Book Review: The Light Pirate

A Two-Minute Book Review

The more I love an author’s debut novel, the more nervous I am starting their second. But this wasn’t the case with LIGHT PIRATE. I just knew it would be awesome.

Brooks-Dalton’s first book, GOOD MORNING, MIDNIGHT, blew my doors off. I literally yelled, “Oh my GOD!” at one point. It was a massive story in a small footprint, full of regret, hope, and tension. LIGHT PIRATE is different (set in tropical Florida vs. the frozen arctic) but similar in emotions, investment, and gorgeous description.

Jordy’s Book Club describes it best. “A hopeful, sweeping story of survival and resilience spanning one extraordinary woman’s lifetime as she navigates the uncertainty, brutality, and arresting beauty of a rapidly changing world.”

In the not-so-distant future, Florida (or what’s left of it) is barraged by hurricanes. Its water table rises, levees fail, and municipalities quit. Swamps previously paved over reclaim their birthright. We see all this unfold through the story (shockingly, only 336 pages). More importantly, we know the impact it has on a small group: A linesman, Kirby, his new wife, his sons from a previous marriage, their neighbor Phyllis, and their daughter Wanda.

LIGHT PIRATE is one of my favorites of 2022. Thanks, NetGalley, and Grand Central Publishing, for the pre-publication book!