by Rafael Sabatini
Sir Oliver Tressilian is a nobleman of Elizabethan England who makes his fortune as a pirate for the Queen. In proper swash-buckling romance fashion, he is accused of murdering his fiance's brother who was actually killed in a duel by Sir Oliver's brother. The brother, weak-minded and fearing his brother is as weak-willed as himself, arranges for him to be kidnapped. Years later, we find him a converted Muslim and high in the ranks of the Barbary pirates.
Not high literature, but tremendously fun. I told my twelve year old daughter she could read it but probably would have waited another year or two if I had read it first. There are allusions to harems and rapes, though these are mostly away from the action. The Christians, Jews, and Muslims all are portrayed committing actions inconsistent with their faith, but not necessarily inconsistent with history.
I've added it to our optional historical fiction list for high school (Mater Amabilis™ Level 5 Year 2, 10th grade, to coincide with British history readings of Churchill).
I have an edition reprinted by The American Reprint Company, an old library copy. Many of the available copies on Amazon look like poor quality reprints, so be wary. It is also available free for the Kindle.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. I purchased the book used from a seller on Facebook. Links to Amazon above are affiliate links.
