Thu, Feb 05
|Online
Virtual Author Talk: Vanessa Riley
Join us for a thrilling exploration of Vanessa Riley’s Fire Sword and Sea, a novel inspired by the legendary pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. Set in the Caribbean of 1675, this story follows Jacquotte as she builds a bridge to a new life, rejecting the narrow expectations of society.
Time & Location
Feb 05, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Online
About the event
Join us for a thrilling exploration of Vanessa Riley’s Fire Sword and Sea, a novel inspired by the legendary pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. Set in the Caribbean of 1675, this story follows Jacquotte as she builds a bridge to a new life, rejecting the narrow expectations of society to find a radical sense of belonging among the outcasts of the Atlantic.
By disguising herself as “Jacques,” a respected dockworker, Jacquotte navigates a world of secrets to find her true kin—including a powerful bond with Lizzôa d’Erville, a woman living her own truth against the tide of history. Riley illustrates how Jacquotte’s journey wasn't just about survival; it was about creating a sanctuary for the displaced, where identity is chosen rather than assigned.