Description
Sea Thief
Book Summary
An exciting historical fiction novel that transports the reader to Ciutadella de Menorca in 1780. Through the eyes of Rafael Torelló, a ten-year-old boy with a destiny marked by poverty, the work explores the universal dream of freedom and adventure. Winner of the 10th Josep Lluís Savall Maritime Narrative Award of Vila de Cambrils 2020, this story offers an intimate and vibrant look at the world of privateers and the great military campaigns of the late 18th century, combining historical rigor with a plot full of emotion.
What is it about?
Ciutadella de Menorca, 1780. Rafael Torelló, a ten-year-old boy, sees his future reduced to a shoe workshop, making sandals amidst misery. His dream, shared with his friends, is to board a warship and experience great adventures at sea. His opportunity arrives unexpectedly with the conquest of Menorca by the Duke of Crillon and his ambitious plans to conquer Gibraltar. The novel recounts how Rafael, taking advantage of this historical context, enters a world of privateers, dangers, and decisions that will shape his destiny, demonstrating that an opportunity is not a victory, but a possibility that one must know how to seize.
Main themes
- The search for freedom and overcoming adverse social conditions.
- The world of privateers and maritime life in the 18th-century Mediterranean.
- Historical military campaigns, such as the conquest of Menorca and the siege of Gibraltar.
- The transition from childhood to adulthood through adventure and risk.
- The importance of opportunities and the courage to pursue dreams.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is recommended for readers interested in historical and adventure novels, especially those who enjoy maritime stories and narratives set in the late 18th century. It is also ideal for those looking for a story of personal growth and childhood dreams, told from a youthful perspective but with a mature and well-documented tone.
What this book offers
- An immersion into a little-explored historical period, such as 18th-century Menorca and the military campaigns of the era.
- A maritime adventure plot that combines action, danger, and the real context of privateers.
- A tale of personal improvement that shows how a child can challenge his destiny through determination and opportunity.
- A narrative that won a recognized literary award, guaranteeing quality and rigor in historical fiction.
Technical specifications
- Author: Masanés Nogués, Josep
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: Catalan
- Topic: MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION
- Collection: NOTES DE COLOR
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: January 2021
- Number of pages: 144
- Weight: 231 g
Editorial review
"Sea Thief" is a novel that stands out for its ability to transport the reader to a key historical moment with agile and well-documented prose. The story of Rafael Torelló, a young man seeking to escape poverty through the sea, connects with the reader thanks to its authenticity and emotion. The fact that it was awarded the 10th Josep Lluís Savall Maritime Narrative Prize of Vila de Cambrils 2020 confirms its literary quality and its appeal to lovers of historical fiction and maritime adventures. A work recommended for those who want to enjoy a brief but intense read, full of historical details and a genuine spirit of adventure.