DNF

In the year 2000, when this book was first released, I specifically asked my parents for it as a present so that I could bring it along on my vacation. That was almost 15 years ago, yet I vividly remember making three distinct and separate attempts to read it before ultimately giving up for good. Back then, I was resolute in my determination to finish every single book I began, and this one held even more significance as it was a gift from my parents upon my request. However, try as I might, I simply couldn't manage it.
When I think about how my younger self felt while reading this book, there is only one word that comes to mind:
BOOOORED

Based on my personal experience, I would not recommend reading this book. It failed to capture my interest and engage me in any meaningful way. There are countless other books out there that are far more captivating and值得一读. So, if you're looking for a good read, you might want to skip this one and explore other options.

A mysterious shipwreck with a treasure worth billions and a very, very fatal woman, named after an artistic blonde - Tanker Soto!

This is another exciting novel by Don Arturo!

The story begins with the discovery of the shipwreck. Divers are intrigued by the rumors of the hidden treasure. But as they get closer to the wreck, they encounter Tanker Soto.

Tanker Soto is not your ordinary woman. She has a charm that can attract anyone, but beneath that charm lies a dangerous secret.

As the divers try to uncover the treasure, they find themselves in a web of mystery and danger, all because of Tanker Soto.

Don Arturo has once again created a thrilling story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The combination of a mysterious shipwreck, a valuable treasure, and a fatal woman makes this novel a must-read for fans of adventure and mystery.

Θάλασσα, περιπέτεια, Μεσόγειος, βιβλία, μυστήριο, κακοί, μοιραίες γυναίκες, χαμένοι θησαυροί. All these elements that for me would compose the absolutely fascinating novel are here. The sea, adventure, the Mediterranean, books, mystery, villains, fateful women, lost treasures. It sounds like a recipe for an exciting read.

Then what was it that made this book so dull - I struggled a great deal to get to the middle of it, and then I went a little faster - and ultimately rather mediocre? Maybe it's simply one of those books where the final result is lower than the sum of its individual elements. There are such books.

Nevertheless, I must give 4 stars, for the theme, for the research that the author has clearly done regarding naval science, but also because I believe that there are quite a few points in the book where Reverte gives lessons in literary writing. Despite its flaws, there are still redeeming qualities that make it worthy of a relatively high rating.

This was truly a rather disappointing novel. It is my third from Perez-Reverte, and the other two were markedly better. His distinct voice is undoubtedly present. As soon as I started reading, I recognized it. His writing has the power to transport the reader to another era and place, accompanied by a mysteriously captivating aura that his words generate; an apprehensive, curious, yet always with a hint of the medieval.

The issue here was the plot. It was not interesting at all. It didn't seem to progress anywhere and was almost entirely predictable from the beginning of the book. In fact, it could have been predicted just from the synopsis alone.

Coy is a dedicated, passionate, unwavering, and experienced sailor, more at ease on the high seas than socializing on land. Due to some negligence on a previous expedition, he has been grounded for a few years. Living off savings, unemployed, and at a loss for what to do with his days, he unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?) meets a beautiful woman named Tánger Soto. He knowingly has sex with her and is foolish enough to be willing to follow her to the ends of the earth just for the chance to spend more time with her, despite her less than ideal treatment of him.

Tánger, despite her past that may have led to her using coping mechanisms to defend herself, has no right to be so fearless towards those being truly unselfish in their "relationship" with her. Worst of all, she offers no apologies for her actions. She is the unspoken leader of this expedition in search of the sunken ship, Dei Gloria, which is supposedly filled with valuable emeralds. She has been set on this since childhood and is clearly willing to do whatever it takes. She manipulates Coy into taking her there, purposefully withholding the most valuable information and revealing others intermittently, all according to her own agenda.

Other characters include a couple of treasure hunters trying to stop them, scholars and professors in cartography and nautical studies, and El Piloto, the captain of the sailboat they take. The rest of the hundreds of pages is filled with nautical terms, cartography vernacular, and fictional historical information on the Jesuit ship. Unless one is very familiar with these terms or has a higher than average interest in both fields, it is rather uninteresting. Even then, the explanations are not very clear to the reader. It was like academic writing, assuming the reader already had a basic knowledge.

A few hundred pages later, the team of three is still searching. Whether they actually find the sunken ship full of emeralds in the end is almost irrelevant. Each character has their own reasons for being on the expedition, none of which the riches from Dei Gloria can fulfill. The last thirty or so pages moved at a satisfying pace, with substantial suspense, and had an ending that I truly appreciated. Many may see this as an unsatisfactory, sad ending, but I found it not only inevitable but also a case where a fairy tale ending would have only made it worse.

Although much of the writing and the story conclusion compensated for other less impressive aspects, readers would be better off trying another of his works. Unless a reader has an abnormal affinity for the nautical, it is recommended to try Perez-Reverte's "The Fencing Master".

4 Stars for The Nautical Chart by Arturo Perez-Reverte read by George Guidall translated by Margaret Sayers Peden.

This was truly a wonderful adventure. The story unfolds at a somewhat slow pace, but don't let that deter you. I firmly believe it's well worth the wait.

The detailed descriptions and the intricate plot keep you engaged from start to finish.

Moreover, the narration by George Guidall is simply outstanding. He brings the characters to life with his rich and varied voice, adding an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the story.

The translation by Margaret Sayers Peden is also excellent, ensuring that the beauty and essence of the original Spanish text are preserved.

Overall, The Nautical Chart is a captivating read that combines adventure, history, and mystery in a seamless blend. If you're a fan of historical fiction or maritime adventures, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Arturo Pérez-Reverte is the next Iberian literary sensation. The Spanish writer is the author of the script for "Território Comanche", one of the best journalism films of the 1990s and the acclaimed "O pintor de Batalhas". Here, a story about treasure hunters of shipwrecks, hardened sailors, Argentine torturers, and women crazy for money.

Unfortunately, "A Carta Esférica" does not meet some expectations. The characters are stereotypical and there are long useless descriptions of ports, alleys, and docks' bars. In the case of the protagonist, the representation is archetypal: it reminds of a Jack Kerouac pulled off the train tracks and thrown onto the dock. The pitbull personality of the sailor Coy terribly contradicts his taste for bebop and cool jazz. Moreover, the guy only reads works about the sea and navigation. Something that not even this blogger, a fan of Amyr Klink, Joseph Conrad, and Herman Melville, would do.

Overall, while Pérez-Reverte has shown great talent in the past, "A Carta Esférica" seems to fall short in some aspects. The lack of depth in the characters and the excessive descriptions take away from the potential excitement of the story. However, it is still possible that some readers may enjoy the book for its adventurous plot and the author's writing style. It will be interesting to see how Pérez-Reverte evolves as a writer and if he can recapture the magic of his previous works in future publications.

Siempre me gustaron los libros de piratas, barcos y travesías. Esta pasión por la aventura naval me llevó a encontrar este excelente libro. En él, se narra las emocionantes aventuras de un marino sin barco. Él se adhiere a una travesía en busca de un tesoro mítico. Los aspectos técnicos son verdaderamente fascinantes. Desde conseguir el mapa, o más bien la carta, hasta descifrar lo que está en clave para poder entender dónde quedó el barco y descubrir cuál es el verdadero tesoro. Sin embargo, este no es un relato de una aventura ocurrida en los tiempos de los galeones españoles y los piratas detrás de ellos. No, es una historia moderna con otro tipo de embarcaciones, otro tipo de marinos y otro tipo de tesoros. Los héroes y los villanos son un poquito diferentes, lo que le da un toque fresco y novedoso. Sin embargo, para mí, tiene un defecto muy grande. No me gustó el final. Pero aún así, lo recomiendo ampliamente a quienes gusten de historias de intriga y un poco de suspenso.

They should have made a movie of this one instead of "The Club Dumas" because this is a thrilling treasure hunt!

It involves sunken ships that hold the promise of hidden wealth beneath the waves. The rowdy sailors add an element of adventure and chaos, as they navigate the dangerous waters. The unscrupulous salvagers are constantly vying for the treasure, willing to do anything to get their hands on it.

Then there's the cold, mysterious woman, who seems to hold the key to the whole mystery. Her presence adds an air of intrigue and danger. The old maps lead the way to the hidden treasure, but they are also full of clues and secrets that must be deciphered.

Europe provides the backdrop for this exciting adventure, with its rich history and beautiful landscapes. Scuba diving allows the characters to explore the sunken ships and discover the treasures that lie within. Garsh, with all these elements combined, this story has everything you could want in a movie!

I am a great fan of Arturo Perez-Reverte.

His works have always intrigued me with their unique blend of mystery, history, and complex characters. Among his books, The Club Dumas, The Flanders Panel, and The Seville Communion stand out as more satisfying reads compared to The Nautical Chart.

The Nautical Chart begins on a promising note. There is a thrilling bidding war over an antique map that holds the potential to lead to a missing ship carrying a mysterious cargo. However, as the story progresses, I find myself a little disappointed.

The development of the narrative feels somewhat lackluster, and the characters seem slightly two-dimensional. The first two-thirds of the story, although highly interesting, unfold at a slow pace. And then, suddenly, the last third of the book feels rushed, as if the author is trying to wrap things up quickly.

Knowing the caliber of Perez-Reverte's writing, I had expected more from this book. Unfortunately, it just doesn't measure up to his usual high standards. It's a bit of a letdown for a die-hard fan like me.

Typically, I have a profound love for the writing and style of Arturo Perez-Reverte. However, this particular novel had a rather slow start, which made it not my favorite among his works. Nevertheless, despite the somewhat exhaustive beginning, the writing itself is still beautiful.

Coy is a typical sailor who now finds himself lost on land. He is going stir-crazy and wanders aimlessly through the streets, a sailor without a ship. Overcome with nostalgia, he sits through an auction where an antique nautical chart commands an outrageous sum through the bids. He can't help but wonder why someone would pay so much for an old nautical chart, and of course, he is intrigued by the blond beauty who wins the bid.

Tanger is an attractive and intelligent woman who always gets her way. When she is threatened by another bidder outside the auction, she is surprised when Coy steps in to defend her. She turns to assess this poorly dressed and not-so-handsome man.

Soon, she enlists Coy to her cause, asking him to help her find a sunken ship, the Dei Gloria, which sank over 200 years ago. She refuses to disclose the reason why she wants to find the ship, only stating that she needs Coy and his sailing and diving skills. She has all the knowledge about the ship and its location. While Coy suspects she must be after some kind of treasure, he has no idea what it could be. Drawn to her beauty, Coy is willing to deny her nothing.

Meanwhile, the bad guys follow, find, and threaten both Coy and Tanger. Tanger remains cool and composed, while Coy is a street fighter. The bad guys know there is a treasure but lack all the information; they don't know where the treasure is, so they have to trail Coy and Tanger.

The last 100 pages of the novel are thrilling, fast-paced, wonderful, and full of surprises. I just wish that the beginning had half the depth and intrigue as the last few pages.

On the cover of this edition, there is a blurb from The Washington Post that reads: "A Swashbuckling Tale of Mystery." However, this is just another lie from WP.

There is not a single ounce of swashbuckle in this book - and I was truly looking forward to that aspect.

Unfortunately, swashbuckling isn't the only thing lacking. The characterization is so minimal that Pérez-Reverte should be ashamed.

His prose, on the other hand, remains interesting. The story line is structured in a way that makes what could have been a thrilling plot almost predictable.

I suppose it must be admitted that even good authors have off days.

So, overall, this is just a dud. It's not completely terrible, but I may be being overly generous by giving it 3 stars. It definitely sits at the bottom of the pile.

Still, it won't stop me from picking up another book by this author in the future.

The winner of the French Méditerranée Prize for the best foreign novel in 2001, this is a modern story that recalls the classics of adventure. There is a sunken treasure since the 18th century to discover, in the company of a mariner without a ship hired by an enigmatic historian. Closely pursued by modern pirates, no less dangerous and violent than those of old, this book, wonderfully well-written, has story, suspense, romance and adventure.

“The swaying of the boat, the increasingly intense night, her close presence, plunged him into a state very close to happiness. Let's go to sea, he thought, to live moments like this. He passed her the 7x50 binoculars and Tangier observed the sky, the Pleiades, the Nebula, looking for bright points that he would point out with his finger.
(…)
-...Are you really able to see all those figures up there?
- Of course. It's easy when you look for years and years… Anyway, soon the stars will shine uselessly over the sea, because men no longer need them to find their way.
- Is that bad?
- I don't know if it's bad. I know it's sad.”

It also has numerous references to adventure books at sea that are among my favorites, including my two favorite Tintin books of all time, which, already quite disjointed, I keep as relics, and to which I return from time to time: The Secret of the Unicorn and The Treasure of Rackham the Terrible.

“Perhaps what seemed relegated to certain pages and images, the territory of childhood, the exclusive realm of dreams, was still possible in some way. Or perhaps it was because a certain type of dream continued to peek through whispers of stone and paper, on tombstones and old walls eaten away by time, in books that were like open doors to adventure, in piles of yellowed papers that could mean the beginnings of exciting, dangerous trips, capable of multiplying one life into a thousand lives, with their respective Stevenson and Melville stages, and their inevitable Conrad stage. “I sailed through oceans and libraries,” he had read once, a long time ago, somewhere.”

And yet, this book, which had everything to be perfect for me, ended up falling short. The tough hero (but deep down with a heart of gold) and his countless conquests was not the biggest problem. Nor were the sometimes overly long explanations of the art of sailing. What really bored me was the stereotypical view of women as crafty and calculating – bad, in the end - as opposed to the no less stereotypical basic and innocent men. The honorable exception, the old mariner Pilot, was my favorite character, with his wisdom and patience in the face of the clear stupidity of the younger one.

“- Sometimes I look at her and think she knows things about me that I don't even know myself.
The Pilot laughed softly, with the bottle in his hands.
- My wife says the same thing.
- I'm serious. They are different. Lucid as if lucidity were a disease, you understand?
- No.
- It's a genetic thing… It even happens to the stupid ones.
The Pilot listened attentively, with good will, but the gesture of his head slightly inclined forward was skeptical. From time to time he took a look around, at the sea and the lights of the city, as if looking for someone who would bring wisdom to all that.
- They are sitting there quietly, looking at us – continued Coy. – They have been looking at us for centuries, you understand?… They learned by looking at us.
- This one is dangerous, Pilot finally said. – Like that sea where the ships got stuck until they rotted…
- The Sargasso Sea.
- You told me she was bad. I just say she is dangerous.
(…)
- We, men, are bad because of stupidity, Pilot. Because of dishonesty. We are because of ambition, lust or ignorance… You understand?
- More or less.
- I mean they are different.
- They are not different. They are just survivors.
Coy remained silent, surprised by the accuracy of the comment.”

Three and a half stars rounded up because after all it was always a beautiful adventure and because it reminded me that it's time to revisit Tintin :)