Pirates & Privateers: Jennifer Newbold's Books

Abused by her husband, Eleanor Buccleuch flees her home, becomes Edmund “Ned” Buckley, and joins the Royal Army as a rifleman in the 69th Regiment of Foot in 1794. (Growing up with her brother, she acquired skills and habits a lady would never possess.) The only way she vows to return to England is in a coffin.

On Corsica, the army must work with the navy to carry out a successful siege of St. Fiorenzo. Since this is a joint operation, a liaison must carry dispatches between the two branches of the military. Ned is selected to work with Captain Horatio Nelson of HMS Agamemnon. He is a man of action, so he’s frequently ashore and involving himself in army affairs even though the army isn’t keen on open lines of communication. As a result, Nelson relies on Ned to keep him informed and makes him privy to the daily problems and situations he faces. The more interaction between the two, the more Ned grows to admire Nelson because he cares for his men and his country.

Ned’s invaluable service leads to his being transferred to Agamemnon. His duties are split between being the captain’s scribe and helping the marines during enemy engagements. When a new marine commander comes aboard, he singles out Ned, making life intolerable. Eventually, his intent becomes clear. Ned’s handling of the situation leads to charges that may end in a court martial and hanging. It is up to Nelson to figure out who tells the truth.

If that is not enough trouble, Richard Buccleuch still hunts for his missing wife. Nelson’s health suffers and caring for him resurrects long-buried, but unwanted, feelings in Ned. During a period of two years, he follows Nelson as the captain transfers to other ships and is eventually promoted to Rear-Admiral of the Blue. Then fever sweeps through the ship, paying no heed to one’s rank or the secrets one keeps.

The Private Misadventures of Nell Nobody is a compelling, well-researched tale that brings Horatio Nelson to life. This three-dimensional portrayal allows readers to see Nelson as a person with foibles and virtues. The what-ifs and emotional arcs propelling the story forward are plausible and believable. Newbold ably transports readers to the past and gives them a you-are-there experience as Ned lives and works with his fellow riflemen during the siege, as well as learning to adapt to life at sea. Newbold also provides good contrasts between army and navy life, as well as a glossary for those unfamiliar with nautical and military terms.

Aside from the siege and the evacuation of Leghorn, there are several gripping sea engagements with French ships. The story ends two months before the Battle of Aboukir Bay in 1798. A short epilogue shows reactions on Gibraltar, where Ned eventually ends up, following the news of Nelson’s death at Trafalgar. Aside from being a good introduction to Nelson and the Royal Navy, it is also an untraditional love story. Readers who seek to read a story set during the French Revolution without the nautical terminology and details, will enjoy this telling of a time when Nelson is on the crest of taking center stage. Those who read any of the series set during the days of the revolution or Napoleon’s conquests will also enjoy this memorable story.

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