**"If they give the sailor something to drink, he's either screwed or they're going to screw him."**

Puntuación: ⚓⚓⚓⚓⚓

**Cabo Trafalgar** is a book commissioned by the publishing house of Arturo Pérez-Reverte, Alfaguara, as a commemoration of the bicentennial of this battle. From the first page, it takes you to the beginning of that brutal battle, a bloody turning point in the Napoleonic Wars. From the Spanish perspective, which is no doubt unusual for the English reader, who is very accustomed to considering this point in history as a glorious victory. But every history has several points of view, and all of them must be known and read. Because many of them have very interesting and truly fascinating stories.

As I was saying, the main point to highlight of the book is its atmosphere. Thanks to Reverte's hand, we find ourselves embarked on ships like the Incertain or the Antilla in the Spanish waters of Cape Trafalgar. We will accompany their crews and begin a tense naval battle that will go down in the annals of history. We will enter the middle of a Hispano/French squadron and the British one, commanded by the famous Admiral Nelson.

We enter without preambles, without an introduction or a prologue, without preparation, leaving the reader loose on a ship that is exploring, looking for the British fleet commanded by Lord Nelson, through a fog. This is a curious tool that gives Reverte the time he needs to introduce some characters. An entrance on stage through the memory of some and the conversation. Here, memory is his resource to tell how we have come to find ourselves in that situation.

With a varied cast of characters, but not overly dense with too many characters. They range from a forced recruit who is handling a cannon for the first time to the captain of the ship with his closest men, among others. Reverte has skillfully woven the historical background with developing action, like a good artisan. He has created a book that is not only very interesting and instructive but also full of feelings and great tension, which seduces the reader.

Almost all of us know who won this terrible battle, but in his "Cabo Trafalgar," Reverte shows us why the result was, I would say, practically inevitable. The Spaniards on board knew that everything was doomed to failure. The leader of the combined Franco-Spanish fleet, Villeneuve, was an incompetent, very fearful and proud man, and he was not the only one. There were several who were not stingy with flattery. In addition, to make matters worse, the Spanish ships, like the French ones, were largely manned by inexperienced men who were put into service by blows and shoves. And the list of disadvantages in this battle is even longer and, if possible, more dangerous.

Because we must not forget that all this takes place in the indomitable sea, which is unforgiving to those who are sailing on it, and even less so in battles, whether one side or the other. And the weather, a very important factor for ships in the midst of war, didn't matter a damn, and at this moment, the coin landed in favor of the English.

A story basically predestined for a huge grave in the middle of the sea. The ships in this era were a true wonder, very beautiful. Machines very well designed, from every small detail dedicated to the close-quarters killing of one another. Reverte has made me want to read the famous author, Patrick O'Brian, among others of maritime adventures. I think you will know the famous adaptation, "Master and Commander." Expeditions and navigation are something I enjoy reading, and I will fall for them. Let's get back to the heart of the matter. Here, I like the plot because it is told from the defeated side.

Reverte sometimes uses a mixture of Spanish, of Spanish dialects, and English and French, in Spanish phonetics. Do you understand? Often to give touches of humor to such a tense situation. Let's not forget that they are sailors, they blaspheme a lot and shit on everything that can be shat on. I laughed for a while, and it's something difficult to achieve. Let's think, we are in a very dramatic and tense situation, he gives it his humor, without going overboard, makes us laugh, and then changes, becomes very serious, making us, the readers, tense. He does it very well, and it's easy for us because sometimes this can go so wrong that it's a mess. There are also many nautical terms. Fortunately, for those less versed in these topics like me, the book has several drawings at the beginning that point out everything. It is very instructive and makes this a rich, fascinating, and yes, sometimes "challenging" reading. But as a reader, I was absorbed.

A horrible day in history, not only for Spain, with some changing points of view of about four characters. Marvelously detailed. Reverte's pen, what can I say, already makes us talk about quality, with a dry humor, drama, and a lot of tension. In an exact description with certain licenses, of course, crude and realistic descriptions of what this moment was like. It contains a vast amount of research work.

If we are talking about this period and "Trafalgar," I recommend the works and national episodes of the great author, Pérez Galdos. I agree with you, Labi, a very deserving 5 stars. A true narrative wonder and a superb lesson in history and nautical jargon.

Not recommendable, but "obligatory." Read this, ladies and gentlemen.

Nota aparte:

Xabi, Julio, yes, yes, you, I know you're out there, that you didn't like this wonderful work of the master, and you'll be lurking around this blessed and most holy review. If you feel like commenting, first say a couple of Our Fathers, at least, to relieve a little your sinful souls... (Joke with all the love and great respect I have for you, I swear to God, whose ways are inscrutable, as can be seen in you xDD).

Maravilloso!

I love how Reverte writes. However, I have been avoiding this book for a long time, thinking that a naval story would not be for me.

I regret not having read it before. It is exciting, and moreover, he uses his unique vocabulary and his character is there all the time.

Furthermore, it includes some social reflections on Spain and the Spanish people that could be fully applicable to the current society.

And it is that we are what we are and we carry it very deep within our DNA, and that is both pride and misfortune many times.

This book not only tells an engaging story but also makes us think about our own identity and the society we live in.

It shows us the complexity of human nature and how our past and present are intertwined.

Reverte's writing style is so vivid that it makes us feel as if we are right there with the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story and wants to gain some insights into the Spanish culture and society.

The continuous going back and forth to the pages where the parts of the ship were explained has constantly pulled me out of the book.

It seems that this constant interruption has disrupted my reading flow and made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story.

However, I still hold onto the hope that a second rereading might lead me to a better understanding and a more enjoyable experience.

Perhaps with a fresh perspective and a more focused mind, I will be able to make sense of the details about the ship and truly appreciate the book.

I am determined to give it another try and see if this time, I can reach the "good port" of a fulfilling reading experience.

Saecio,

I have decided that I am going to buy myself a boat.

This has been a long-held dream of mine, and I am finally taking the steps to make it a reality.

I have been researching different types of boats, their features, and their prices.

I want to find a boat that is not only suitable for my needs but also within my budget.

I am excited about the possibilities that owning a boat will bring.

I can imagine spending my weekends out on the water, enjoying the sun, the wind, and the waves.

I can go fishing, explore new places, or just relax and soak up the scenery.

Buying a boat is a big investment, but I believe it will be worth it.

It will give me a new hobby and a new way to enjoy life.

So, Saecio, wish me luck as I embark on this new adventure of buying a boat.

Pérez R. himself says that the books of great authors are there to be plundered, so to speak. That is, for the interested reader and, above all, the author in search of tools, to carefully review them, find the tricks used by the creator of the story, visualize techniques for creating characters, forming narrative structures, and constructing plots. In a good way. That is, with the intention of studying and learning, not of stealing the ideas that, with little or much work - and with little or much luck - the author put on paper.

That is why I had to reread - for the third or fourth time - Cabo Trafalgar. Since I was going to write a naval story, I decided to take a look at Reverte's text to see, above all, two things: first, the development of the battle itself, the rhythm impressed on the evolutions of the Franco-Spanish and English fleets, the detail with which the characters and the specific functions that each of them carries out on board a particular ship are treated. Second, to determine how, in a historical novel, the game between past, present, and future is established; that is, to what extent it is possible to tell the reader what is happening, what happened, and what will happen to a particular character - or several - without ruining the reading, overwhelming it with data or, as usually happens, overwhelming it with useless information.

The challenge seemed simple, something that could be covered with paper and pen - because I don't like to mark up books - with simple folds on the corners of the pages that required it or with notes taken in any way. However, the first thing that had to be considered is that this is not the most orthodox novel written by the Cartagena author - an honor that, in my opinion, would correspond to Un día de cólera, above the Captain Alatriste series - but that it could even be defined as a rather transgressive historical novel, one of those that deliberately use a language different from what would be appropriate in the context in which they take place to create another type of atmosphere, in which perhaps irony has better possibilities of unfolding. Then, logically, there was the matter of the context itself: without going into details, the story that I am now writing is set in the 19th century, in the midst of the introduction of steamships, and this is a classic, albeit late, episode of battles in sailing ships. Beyond the obvious differences, the biggest problem lies in the fact that the crews were different, the subjects had different assigned functions, and the small details for which the text could be useful - the same as any of Patrick O'Brian's - are out of place.

The book, as anyone can guess, was useful as far as the narrative is concerned and not in relation to the technical aspects. However, I must point out that, in this latter matter, Pérez-Reverte's work is outstanding. As always happens when it comes to naval topics, the enunciation of objects, maneuvers, and characters is very careful, very precise. It is true that, for the uninitiated, the reading can even be cumbersome, stumbling at every turn on unknown terms, terms that mean nothing and that do not lead one anywhere. However, it is enough to take a good naval dictionary - there are several online - and start learning new words, which in itself is fascinating. Once this is done, the reading unfolds better and, above all, one can concentrate on the development of the plot which, as usual, is excellent, full of action, of exciting moments, and of criticisms of the ungrateful Spain against which Pérez-Reverte often directs much of his diatribes.

Is it a good book? More than that. Entertaining, informative - in more than one sense - complete beyond the handling of language, which could even be cataloged as "strange". Highly recommended.

The great battle between England and its allies France and Spain was a significant event.

From the perspective of the defeated crew (of a Spanish ship), it was a harrowing experience.

The sight of the enemy ships approaching in the distance filled them with dread.

As the battle commenced, the cannons roared and the smoke filled the air.

The Spanish ship was valiantly fighting, but the combined forces of England and its allies proved to be too strong.

The crew was bravely manning their stations, but casualties were mounting.

Despite their best efforts, the ship was eventually overcome.

The survivors watched in despair as their ship was taken over by the enemy.

This battle would forever be etched in their memories as a tragic loss.

It was a reminder of the残酷 nature of war and the sacrifices that were made.

In this case, it is a precise historical recreation, based on the abundant documentation of the battle that pitted an English squadron under the command of Nelson against another Franco-Spanish one commanded by Villeneuve.

The movements of the different ships, their crews and commanders, and the various combats are all seen from the perspective of the occupants of the Antilla, a ship that never existed but which our author places there to make us witnesses. He positions it in the background of the battle, not intervening in any main action, but with enough verisimilitude that the reader can almost feel the deck under their feet.

The magic is that this Antilla that never existed had been referenced by Pérez-Reverte in two previous novels: represented in a painting and in the form of the captain's saber. The first time was in a work published four years earlier, a fact that reflects the long preparation of this historical novel. A preparation that earned him the following year after the publication of Cabo Trafalgar (when two hundred years had passed since the battle), the Grand Cross of Naval Merit, the highest distinction that the Spanish Navy can award to a civilian.

The two hundred pages of Cabo Trafalgar are easy to read, thanks to a graceful rhythm, an action that never flags, and the abundant quips and jokes that the Spaniards on the Antilla share equally between their English enemies and their French allies. An interesting book for any lover of war stories or, simply, of our History.

The novel tells the sadly remembered Battle of Trafalgar as seen from a fictional ship, the Antilla. And that's where the fictional part ends. The rest is perfectly documented and conforms to the reality of those fateful days for Spanish interests.

It's a terrible epic novel from beginning to end. To be read in one go. Very much in the style of Reverte. The perfect narration of the action passages, with all their brutality and also with the cheek and nastiness that make you love or hate Reverte, but that never leave you indifferent. I adore how it's narrated, so much so that at times I confuse laughter with the urge to cry. Anyway, I would give it more stars but they only let you give a maximum of 5.

This novel offers a unique perspective on the Battle of Trafalgar. The fictional ship Antilla serves as a lens through which we can view the events of that historical battle. The combination of fictional elements and accurate documentation makes for a captivating read. The author's writing style, similar to Reverte's, adds to the allure of the novel. The vivid descriptions of the action and the complex characters make it a page-turner. Whether you love or hate Reverte's style, you can't help but be engaged by this novel. It truly is a remarkable work that deserves all the praise it has received.

As with all of Reverte's works, the documentation work makes you become an expert, but it is better to read the first story of the National Episodes.

Reverte's attention to detail and his meticulous research are truly remarkable. His works are not only entertaining but also educational, providing readers with a deep understanding of the historical events and cultures he portrays.

The National Episodes series is no exception. Each story is a vivid and engaging account of a significant moment in national history. By reading these stories, readers can gain a better appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before us.

So, if you're looking for a great read that combines history, adventure, and drama, look no further than the National Episodes series by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. You won't be disappointed!

I haven't read anything more by Pérez Reverte, but I liked the relaxed style of his narrative, which seemed to me to be an attempt to emulate the language of those times and that environment.

The ending, along with that of "El Perfume", is one of my favorites. I never thought that a naval battle could interest me so much.

His writing has a certain charm that draws the reader in and makes them feel as if they are part of the story. The descriptions are vivid and detailed, allowing one to picture the scenes clearly in their mind.

The way he portrays the characters and their emotions is also quite remarkable. It makes you care about what happens to them and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a good adventure story.

Bien documentado.

The ship on which the story takes place is fictional but the dialogues are based on the existing accounts.

This means that while the vessel itself is a creation of the author's imagination, the conversations and interactions between the characters are rooted in real-life experiences and stories that have been passed down or recorded.

By using this approach, the author is able to bring a sense of authenticity and believability to the narrative, even though the setting is not real.

The fictional ship serves as a backdrop for the events and emotions that unfold, allowing the reader to become fully immersed in the story.

Overall, the combination of a fictional setting and realistic dialogues makes for a captivating and engaging read that will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Arturo endeavors to expose this story of a naval battle, in which England, Spain, and Napoleonic France are involved.

He attempts to make you participate in every second of the naval journey, where he shows you characters from both sides, whether they are official commanders or simple people forced to enter this stupid battle.

It seemed simple to me, that is, I was expecting something else. Maybe it wasn't the book that I craved at that moment, so perhaps in the future I will read it again.

But I don't want to stop being objective. It is a book that also explains naval strategies and the parts and dimensions of each ship.

Historical characters such as Churruca, Nelson, or Villeuneu appear.

This book provides a detailed account of a significant naval battle, offering insights into the strategies employed and the key figures involved.

Although it didn't meet my initial expectations, it still has value in terms of its educational content.

I may give it another chance in the future to see if I can appreciate it more fully.