REVIEWS+

Lady Vivian Hastings

Long John Silver
Mathieu Lauffray (illus.). Lady Vivian Hastings: Long John Silver. Vol. 1. Cinebook. 2011. c.56p. tr. from French by Jerome Saincantin. ISBN 9781849180627. pap. $13.95. F
COPY ISBN
"No women in the story, Lloyd's orders," wrote Stevenson to his friend William Henley about Treasure Island. Thankfully, Dorison's spin-off ignores Stevenson's stepson. Twenty years later, Long John Silver is back in his old job as owner and cook at the Spy Glass tavern, impressing the ruffian regulars with his cuisine. In sashays bodacious Lady Vivian Hastings, looking for Silver's help to seize booty from an expedition led by her estranged and hated husband. No saint herself, Vivian has been bonking Lord Prisham in hubby's absence, partly out of boredom, partly out of spite, and partly to score another provider if Lord Hastings doesn't return. But now he's actually found the treasure of Guiana-Capac, and the lady wants a piece of it in spades. We can only munch happily on our popcorn to watch a he-rogue and a she-rogue try to cooperate against a worse foe.
VERDICT Picaresque color art renders the lady, pirate, and period setting with juicy appeal. The story is shaping up nicely thanks to more rogues with cross-agendas. The series runs to four volumes, and this one is way too short. Recommended for adult collections.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?