Well, I just finished reading Michael Crichton's Pirate Latitudes. My husband, who I thought wasn't paying attention to my fascination with Errol Flynn read the book first. He said “You and your blog friends need to read this–it was written for Errol Flynn.” So when my turn came it took me about two weeks to finish 312 pages reading off and on. If I had my choice I would have just sat and read cover to cover as it was so enjoyable. It takes place in Port Royal and we are first introduced to Sir James the Governor. Immediately, I find myself thinking Captain Blood. When Captain Hunter is introduced he becomes Peter Blood. I wonder if Michael Crichton was a fan of Errol Flynn and did he watch Sea Hawk and Captain Blood and create this story. I read on. There is a female pirate, Lazue, and I picture Halle Berry for some reason in my mind. I can't quite decide if Olivia could play Lady Almont (niece of the Governor). Basil of course would be Sanson the Frenchman. There are several bad guys our hero takes out and twists and turns and two other possible love interests besides Lady Almont. I think someone should merge Errol into a present day movie as the lead as he would blend in fabulously with Johnny Depp (Jack Sparrow) and Orlando. (Sam, perhaps this is a part for Orlando!!) Has anyone read this book? If so, please comment. If not, give it a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
— Kathleen
Anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 9:35 am
Thanks for this interesting review, Kathleen. Sounds like a good read! And you were right: there is a clear and obvious inspiration noticed by others: www.amazon.de/Pirate-Latitudes-Michael-Crichton/dp/006196770X…
Anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 2:07 pm
It is a great book, fun to read, and superbly researched. I read that Steven Spielberg owns the rights and intends on filming it.
Anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Thanks for telling us about this book, Kathleen — sounds really interesting. I think I may have to read it. :-)
Anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Oh man, if he could only sneak EF's image somewhere on deck during a pirate engagement!
Anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 10:08 pm
I never thought to look there; I will check it out now. Thanks!
Anonymous
March 5, 2011 at 10:09 pm
I ordered mine through Thriftbooks.com….
Anonymous
March 8, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Hi Kathleen;
Thank you for making us aware of this book and your great review!
I will go to Thrift-books and get one. As things stand, I just hope I find the time to read it too. But as it is said – “What is not today may be tomorrow!”
Anonymous
March 13, 2011 at 4:46 pm
I read your article with great interest. I am developing some novel writing projects, short stories, screenplay etc. As a hobby I started writing around 2001. Wrote a screenplay “Perfect World”, the main character is almost an identical lovable rogue like Errol, ample impish comments etc. The character is absolutely infatuated by Errol's shenanigans during his life. As I am a true EF follower for decades, it came only natural to choose an Errol type person for the main character. Now I am writing the novel version. I hope one day it gets published. Boy, oh boy, is that going to be some story on the big screen.