Events › Virtual Author Talk: Vanessa Riley

Vanessa Riley delves into Fire Sword and Sea, her newest novel inspired by the legendary pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. Set in the Caribbean of 1675, the story follows Jacquotte as she rejects the life expected of her and disguises herself as “Jacques,” a dockworker who earns respect while concealing her identity. Amid the chaotic world of smugglers and seafarers, she forms deep connections, including a powerful bond with Lizzôa d’Erville, a courtesan who lives her own truth in a world of secrets.

Over the next two decades, Jacquotte becomes a feared and successful pirate, amassing wealth and enemies across the Caribbean. But when her crew turns to the slave trade, she refuses to participate and instead risks everything to fight for liberation, transforming her life of piracy into a mission for justice.

This program is part of Santa Clara County Library District's celebration of Silicon Valley Reads and African American History Month.

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The free, virtual series is open to the public and takes place two to three times a month. All author talks will include the opportunity to ask the author questions. Click here for a complete list of upcoming events in this series. 

A link for this event will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event. Participants who register within 24 hours of the event will receive a single email containing the link to the program. This program will be recorded and posted here after the event and will only be available for viewing for a limited time.

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The Santa Clara County Library District is proud to present a virtual monthly author talk series featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world.  The featured writers and thought leaders will cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres.

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For accessibility accommodations (ex. ASL), please fill out the online form at sccld.org/accessibility 7+days prior to the event. If you need assistance with the form, speak with a staff member at your local library, call (408) 540-3945, or email us at ask@lib.sccgov.org.