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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Not every history-making hero becomes a household name. Round the World: A Life of Jeanne Baret: Odyssey by C.R. Hurst details how Jeanne Baret became the first woman to sail around the world. It begins in France in the 1760s, where she’s working alongside botanist Philibert Commerson. Because she's a woman, she isn't allowed to join Louis-Antoine Bougainville's expedition. So, she pretends to be a man. She boards the ship using the name Jean de Bonnefoy and passes as a man. When they’re docked at the different ports, she and Commerson go exploring. They see new wildlife, witness unfamiliar cultures, and most importantly, gather many specimens. Life at sea is dangerous, but she also faces the constant challenge of keeping her true identity hidden. Does she make it through the entire trip without being discovered?
Jeanne Baret left a big impression on me. I had never heard of her before I started reading C.R. Hurst's Round the World: A Life of Jeanne Baret, but I’m so glad I had the chance to get to know her. She was completely fascinating, and I loved learning about another woman who achieved such an incredible first. The historical details made it easy to picture life aboard the ship. One of my favorite parts was when they sang a sea shanty. My dad used to sing it, and my brother and I used to laugh and laugh. Jeanne's courage, intelligence, and quiet determination were admirable. I like that she was a bit of a rebel. She dressed as a man and behaved in ways that I’m sure were considered unladylike at the time. Hurst blends history with storytelling in a way that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I also loved all the details about the specimens they gathered, and how one of them was quite stinky. Anyone looking for historical fiction, maritime adventures, or stories inspired by remarkable real people will want to pick this one up. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey and think it will especially appeal to anyone who loves discovering overlooked figures from history.
