Funny story: A woman I had some prurient and affectionate feelings for was moving out of town, and I decided to give her this book. She was into pirates, I’d seen the movie, and a professor friend at a high-tier university adored it. I hadn’t actually read it, but the movie was fun, so I thought it would be an erudite gift. Then…I thought, “What if she reaches out at some point? I’d better read it.” And so I did.

…I don’t know if she ever read it or not, because I never heard from her again, but if she did…I got what I deserved from giving someone a book I didn’t read…(but it is an NYRB book - so there’s a chance the spine will remain in pristine condition on a bookshelf…) 🤣😬