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If you’ve read Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island (or if you like to eat fried fish), you’re familiar with the story of Long John Silver. But in Edward Chupack’s novel, Silver: My Own Tale as Written by Me with a Goodly Amount of Murder, you’ll hear the story as told by the notorious pirate himself.
As the book opens, the pirate captain Long John Silver’s days are numbered. He’s old and fever-ridden, and he’s being held prisoner on his own ship, the Linda Maria. As the ship sails for London to hand Silver over to the king, the once-great captain pens his autobiography.
Silver tells the story of his youth—and how he took to the seas with a pirate known as Black John. He tells of murders and mutinies and other sea-faring adventures. He also mentions some other familiar characters along the way (though, just for the record, the facts of the story aren’t really in line with those in Stevenson’s classic). But, mostly, he tells of treasure—of the one treasure that called to him from the pages of his first mate’s Bible.
But the story that Long John Silver writes is more than just an autobiography. It’s also an attempt to save his own life. Throughout his story, Silver taunts his captor with the Bible’s secrets—with the clues and ciphers that it holds. He hints at the treasure’s location, promising to give more hints as he continues his story—like a pirate Scheherazade, telling a tale that he hopes will keep him from the gallows.
As his fever comes and goes, Silver’s moods change. At times, he tries to trade his secrets for his freedom. At others, he threatens his nameless captor with all sorts of horrible punishments. Sometimes, he doesn’t make all that much sense. But just as his secrets and mysteries hold the attention of his captor, they do the same for the reader.
Though Silver isn’t the quick read that you might expect from a pirate story, it’s an engaging one nonetheless. It’s filled with adventure and obsession—and, most importantly, mystery. You’ll be captivated by the ciphers, and you’ll read on, eager to know how the story ends. And since Silver never reveals his captor’s identity until the very end, that, too will keep you guessing.
But you’ll be pulled in most of all by Silver himself. His voice is unique and engaging—even though you might sometimes wonder if he’s completely lost his mind. The character comes to life on the page, and you’ll have no problem picturing him on his adventures—and as a sick and tired (yet still tough and ornery) old pirate, looking back on his life. In fact, you might just forget that you’re reading a work of fiction, and you’ll find yourself completely caught up in his story—and in trying to determine what’s the truth and what Silver is making up for the sake of enticing his readers.
And entice you he will. You won’t be able to set this adventure aside. It’s filled with action and treachery from beginning to end. And though the end isn’t quite as thrilling as I’d hoped, Silver is, overall, an exciting and suspenseful read. So, me hearties, if you love a good pirate story, be sure to check this one out.
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