I am not entirely certain whether this was intended to be a piece of history or historical fiction. In any event, I discovered it extremely difficult to read as every other word seemed to be a swearword.

The initial few chapters, which are all that I managed to peruse, are dedicated to an effort to prove that the Battle of Trafalgar was a lost cause from the Spanish perspective even before it had commenced.

This approach of using excessive vulgar language not only detracted from the overall readability but also made it challenging to focus on the supposed historical content. It seems that the author might have been trying to make a bold statement or add a certain authenticity to the narrative, but in my opinion, it had the opposite effect.

Perhaps a more refined and respectful treatment of the subject matter would have been more appropriate and engaging for the readers. As it stands, I was left with a rather negative impression of the work and had to abandon it after just a few chapters.

I have always been fascinated by maritime adventures and battles, those very pirates, corsairs, and fast clipper ships. Usually, the scenes from the movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" always come to mind, where the hero Russell Crowe skillfully duels with the French captain of a powerful frigate.

But what do we have here.... Well, actually it's sadness and melancholy.

It's the most boring boredom. A one-day battle, with the glorification of the Spanish flotilla, full of heroism and other things.

In general, it passes by.

This is an excellent collection of data and narrative!

The data presented is comprehensive and accurate, providing a solid foundation for the narrative. The narrative itself is engaging and well-written, effectively communicating the key points and ideas.

It is clear that a great deal of effort has gone into gathering and analyzing the data, as well as structuring the narrative in a logical and coherent manner. The result is a piece of work that is both informative and interesting to read.

Overall, this is a very impressive collection of data and narrative that is sure to be of value to a wide range of readers.

I read this while learning Spanish.

It has had a truly dramatic impact on my Spanish naval vocabulary. Before, I had only a limited understanding of the relevant terms. But now, through this reading, I have expanded my knowledge significantly.

Moreover, it has provided me with a very useful insight into the Spanish view of Trafalgar. It has allowed me to see this historical event from a different perspective, one that I might not have otherwise considered.

I think this is an extremely valuable resource for anyone learning Spanish, especially those with an interest in history or naval matters. It not only helps with language acquisition but also enriches our understanding of different cultures and their interpretations of historical events.

I would highly recommend it to others who are in a similar situation as me.

Pérez-Reverte seems to me to be very interesting and undoubtedly knows how to describe things vividly. However, in this particular case, I couldn't tolerate the technical language of navigation. There were thousands of names of different sails, the surnames of each crew member, and the names of the vessels, etc. It really bored me and I couldn't stop nodding off during the 40 pages that I managed to read.

It felt as if I was lost in a sea of technical jargon, unable to fully engage with the story. The detailed descriptions, while perhaps accurate and necessary for a certain type of reader, were just too much for me.

I found myself skimming through the pages, hoping to find something more engaging. But unfortunately, it never really happened. Maybe this is a book that is better suited for those with a particular interest in nautical matters or a higher tolerance for technical language.

Overall, I was disappointed with my experience of reading this book by Pérez-Reverte.

We don't know what war is. We can't even imagine it, not even by watching movies like "Pirates of the Caribbean" or "Captain Blood".

But Pérez Reverte gives such a raw version of the famous Battle of Trafalgar. On one side, it was fought between the English, and on the other, an enforced alliance between the Spanish and the French, doomed to failure from the start.

It's not just the blood that flows or the shattered bodies that one can get from this book. It's also a raw description of the economic situation of the frigates and the terrible bureaucracy that the military serving Spain had to endure.

We can also better understand the other side of the coin, that of the soldiers who are there under penalty of death, the fear, the horror, the disgust... It's a well-deserved tribute to the anonymous heroes.

The more people read it, the more pacifists there will be.

Reverte's historical novel is a captivating work that delves into a crucial moment that could be regarded as the beginning of the end of the Spanish Empire.

It vividly narrates how only he knows this decisive instant. The plot is paced well, and its style, in the mode of tragicomedy, with a visceral and realistic language, immerses us in the battle.

At the same time, it allows us to understand the moment and circumstances that Spain, and particularly the Armada, is living through, caught between the English and French interests that will cause us so much harm.

If you are interested in this era and want to know about this highly significant battle, it is 100% recommendable. It offers a unique perspective and a detailed account that will surely engage and educate readers.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for an exciting read, this novel has something to offer.

The Battle of the Spanish Armada was a momentous event that ended in the defeat of the so-called invincible Spanish Armada. It's a story filled with drama and irony, and can be humorously and sarcastically recounted. As you read this account, a nautical terms dictionary might come in handy to fully understand the maritime jargon involved.

The Spanish Armada set sail with great confidence, believing it to be unbeatable. However, fate had other plans. The English, with their smaller but more maneuverable ships, managed to outwit and outmaneuver the Armada. It was like a clumsy giant being danced around by a fleet of nimble dwarfs.

The battle was a chaotic affair, with cannon fire booming across the waves and ships colliding in a frenzy. The Spanish sailors, perhaps overly reliant on their supposed invincibility, seemed to fumble and make mistakes at every turn. Meanwhile, the English captains, with their sharp wits and strategic acumen, led their crews to victory. In the end, the Spanish Armada limped home in disgrace, its once-proud reputation in tatters.

Como ex-reportero de guerra, Pérez-Reverte es un maestro en sumergir al lector en la crudeza y el caos de la guerra desde perspectivas de personajes de a pie.

Estos personajes humanizan el relato y le dotan de emoción añadida, haciendo que el lector se sienta como si estuviera en medio de la acción.

Además, Pérez-Reverte muestra su rigor histórico, con reflexión y crítica incluida de la España de la época.

Su pasión por el mar y los barcos también se refleja en el relato, lo que le da un toque especial.

El resultado es este relato genial de la célebre batalla naval, que se lee bastante rápido y te deja con una imagen vívida de la guerra y de los personajes que la protagonizan.

En resumen, Pérez-Reverte ha logrado crear un relato histórico y emocionante que es un verdadero placer leer.

I declare myself a fan of the novels of "Batallas navales" (Naval Battles). Pérez-Reverte narrates in a spectacular way the most important battle of the 19th century and the one that gave Great Britain the total and invincible domination of the sea. The meticulousness and the historical rigor are present, as well as the prodigious imagination of the author.

The story unfolds with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the heart of the naval conflict. We can almost feel the vibrations of the ships, hear the cannons roar, and see the smoke billow across the ocean. Pérez-Reverte's attention to detail is truly remarkable. He not only描绘s the military strategies and maneuvers but also delves into the lives and emotions of the characters involved.

Whether it's the brave captains leading their crews into battle, the sailors facing the perils of the sea, or the political intrigues that surround the conflict, every aspect is brought to life with great skill. The novel is not just a tale of war but also a exploration of human nature, loyalty, and sacrifice. It makes us reflect on the importance of history and how it shapes our present and future.

From the narration of three fictional characters on an invented ship, they tell us about the Battle of Trafalgar where a coalition of French and Spanish ships faced the English.

I am left with the narration of the battle, and the real data and figures of it are quite well told. Although I find the typical cheekiness and silliness of Reverte when he writes excessive. He thinks he is funny but usually fails in the attempt. There are too many clichés and references to current characters in something so past. Once again, the value and dedication of the Spanish people, with all their shortcomings, are shown. In the face of this vice and scourge that we have had in Spain for centuries, such as the monarchy, and generally a political class only concerned with its own prosperity.

Overall, while the description of the battle is interesting, the author's writing style and some of the additional elements detract from the overall quality of the work. However, it still provides some insights into the historical event and the context in which it took place.

Where to start?

It has a well-documented and detailed history in an unbeatable way.

The impeccable humor and memorable phrases make it stand out.

Moreover, as a novel, it keeps you hooked until the last letter.

PS: "I'm still not sure if that recommended person of yours is a traitor or just an idiot" could be applied too many times to ministers, officials, and other sycophants in our country.

This work truly offers a unique reading experience. It combines the charm of a captivating story with elements of humor and thought-provoking insights. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for an entertaining read, it has something to offer. The detailed documentation ensures the authenticity of the historical context, while the humorous touches add a lightheartedness that makes it all the more enjoyable.

Overall, it's a must-read for anyone who appreciates good literature and wants to explore the idiosyncrasies of our society through the lens of a fictional narrative.