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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
adventurous
A little boring for a pirate adventure. I would have preferred if it focused primarily on the Captain blood instead of hopping around to his enemies, but the ending got exciting and it was still enjoyable.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If I had to describe the works of Rafael Sabatini in one word, it would be "satisfying." This is the third of his that I've read, and in every case the plot—including the central love story—wraps up in a way that feels just right.
In this case, I docked part of a star because in the second half of the book I found the story hard to follow—partly because of the plot complexities of flip-flop and double-cross, partly because of the scene-level complexities of the naval battles. Possibly that would have been less problematic if I'd been reading rather than listening/multitasking—this, more than the other Sabatini titles I've read, punishes even brief inattentiveness.
In this case, I docked part of a star because in the second half of the book I found the story hard to follow—partly because of the plot complexities of flip-flop and double-cross, partly because of the scene-level complexities of the naval battles. Possibly that would have been less problematic if I'd been reading rather than listening/multitasking—this, more than the other Sabatini titles I've read, punishes even brief inattentiveness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Violence, Sexual harassment, War
Minor: Cursing, Rape, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
fast-paced
"The Life of Captain Peter Blood" has a special place in my heart, from the times when I was a small 4-year old child, dreaming of becoming either a pirate or, barring this choice, a sea captain. Initially I was afraid to spoil the magic, rereading it as an adult, but suprisingly enough, 20 years later, and knowing a lot more about the real historical figures, incuding Blood's mentor - Michiel De Ruyter, who's unfortunately only a passing mention, appearing as cameos in it, brought more joy - in recognition of these by yours truly, and a deeper interest to the text. "Captain Blood" is Set during the tumultuous period ranging from the Monmouth rebellion to the rise of King William of Orange after the Glorious Revolution, it tells of the adventures of the piracy in the Caribbean where alliances were of temporary convenience and contracts were easily broken and ever so easily restored again with altered conditions.
The originality of this book probably lies in the well-wrought introduction to the characters, to a person already familiar with the Bloody Code which icidentally began its infamous existence in 1688 - would sound completely realistic, and to a novice of historical science - a plausible inception of a good story. Sabattini's subdued description of the triumphs, different from extreme romantism of the 19th century writers or the old-fashioned linearity of the Dumas's and other greats short novels and plays about a "sea dog life" as well as the realistic, but not flaunting portrayal of violence and the shortness of life of a pirate, despite its appeal, also make for a continued attraction; as we are never certain whether our dearest protagonists will survive, and while the romantic involvement arc is old-fashioned, it never detracts from the overal story and is never used as an ex-machina device, unlike so in many recent (I'm looking at you PoC: the series of movies) novels in the similar setting of the same time period.
Overall - I'm quite happy having found it in my parents' library 20 years ago, and content as well having re-read it now, with the adult's knowledge and experience of life.
The originality of this book probably lies in the well-wrought introduction to the characters, to a person already familiar with the Bloody Code which icidentally began its infamous existence in 1688 - would sound completely realistic, and to a novice of historical science - a plausible inception of a good story. Sabattini's subdued description of the triumphs, different from extreme romantism of the 19th century writers or the old-fashioned linearity of the Dumas's and other greats short novels and plays about a "sea dog life" as well as the realistic, but not flaunting portrayal of violence and the shortness of life of a pirate, despite its appeal, also make for a continued attraction; as we are never certain whether our dearest protagonists will survive, and while the romantic involvement arc is old-fashioned, it never detracts from the overal story and is never used as an ex-machina device, unlike so in many recent (I'm looking at you PoC: the series of movies) novels in the similar setting of the same time period.
Overall - I'm quite happy having found it in my parents' library 20 years ago, and content as well having re-read it now, with the adult's knowledge and experience of life.
Technically finished this in the wee hours of the new year but shhh it counts as my last book of 2022. This was an extremely weird romp thru the world of a deeply OP pirate and his wacky array of enemies. Some of the sensibilities seemed better suited to a chivalric tale... the love interest calls the main character a thief and pirate (he is both these things) and he is SO wounded and horrified by it that sulking over this unforgivable insult essentially becomes his defining characteristic in the latter half of the book. Idk very strange world here, I don't think the author himself knew what story he was telling he was just running on vibes, which would be more tolerable if the vibes didn't also involve casual unpleasant racism - frankly it boggles me how hard this book went against Capt. Blood's slavery while cheerfully sallying forth to impose the same upon all the unnamed black and indigenous characters. You'd think there'd be something to mull over in that...anything...
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A bad-ass, likable and smart pirate captain is our protagonist. This book had sword-fights, bold escapes, sea battles, romance, clever pirate-ruses and a good sense of humour. What's not to love!
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fun swashbuckling historical fiction novel, unfortunately marred by typical racism of the time. The characters hate the countries with which they are at war, and there are black people who are enslaved by various characters. There is also the implication that slavery is bad for white people, but that isn't necessarily stated for other races. Some of the black slaves are stereotypes, and none are treated as a real fleshed out character.
Aside from that massive issue, it's an enjoyable book. Peter Blood is a clever, brave, vain man and Arabella is proud and kind. They find themselves at odds while Peter endures slavery and turns to piracy. The battles are clear and easy to follow, suitable villains, etc. A fun book to read but the racism is glaring.
Aside from that massive issue, it's an enjoyable book. Peter Blood is a clever, brave, vain man and Arabella is proud and kind. They find themselves at odds while Peter endures slavery and turns to piracy. The battles are clear and easy to follow, suitable villains, etc. A fun book to read but the racism is glaring.
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated