With the Captain Alatriste series, one has the impression that Pérez Reverte wants to be an emulator of Alexandre Dumas (for whom he feels great admiration, as was evidenced in The Dumas Club).

With this novel, he shows his desire to follow in the footsteps of Benito Pérez Galdós. The truth is that the novel is read avidly, showing the brutality of combat without any limitation. Solid (like all of Pérez Reverte's works), with popular heroes... A very good choice.

Moreover, Pérez Reverte's detailed descriptions bring the historical setting to life. The reader can almost envision the dusty streets, the clashing of swords, and the turmoil of war. The characters are well-developed, with their own motives and flaws, making them relatable and engaging.

The Captain Alatriste series not only provides an exciting adventure but also offers a glimpse into a bygone era. It is a testament to Pérez Reverte's skill as a writer and his ability to transport the reader to another time and place. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a good read, this series is definitely worth checking out.

It is interesting. I was expecting to find a comprehensive narration about such an important battle, and I came across a great story of an impressive battle.

From the beginning, it focuses on the operations that took place, deviating only slightly with small narrations based on memories or references of the characters. What might seem to leave little context, due to its focus on the battle, is exactly what is necessary to present the best of both worlds; understanding how we got there, what happened, and a slight refresher on what it represented.

It was so good that it gave me a huge desire to resume an old video game where I controlled a galleon like those in the narration. Fortunately, I couldn't find the game that my memory was referring to; otherwise, I would have lost a good ten hours getting into the narration of Cape Trafalgar, hahaha.

The article is quite entertaining. However, it seems that the author expends more effort in showcasing how much they know about nautical terminology rather than narrating the story. This focus on terminology can sometimes overshadow the actual narrative flow. While it is interesting to learn about the various nautical terms, it might be more engaging if the author balanced this with a stronger emphasis on telling the story in a more captivating way.

Perhaps the author could have used the nautical terms more sparingly and integrated them more seamlessly into the narrative. This would allow the reader to better understand and appreciate the story without getting bogged down in a barrage of technical jargon. Additionally, the author could have added more details and descriptions to bring the story to life and make it more vivid for the reader.

Overall, the article has potential, but with a few adjustments, it could be even more engaging and enjoyable to read.

Casi dejo de leer porque el cabrón del Reverte se pone muy pesado con terminología marinera.

La mitad del libro son jarcias, vergas y lona rota, y la otra mitad barcos virando y proas, popas y nudos.

Que pueden hacer pa un par de escenas interesantes, y al fin y al cabo es un libro de un combate naval. Pero cansa.

Lo que le salva es la parte de ficción que le pone, el Marrajo y su inusitado arco de personaje. Además, el humor gamberro y negro del que hace gala el autor también es una característica atractiva.

Si bien la terminología marinera puede resultar abrumadora en ocasiones, la ficción y el humor del libro logran compensar en parte este problema.

Quizás no sea un libro para todos los gustos, pero aquellos que disfrutan de la historia naval y un toque de humor negro seguramente lo aprecien.

Very disappointing. It's only 2 stars because the research is good. So those stars go to Perez-Reverte's research team and friends who provided the information.
The narrative, however, is truly terrible. He is extremely repetitive, constantly using the same ideas and phrases over and over again. Moreover, he attempts to write the whole book using cheap jokes and colloquial vocabulary that was used in Spain in the year it was written. The book is full of parentheses with people talking in English or French but with a forced Spanish accent. For example, "a les anfant de la patri" or "no espiting inglis". I mean, really? For such an important battle? What a joke! I can't imagine how #alfaguara allowed this trash to be published. It's a real shame that the good research is overshadowed by the poor narrative.
This book had the potential to be a great read, but unfortunately, it fails to deliver on many levels. The author should have focused more on presenting the historical facts in a clear and engaging way, rather than relying on these gimmicks. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a serious and well-written account of the battle.

Cabo Trafalgar, penned by Arturo Perez-Reverte, is an enthralling historical fiction novel.

Set during the Battle of Trafalgar, it vividly depicts the intense confrontation between the combined fleets of the Spanish and French navies and the British Royal Navy.

The objective was to undermine the military dominance that Napoleon Bonaparte held across Europe.

What makes this novel unique is that it is presented from the Spanish and French perspectives.

The protagonist, Louis Quelennec, a Frenchman, is an old and wise ship captain.

He has an intimate knowledge of the waters around Trafalgar, as if it were the palm of his hand.

This novel is a must-read for any reader who has a passion for history and enjoys getting lost in a captivating work of fiction.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into a significant event in history while also telling a compelling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for an engaging read, Cabo Trafalgar is sure to satisfy.

One of my favorite books is by Pérez Reverte.

He explains in detail the reasons that gave Nelson his triumph.

If you are interested in understanding the turning points of history in a fun and entertaining way, Pérez Reverte is a great option.

His writing style is engaging and he presents historical events in a vivid manner.

You will be able to immerse yourself in the world of Nelson and learn about his strategies and the circumstances that led to his success.

Whether you are a history buff or just looking for an interesting read, this book is sure to satisfy.

So, pick up a copy of Pérez Reverte's book and discover the fascinating story of Nelson's triumph.

2.5/5 Stars.

Rounded up to 3 due to the exhaustive documentation work and the recreation of the battle in naval terms.

Now I take out the ax because the tone of the narration itself, the dialogues in French and anglicized Spanish or in low-class Andalusian have seemed to me to be embarrassing. It's as if it were laughing at me, not to mention all kinds of anachronistic and current terms that it uses without any complex. Yes, everything is valid and the author tries to give a humorous and close tone to the events, but the importance of the battle, the transcendental consequences that this terrible battle had for Spain, in my opinion, deserved another type of treatment.

That said, the brilliance in the combat narration, the mastery in the handling of naval terms (exhaustive to the extreme, for God's sake, how many different sails did these ships have?), the tension of the action that is maintained at all times, has made me not abandon the book, although I have been tempted.

In its line of acidic criticism of the system, of generalized corruption, of sloth, nothing to object to in this. In the Alatriste series, he leaves much more memorable phrases.

Yes, I'm a very serious and dull guy, but there are things that you don't play with, I've said.

That said, I would not recommend it, and look, I like Reverte, but here I feel that he has lost his touch. We will have to read or reread Galdós.

Aventura histórica con el sabor castizo que identifica a Pérez-Reverte. Esta novela transporta al lector a un mundo lleno de intriga y acción, donde los personajes viven experiencias apasionantes. Trepidante y amena, pese a lo cerrado del filón, la historia se desarrolla con una fluidez que mantiene al lector en vilo desde el principio hasta el final.

La prosa de Pérez-Reverte es magistral, logrando crear un ambiente realista y envolvente. Los detalles históricos están meticulosamente investigados, lo que da credibilidad a la historia. Además, el autor sabe manejar con destreza a sus personajes, dándoles personalidades únicas y complejas.

En resumen, esta novela es una auténtica joya para los amantes de la literatura histórica. Con su sabor castizo y su trama trepidante, es una lectura que no se puede perder.

A la misma vez hilarante y tragica, la cronica de la muerte anunciada de la flota españo-francesa en las costas de Cabo Trafalgar en manos del Almirante Nelson es una historia fascinante. It tells of the French threats, the bureaucracy and the decadence of the Spanish monarchy, as well as the English mercantile spirit applied to war.

However, it is above all a nostalgic and loving look by the author at the Spaniards themselves. Their honesty, valor, and sense of duty in the face of the worst situations are highlighted. It also shows how much Spain manages to work against itself.

The story of the Battle of Trafalgar is not just a military event. It is a reflection of the political, social, and cultural context of the time. It reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the different nations involved.

Overall, the chronicle offers a unique perspective on this important historical event. It makes us think about the past and how it has shaped the present.

I have adored this book, this story that suffers from a 'Chronicle of a Defeat Foretold'.

I love Peres Reverte and, as a lover of the entire series of Patrick O'Brian, it seemed to me to see the same battle from two points of view: the French 'gabachos' (a derogatory term for foreigners) and the perfidious Albion.

I have highly appreciated the historical accuracy of the reconstruction of the facts, but even more so the bitter and disillusioned spirit of the Spanish front, the desperate awareness, the anger, the courage and the sense of honor.

'One hand for oneself and one for the king!'

I love it almost as much as 'La sombra del aguila' (The Shadow of the Eagle).

So much so that, not finding an Italian edition, I have started to translate it myself!

This book has truly captured my heart with its vivid portrayal of a historical event and the complex emotions of its characters. It makes me feel as if I am right there on the battlefield, experiencing the turmoil and chaos. I can't wait to share my translation with others and let them discover the beauty and power of this story.

The description of the Battle of Trafalgar is simply indescribable!

It was fierce and unadorned...

The Battle of Trafalgar was a crucial naval battle that took place in 1805. It was fought between the British Royal Navy and the combined fleets of France and Spain. The battle was a significant victory for the British, led by Admiral Horatio Nelson. Nelson's tactics and leadership were instrumental in achieving this victory. The battle had a profound impact on the course of the Napoleonic Wars and established British naval supremacy for many years to come. The description of this battle fails to fully capture the intensity and significance of the event. It was a momentous occasion in history that will always be remembered.