Ariel Lawhon's The Pirate Queen

Ariel Lawhon's latest historical novel depicts the great sixteenth century pirate queen, Grainne. A real historical figure, Grainne is hardly ever mentioned in history classes, but that's what make her a great subject for exceptional fiction writers like Lawhon.   

Lawhon captures the many times the young Grainne demands her father allow her to go to sea. Still a child, she nonetheless wins the argument. She also proves to be much better than her brother at sea faring.  But Grainne wants more than this. She wants to become Chieftain like her father.   

For information on the historical figure, see Dr. Gillian Kenny's article for the Museum of Liverpool.

https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/stories/pirate-queen-grainne-o-malley

Normal People by Sally Rooney

In this novel, two teenagers avoid each other at school yet are also fiercely, strangely attracted to one other. 

The two come from different worlds. Marianne has a much higher socioeconomic status than Connell. Her parents are barristers whereas Connell is raised by a single Mom. Connell's mother is, in fact, a housekeeper for Marianne's parents. 

Due to some quirk on her part, Marianne has a lower social status in school than he does. Connell is a popular football player while she is lonely and ostracized.

In spite of this, the two teenagers come together for secret trysts. Terrified, though, that anyone would find out about their affair, Connell treats Marianne coldly. He invites someone else to the Debs.

At Trinity University, the pair become friends and lovers once again. She is now more popular than he is yet they still struggle to communicate. Their relationship continues to be passionate, volatile, and heart-breaking.

After a misunderstanding, the two start seeing other people. Marianne, intelligent yet damaged psychologically by her family, seeks out boyfriends that are cruel to her. 

Connell feels Helen is a better choice until a funeral at his home town bring his illusions crashing down. 

This novel, which was long listed for a Man Booker prize, will soon become a 12-part half-hour drama on BBC3.