Mary Read's life is the stuff of legends, a real-life narrative that blends the lines between gender roles and daring piracy. Born in England during the late 17th century, Mary faced a world where opportunities for women were severely limited. In an audacious move, she adopted male attire, assuming the identity of her deceased half-brother. This guise allowed Mary to integrate into military services and later into the notoriously ruthless world of pirates. In 1702, Mary found herself in the Cari