THE BUCCANEERS - A NOVEL

‘The Buccaneers’ is a lesser known 1936 manuscript that was updated and completed posthumously as Edith Wharton’s last novel in the 1990s by Marion Mainwaring. Now streaming on Apple TV, this forgotten drama makes a wonderful book club novel (especially with a new season in the pipeline, to be screened later this year). This is a story of love and marriage amongst old and new moneyed classes with the portrayal of a world on the brink of change.

Set in the 1870s, the story revolves around five wealthy and ambitious American girls, their chaperones and mothers who decide to come to London and England to find suitable partners, given their status in the America (as new money) is not welcomed by the elitist and snobbish old New York money.

Having been denied access to the New York party scene the beauties are encouraged by their governess, to set sail for England, home to lords, earls and dukes and launch their future amongst the unsuspecting British aristocracy. The girls set out to chase status and happiness but find themselves breaking all the rules that they have set themselves. Whilst the girls are all charmed by the exotic Choncita who marries first they soon realise the challenges of their new status in a foreign society with its own antiquated customs and traditions. Will a new country be a better place to find the perfect marital match? Can they be accepted here and can and will they become more powerful?

The Den enjoyed following the girls’ journey and the focus on Nan’s story (otherwise known as Annabel St George), one of the younger girls in her friendship circle and perhaps the most precocious. Unlike the other ‘Buccaneer’ beauties, Nan is the least greedy and manipulative. However she inadvertently becomes the most successful in marriage although not necessarily happy in love.

Definitely whets the appetite for those who enjoy watching literature being transformed on the screen!