Mighty Mary

Mighty Mary is a fascinating work of fiction, based on real-life events, that encompasses the sport of international yacht racing and the first all-women’s team to vie for the America’s Cup in 1995. The author expertly portrays the obstacles faced by the women who were breaking new ground by competing in a male dominated sport. Readers gain an inside perspective into the concerted undertaking and unwavering commitment necessary in order for this momentous event to take place.  Interviews with Dan Cook, the motivator behind the establishment of the women’s team, are skillfully interwoven into this story that exemplifies a noteworthy occasion in history.

The author has done a remarkable job of illustrating the courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication of the women’s team in spite of the issues they faced including prejudiced views toward women’s involvement in what was considered to be a “man’s sport,” stress in relationships due to time commitment, disappointments in race outcomes, and life-threatening experiences during competitions. Marvelous portrayals of well-rounded characters, scenes brought to life by vivid descriptions, and wonderfully dramatized conflicts both between the women and nature increase the enjoyment of this novel.  Mighty-Mary is a well-written and superbly researched, heartening story of the strength of human resilience and what can be accomplished through hard work and a winning attitude. It is a story that needs to be told.