Pirate Queen

by Morgan Llywelyn

In the sixteenth century, Granuaile, the Pirate Queen, warrior and leader, was the terror of the North Atlantic and the most feared woman in Ireland. Heading a large army and a fleet of ships, she lived by trading and raiding and demanding tribute from all who sailed through her territory.

Told partly through letters written to her son Tibbot, it charts the gradual decline of the Gaelic chieftains and traditions of Ireland as Elizabeth Tudor, the 'Virgin Queen' of England, extended her power throughout Ireland by bribery and slaughter. It is a story of immense bravery and daring, as Granuaile takes on the great Norman lords, smuggles weapons and mercenaries for the Ulster Gaelic O'Donnell and O'Neill clans and finally goes to confront Elizabeth Tudor herself. Some of the great figures of Irish history feature, including Red Hugh O'Donnell, Hugh O'Neill, Hugh Dubh O'Donnell, and Richard Bingham.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Pirates, Ireland, Irish Literature, Fiction, Historical

158 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2001

About the author

Morgan Llywelyn (born 1937) is an American-born Irish author best known for her historical fantasy, historical fiction, and historical non-fiction. Her fiction has received several awards and has sold more than 40 million copies, and she herself is recipient of the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award from Celtic Women International.

Reviews

[Aoife · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of Ireland's Pirate Queen told partly through letters to her young son, as Granuaile narrates the political upheaval in Ireland during the reign of Elizabeth I and the struggle of the Irish lords to fight for their land and freedom.

I really loved this, and I think this book is really special in that it's the kind of children's book that would grip both younger readers, and older ones. I thought the way Irish history is written in this book was so fun and exciting, and really accessible to anyone who might be on their learning journey with it (this time in history is definitely not my strongest knowledge point so I enjoyed learning everything!). There was some really great comedic moments in this book as well as Granuaile narrated her version of events, and I loved the contrast we were given between Gaelic/Brehon Laws and English Law.

I also loved when Granuaile went over to Queen Elizabeth I's court and the two met each other - what a sight and meeting that would have been to witness. Two powerful women in a world of men trying to silence them!

I would adore a full adult novel of Granuaile's adventures but for now, this is a brilliant starting point.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granuaile O’Malley was such an incredibly strong and interesting woman, who was not afraid to stand up for what she believed to be right.

This book, partially written in letter form to her youngest son, is really intriguing, and paints a portrait of how amazing Granuaile was while going through some major events in her life (meeting Elizabeth I, being taken prisoner, two of her marriages, etc.). I also loved the tie-in at the end.

I can’t wait to do more research on this amazing woman, and her life and times.

Granuaile is one of my favorite historical figures!

[Clivemichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative but choppy. A poignant lament for former times

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pirate queen becomes real in the mind of the reader. The downside is the broken style or is written in.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay. I thought the compilation of this book was pretty discombobulated and used too many perspectives (first person, third person, etc.), especially for a children's novel.

[Bron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pirate Queen is the story of Grace O'Malley, daughter of the O'Malley Chieftain in the 17th century. The O'Malley clan had made their living by sea for many generations, and Grace continued this grand tradition. Unfortunately during her life, the English were closing in on Ireland, and although she fought the changes, Grace was force to watch the world she lived in and loved become an outpost for the English.

The story was designed for 10 year olds and up, and was written very simply in paragraphs that weren't fully explained. The book was fast paced and in its own way listed the life and times of Grace very quickly and completely in 158 pages. The style was written in the 3rd person past tense and I found it uncomfortable to read but did make the story appear more like a history than an interesting read. To me the most enchanting thing said in the book was when Elizabeth I was referred to as a pirate.

Hopefully someone will write a much more enchanting version of Grace's story that will attract more readers attentions!

[Jose Vidal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un libro muy pobre sobre una materia de lo más interesante: la vida de la reina pirata de Irlanda en el siglo XVI. El autor cae en tópicos románticos mil veces repetidos y el personaje de Granuaile resulta quizás demasiado moderno (en su visión de género y también en su visión "nacional") para resultar creíble.
Tiene algunos fragmentos interesantes, la descripción de un incendio en el mar y otros aspectos marineros que, desgraciadamente son muy pasados por alto.
El personaje se merece algo mejor.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written in partially letter form. A mother (the pirate queen) writing to her son. It is a good book from an Irish perspective. I enjoyed it, it was simple to read and short enough for me to read start to finish on a quiet evening.

[Kathy Dalquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book. I enjoy history but sometimes it is hard to read. This author does an excellent job of writing a story that pulls you in and keeps your interest. A strong courageous woman who commanded a large fleet of ships, a pirate, wife and mother.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never would have selected this book as something to read had it not been from my book club!

I really enjoyed the setting, the strong female character, and friendships throughout the story.