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Episode Three

Episode 3 of 10

Anne must decide whether her fate is to be the wife of a plantation owner or if she will take her chances with a self-styled pirate.

Bestselling and award-winning Irish author Nuala O’Connor returns with the intimate and thrilling portrayal of the life of 18th-century pirate, Anne Bonny. Shortlisted for Novel of the Year at The An Post Irish Book Awards 2024.

1703, Kinsale, County Cork. Anne Coleman is the illegitimate child of a local lawyer and his maid; disguised as ‘Anthony’ to protect reputations, the mask suits Anne just fine. But, fixated on boats and the sea, she struggles to fit in, and her devoted mother fears for her fiercely independent and impulsive daughter.

When their secrets are exposed, the family emigrates to the new colony of Carolina, but this fresh start will bring devastating loss and stifling responsibilities. Lonely and transgressive, Anne finds comfort only with Bedelia, servant and intimate friend. However her craving for the sea-wandering life and a misjudged marriage to young Gabriel Bonny will compel Anne to take to the sea again, this time around the islands of the Caribbean, famous for plunder and piracy.

The Author
Nuala O’Connor is a novelist, short story writer and poet, and lives in County Galway with her family. She is the author of four previous novels and six short story collections. She has won many prizes for her short fiction including the Francis MacManus Award, the James Joyce Quarterly Fiction Contest and the UK’s Short Fiction Journal Prize. Nuala’s work has also been nominated for numerous prizes including the Edge Hill Short Story Prize, the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award and the International Dublin Literary Award.

Reader: Ayoola Smart
Author: Nuala O’Connor
Abridger: Rowan Routh
Producer: Michael Shannon

A ´óÏó´«Ã½ Audio Northern Ireland Production for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4.

Release date:

14 minutes

On radio

New Year's Day 2025 22:45

Broadcast

  • New Year's Day 2025 22:45