The April 2025 JHBC selection, The Light Pirate, is a haunting, lyrical, and original story that takes place in the near future, set against the backdrop of climate-ravaged Florida, with parts of the state going underwater and being abandoned by those who used to call it home. The story follows Wanda—a luminous child born out of a devastating hurricane—as she navigates a rapidly changing world. With elements of literary fiction, speculative realism, and subtle magical undertones, The Light Pirate is a meditation on grief, transformation, resilience, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. It’s both a warning and a whisper of hope—a reminder that even in the face of collapse, there is still beauty, connection, and light.
In this discussion with The Light Pirate author, Lily Brooks-Dalton, she and Jen discuss:
- How the simple practice of journaling helped Lily evolve her craft and find her own unique voice as a writer
- The ways in which Lily weaves unexpected, real-life texture into her work by marrying her passions in other hobbies and subjects
- The evolving demands on a modern author
- And Lily talks about her next book project titled ‘Ruins’ that explores the fascinating field of archaeology