and more real. It is a story of forgiveness, redemption, sorrow, mortality, and love. I really enjoyed reading this, and shed a lot of tears over the realization that they all come to terms with.
October 29, 2011
Saphora Warren has the perfect life. A surgeon husband and 3 beautiful children. Or does she? Her husband is cheating on her, her children either life far away or don't have a real relationship with her. She decides to leave her husband but before she gets out the door he confesses that he has cancer.
Sephora agrees to take care of her husband, who wishes to die in the same home she was planning on escaping to.
I was expecting a silly quick read book, and found a refreshing outlook from a lead character and a fun beach read for the summer. I love the characters, the story, and the ending.
Sephora agrees to take care of her husband, who wishes to die in the same home she was planning on escaping to.
I was expecting a silly quick read book, and found a refreshing outlook from a lead character and a fun beach read for the summer. I love the characters, the story, and the ending.
January 22, 2013
Some unexpected moments and others you could see coming a mile away. Overall it's a great story of revelation, redemption, forgiveness, and love. But the thing I loved most about this book was the beauty of falling apart without coming unraveled. The downside about this book is the characters don't get the depth they deserved. A few of the story lines seemed rushed through or somehow unfinished. It was good.
February 16, 2014
Exquisitely written, The Pirate Queen has taken a place in my top 10 for 2010. The story is complex and yet deceptively simple. Hickman's characters virtually stepped off the pages and into my life, as I experienced Saphora's cornucopia of emotions. If The Pirate Queen were a meal, I'd be completely full. As a novel, I'll call it rich and satisfying. Novel Journey and I give it our highest recommendation. A definite 5 star must read!
January 8, 2020
To quote another reviewer who said it all:
"The Pirate Queen surprised me. The first few pages made me think I had stumbled into a Southern-style Danielle Steel novel. But then Patricia Hickman waved her author wand and swept me away into a story with layer upon layer of meaning, emotion and tension, a one-of-a-kind family drama. Tender, compelling, outstanding. A keeper."
"The Pirate Queen surprised me. The first few pages made me think I had stumbled into a Southern-style Danielle Steel novel. But then Patricia Hickman waved her author wand and swept me away into a story with layer upon layer of meaning, emotion and tension, a one-of-a-kind family drama. Tender, compelling, outstanding. A keeper."
May 24, 2014
Good read that I would recommend. There were a few issues I think she could have explored in a deeper more meaningful fashion but it was well written and kept me engaged throughout. I agree with some of the other reviews that the end was a bit rushed even though you felt there was some resolution.
December 17, 2019
Great... unpredictable and realistic... I could see me or someone I knew in every situation..
May 23, 2014
Loved this book! An intriguing story with fun & interesting characters! I highly recommend it!
July 14, 2023
If you have an aversion to pirates, don’t worry, this story has nothing to do with pirates! You will find out about halfway through the book how “the pirate queen” comes to be!
A family drama with a few twists thrown in too. Love and forgiveness are the main points as well as a faith element. Was nice to read a story that didn’t have to use strong language and could be enjoyed by myself, my mom who is in her late 70’s, and my great niece who is a very mature tween.
One of the main characters Bender tells his wife early on he is dying (from cancer) and there is a side story about a young boy who comes in to their lives and was born with AIDS, so either of these storylines could be triggers for some people.
I didn’t care for the ending, I felt that the story built up to Benders death, and then when he passed it was a bit anticlimactic and the last chapter jumped ahead about 8 years, and wrapped up too neatly!
Overall a quick and easy read, and the first novel I have read by this author.
A family drama with a few twists thrown in too. Love and forgiveness are the main points as well as a faith element. Was nice to read a story that didn’t have to use strong language and could be enjoyed by myself, my mom who is in her late 70’s, and my great niece who is a very mature tween.
One of the main characters Bender tells his wife early on he is dying (from cancer) and there is a side story about a young boy who comes in to their lives and was born with AIDS, so either of these storylines could be triggers for some people.
I didn’t care for the ending, I felt that the story built up to Benders death, and then when he passed it was a bit anticlimactic and the last chapter jumped ahead about 8 years, and wrapped up too neatly!
Overall a quick and easy read, and the first novel I have read by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Not good. I barely finished it. I spent the majority of the book greatly disliking Saphora. The storyline is all over tbe place and the randomness is awkward. It’s supposed to be a Christian story, but it just is not clear if Saphora is a believer or not. She does not exemplify the Fruits of the Spirit. I kept waiting for her to have an awakening and give her life to Christ. At least Bender did, I think…. That’s not real clear either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
very good story about a woman who leaves her husband only to find out that he has brain cancer and is dying. She takes him back and struggles though a summer in the lowcountry taking care of him and trying to reconcile her family to him. Lots of interesting characters with good development of them
October 30, 2019
Great Book
Wow...what a great book. It held my interest from beginning to end. There were parts I almost rushed thru so I could hurry and find out what was going to happen. This book is so full of depth and raw emotion..I highly recommend it.
Wow...what a great book. It held my interest from beginning to end. There were parts I almost rushed thru so I could hurry and find out what was going to happen. This book is so full of depth and raw emotion..I highly recommend it.
November 4, 2019
Romance of the Heavenly Kind
I loved the journey Sephora was on. The lure of living on the lake and gentleness of living life with family and friends culminated into a wonderful tapestry of a tale. This tale of love and loss is well worth the read.
I loved the journey Sephora was on. The lure of living on the lake and gentleness of living life with family and friends culminated into a wonderful tapestry of a tale. This tale of love and loss is well worth the read.
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