I did not finish this in time for Non-Fiction November, but I have to say this is a good one, and it's release in early December, makes it a great choice for a reader on your list, as it's unlikely they will have already read it!
Firstly, the cover is really beautiful and encompasses the narrative so well.
This book falls into the category of non-fiction that reads like fiction.
Mazzeo explores the life of Mary Ann Patten, and her husband Joshua. Mary Ann married young, and adventurously traveled with her sea captain husband on his clipper ship in the 1850's. They were bold, and brave and had their entire live ahead of them as they undertook a voyage on the Neptune's Car. 
Currier& Ives. Clipper ship Three Brothers,tons: The largest sailing ship in the world. , 1875. [New York: Currier & Ives] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/90716156/.
On this voyage, Joshua fell gravely ill, and Mary Ann took over as Captain and navigator all while putting down an attempted mutiny.
She nursed her very ill husband, and brought the ship safely to the San Francisco harbor looking well and ship-shape. Women captaining ships was not the norm at that time, and this afforded Mary Ann some instant celebrity.
After a somewhat lacklustre opening which was maybe too heavy on details we jump right into this story of peril and persistence and it held my attention right to the very end.
In constructing this book, Mazzeo relied on both maritime journals, and her own expedition of the route Mary Ann followed. Mazzeo freely shares when records were slim, and where some of the narrative relies on customs of the time, rather than exact documented events, making this account feel authentic and real- as we all know that even someone who kept a faithful journal would not enter every detail of their lives. The author brings in the historical context of the Gold Rush, traditional sea-faring, and the politics of the day in a way that supports Mary Ann's history and adds a depth to the narrative that is very satisfying, but still easy to read.
It's one of the few non-fiction books that had me shedding a few tears here and there. Well worth a read and an EXCELLENT book club choice.
I was extremely fortunate to have both the e-arc and then an audiobook version of the book, and I will say I really enjoyed the audiobook. The book was narrated by Laurence Bouvard who did a smooth clear narration that did not distract from the story. In fact I could see the waves crashing over the ship, and sense Mary Ann's exhaustion at various points in the narration! It does seem to me that I always read some really fine books right at the end of the year, and this one, is definitely one for the year! Loved it and recommend it!
STATS
First Published :December 2025
Pages: 288
Available as an Audio Book : Yes!
Trigger Warnings: violence, death, disease,
Not a full list - please read responsibly.
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