I gladly print below a “guest post” from my wife, Claire about our latest Notting Hill Napoleon selection, Rafael Sabatini’s swashbuckling novel, Captain Blood.
Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini was one of those rare books that was immensely enjoyed by every single member of our reading group. In fact, the comments ranged from “exciting” to "a terrific adventure story" and even "the best book I’ve ever read!" It was easy to see that after the success last year of Scaramouche and now this year's Captain Blood, the Notting Hill Napoleons will probably have another Sabatini book on the list for 2006.
Captain Blood really was a wonderful read with a brilliant combination of adventure, humor, bravery, romance and a courageous quest for justice.
Sabatini begins his tale with the tragedies inflicted upon physician/soldier Peter Blood and many other Englishmen who were caught up in Monmouth’s unsuccessful rebellion against King James. Even those who escaped the executioner faced severe sentences, including being sent as slaves to the English possessions in the New World. And though Peter Blood’s skills as a doctor gave him some respite from the cruelty experienced daily by other slaves, he still longed for freedom away from the clutches of cruel masters.
And that freedom comes in a daring capture of a Spanish pirate ship which, in turn, launches the career of literature's most noble pirate. (Including, I guess, even the Pirate King of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance!)
Sabatini doesn’t try to describe the minute details of the sea voyages or battles but his description is more than enough to keep the reader riveted to the pages and cheering on the good guys. The author may take a little liberty with some historical facts but not enough to diminish one's enjoyment of the fun. And he gets the history right enough in talking about the Rebellion, the slave plantations of the Caribbean, and the deep English hatred for their ruthless enemy, Spain.
Again, Captain Blood is one of the most suave and gentlemanly pirates you’ll ever meet -- no wonder they chose Errol Flynn for the movie version -- but he's also brave, resourceful, loyal, principled, rakish in dress, compassionate towards even his foes, and a gallant romantic to the extreme.
So, as Denny's latest "guest poster," let me pass on the strongest recommendation for reading Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini. But don't take my word for it alone; take it from the entire body of the Notting Hill Napoleons!
