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Исторически роман
Морски приключения
Пиратски роман
Приключенска литература
Исторически роман
Морски приключения
Пиратски роман
Приключенска литература
426 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1822
44 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Walter Scott
10.5k books2,008 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish novelist, poet, historian, and biographer, widely recognized as the founder and master of the historical novel. His most celebrated works, including Waverley, Rob Roy, and Ivanhoe, helped shape not only the genre of historical fiction but also modern perceptions of Scottish culture and identity.
Born in Edinburgh in 1771, Scott was the son of a solicitor and a mother with a strong interest in literature and history. At the age of two, he contracted polio, which left him with a permanent limp. He spent much of his childhood in the Scottish Borders, where he developed a deep fascination with the region's folklore, ballads, and history. He studied at Edinburgh High School and later at the University of Edinburgh, qualifying as a lawyer in 1792. Though he worked in law for some time, his literary ambitions soon took precedence.
Scott began his literary career with translations and collections of traditional ballads, notably in his Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. He gained early fame with narrative poems such as The Lay of the Last Minstrel and The Lady of the Lake. As the popularity of poetic storytelling declined, especially with the rise of Lord Byron, Scott turned to prose. His first novel, Waverley, published anonymously in 1814, was set during the Jacobite rising of 1745 and is considered the first true historical novel. The success of Waverley led to a long series of novels, known collectively as the Waverley Novels, which blended historical events with compelling fictional narratives.
Over the following years, Scott produced a remarkable number of novels, including Old Mortality, The Heart of Midlothian, and The Bride of Lammermoor, each contributing to the romantic image of Scotland that became popular throughout Europe. With Ivanhoe, published in 1819, he turned his attention to medieval England, broadening his appeal and confirming his status as a major literary figure. His works were not only popular in his own time but also laid the groundwork for historical fiction as a respected literary form.
Scott married Charlotte Genevieve Charpentier in 1797, and they had five children. In 1820, he was granted a baronetcy and became Sir Walter Scott. He built a grand home, Abbotsford House, near Melrose, which reflected his passion for history and the Scottish past. However, in 1825, financial disaster struck when his publishers went bankrupt. Rather than declare bankruptcy himself, Scott chose to work tirelessly to pay off the debts through his writing. He continued to produce novels and non-fiction works at a staggering pace despite declining health.
Walter Scott died in 1832, leaving behind a literary legacy that influenced generations of writers and readers. His works remain widely read and studied, and he is credited with helping to revive interest in Scottish history and culture. Abbotsford House, now a museum, stands as a monument to his life and achievements.
Sir Walter Scott was a Scottish novelist, poet, historian, and biographer, widely recognized as the founder and master of the historical novel. His most celebrated works, including Waverley, Rob Roy, and Ivanhoe, helped shape not only the genre of historical fiction but also modern perceptions of Scottish culture and identity.
Born in Edinburgh in 1771, Scott was the son of a solicitor and a mother with a strong interest in literature and history. At the age of two, he contracted polio, which left him with a permanent limp. He spent much of his childhood in the Scottish Borders, where he developed a deep fascination with the region's folklore, ballads, and history. He studied at Edinburgh High School and later at the University of Edinburgh, qualifying as a lawyer in 1792. Though he worked in law for some time, his literary ambitions soon took precedence.
Scott began his literary career with translations and collections of traditional ballads, notably in his Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. He gained early fame with narrative poems such as The Lay of the Last Minstrel and The Lady of the Lake. As the popularity of poetic storytelling declined, especially with the rise of Lord Byron, Scott turned to prose. His first novel, Waverley, published anonymously in 1814, was set during the Jacobite rising of 1745 and is considered the first true historical novel. The success of Waverley led to a long series of novels, known collectively as the Waverley Novels, which blended historical events with compelling fictional narratives.
Over the following years, Scott produced a remarkable number of novels, including Old Mortality, The Heart of Midlothian, and The Bride of Lammermoor, each contributing to the romantic image of Scotland that became popular throughout Europe. With Ivanhoe, published in 1819, he turned his attention to medieval England, broadening his appeal and confirming his status as a major literary figure. His works were not only popular in his own time but also laid the groundwork for historical fiction as a respected literary form.
Scott married Charlotte Genevieve Charpentier in 1797, and they had five children. In 1820, he was granted a baronetcy and became Sir Walter Scott. He built a grand home, Abbotsford House, near Melrose, which reflected his passion for history and the Scottish past. However, in 1825, financial disaster struck when his publishers went bankrupt. Rather than declare bankruptcy himself, Scott chose to work tirelessly to pay off the debts through his writing. He continued to produce novels and non-fiction works at a staggering pace despite declining health.
Walter Scott died in 1832, leaving behind a literary legacy that influenced generations of writers and readers. His works remain widely read and studied, and he is credited with helping to revive interest in Scottish history and culture. Abbotsford House, now a museum, stands as a monument to his life and achievements.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 6, 2020
A good adventure story. In 1814 Scott visited Shetland Island on a lighthouse tour. He was inspired to write a Pirate story based on John Gow who lived in the early 1700s. The story starts with Basil Mertoun coming to the island with his son Mordaunt to escape civilization. He lives in an isolated house and avoids company. His son is more gregarious and gets out and about growing up with Magnus Troil’s daughters Brenda and Minna. All is well until Captain Cleveland is shipwrecked and saved by Mordaunt.
Cleveland manages to cause a rift between Mordaunt and the family. He also falls in love with Minna. Then a pirate ship with his comrades arrives on the island causing disruption. Norma the fitful an eccentric woman who is touched and kinswoman to Magnus makes some predictions with her mute dwarf. Some incredible reveals and a few fights makes for an entertaining novel.
There are also some colorful and comical characters with the agrarian Triptolemus Yellowley, of Harfa, a factor who has moved to the island with his miserly sister Barbara (Baby) Yellowley. The deceitful Bryce Snailsfoot, a pedlar and the long winded Claud Halcro, a bard who once met John Dryson and never tired of telling that story much to the fear of the inhabitants of the island.
Cleveland manages to cause a rift between Mordaunt and the family. He also falls in love with Minna. Then a pirate ship with his comrades arrives on the island causing disruption. Norma the fitful an eccentric woman who is touched and kinswoman to Magnus makes some predictions with her mute dwarf. Some incredible reveals and a few fights makes for an entertaining novel.
There are also some colorful and comical characters with the agrarian Triptolemus Yellowley, of Harfa, a factor who has moved to the island with his miserly sister Barbara (Baby) Yellowley. The deceitful Bryce Snailsfoot, a pedlar and the long winded Claud Halcro, a bard who once met John Dryson and never tired of telling that story much to the fear of the inhabitants of the island.
January 22, 2020
The most inviting aspect of The Pirate is the sense of place that Scott instills within his story. Scott pulled me back to the early 18th century and placed me in the Shetland and Orkney Islands. At the time, these islands were located on the edge of civilization in the far northern reaches of Great Britain. Their inhabitants were Scottish by decree but Norse by heritage and custom. The islanders worshiped God but also believed in medieval myths and superstitions. All of this served to create the feeling of a mystical land that was far removed from the mainstream world.
The character named Norna was written perfectly as a sort of dark reflection of these remote islands. She personified the mysticism and beliefs of the island’s inhabitants. Scott made Norna into mystical being while keeping her tragically human. Her story, her journey, on its own is worth the read. Along these same lines, the entire novel is a great example of knowing how to build a world in words while also knowing the point at which that world would fall apart in the mind of the reader. Scott admirably walked this line.
My interest with The Pirate started when I came across a comment made by James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Last of the Mohicans, that was critical of the book. Cooper, having served as a merchant seaman and as a midshipman in the US Navy, considered the novel to include a less-than-true depiction of life at sea. His displeasure was such that it prompted him to write The Pilot: A Tale of the Sea, which was published two years after The Pirate in 1824.
After reading both books, it seems a bit picky for Cooper to have made such a comment and for it to have prompted his writing an entire novel in rebuttal. Both books actually spend very little time at sea. However, if there was a break in Scott’s world, it was indeed during the few chapters that featured ships, pirates, and the sea. For Scott, it was all about the land. In contrast, these same few corresponding chapters in Cooper’s book were far better than the balance of his story. Thus, I think that Scott wrote the better book.
The difficulties with The Pirate reside in its age. Of course, early 19th century English is something of its own dialect that can be difficult to follow. Along these same lines, the 19th century dialect of the Shetland Islanders, as phonetically written by Scott, is at times all but impossible to understand. Additionally, Scott may go a bit too far in setting the mood of the islands by freely including verses of poetry and songs in his prose. While a few of these inclusions were essential, most tended to be distracting.
Overall, The Pirate is a touching love story that evolves from the life and struggles of its participants. Human complexity and dichotomy are realistically depicted. The characters are not sure-footed creatures that make their next move as a matter of course. But most of all, The Pirate captures the feeling of a remote land, isolated in time, and brought to life through Scott’s words. Anyone considering future travels through these islands would be well served by reading this book, preferably by a fireplace on a rainy day looking out upon fields of moss-covered peat that drop off over cliffs that rise up from the sea.
The character named Norna was written perfectly as a sort of dark reflection of these remote islands. She personified the mysticism and beliefs of the island’s inhabitants. Scott made Norna into mystical being while keeping her tragically human. Her story, her journey, on its own is worth the read. Along these same lines, the entire novel is a great example of knowing how to build a world in words while also knowing the point at which that world would fall apart in the mind of the reader. Scott admirably walked this line.
My interest with The Pirate started when I came across a comment made by James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Last of the Mohicans, that was critical of the book. Cooper, having served as a merchant seaman and as a midshipman in the US Navy, considered the novel to include a less-than-true depiction of life at sea. His displeasure was such that it prompted him to write The Pilot: A Tale of the Sea, which was published two years after The Pirate in 1824.
After reading both books, it seems a bit picky for Cooper to have made such a comment and for it to have prompted his writing an entire novel in rebuttal. Both books actually spend very little time at sea. However, if there was a break in Scott’s world, it was indeed during the few chapters that featured ships, pirates, and the sea. For Scott, it was all about the land. In contrast, these same few corresponding chapters in Cooper’s book were far better than the balance of his story. Thus, I think that Scott wrote the better book.
The difficulties with The Pirate reside in its age. Of course, early 19th century English is something of its own dialect that can be difficult to follow. Along these same lines, the 19th century dialect of the Shetland Islanders, as phonetically written by Scott, is at times all but impossible to understand. Additionally, Scott may go a bit too far in setting the mood of the islands by freely including verses of poetry and songs in his prose. While a few of these inclusions were essential, most tended to be distracting.
Overall, The Pirate is a touching love story that evolves from the life and struggles of its participants. Human complexity and dichotomy are realistically depicted. The characters are not sure-footed creatures that make their next move as a matter of course. But most of all, The Pirate captures the feeling of a remote land, isolated in time, and brought to life through Scott’s words. Anyone considering future travels through these islands would be well served by reading this book, preferably by a fireplace on a rainy day looking out upon fields of moss-covered peat that drop off over cliffs that rise up from the sea.
Currently reading
February 9, 2009I never thought I'd read anything by Scott, but in researching Shetland pirates, I came across this. The style's digressive and urbane, and I like it a lot already. It's certainly not a challenging read, but it is interesting.
I'm reading the digitized 1872 edition on Google Books here.
I'm reading the digitized 1872 edition on Google Books here.
November 16, 2021
A very pleasant tale of a young man, Mordaunt Mertoun and his rather eccentric father, who take up residence in Yarlshof, a ruined habitation on a deserted piece of the coastline in Zetland - nowadays known as Shetland, a group of islands off the northeast coast of Scotland. The title character - whom it is not revealed is a follower of this buccaneering profession until well into the novel - (the first use of the word 'pirate' comes on page 443) is rescued by Mordaunt from a ship which is dashed to pieces on the rocks. He then makes his way to Burgh Westra, the home of Magnus Troil and his lovely daughters Minna and Brenda. They are polar opposites: the former dark, melancholy and intellectual; the latter, light, cheery and somewhat frivolous. They are close friends with Mordaunt, who is also always welcomed by their father. This changes during the stay of Clement Cleveland (the pirate) with the Troils, and is slowly becomes apparent to Mordaunt that their positive feelings for him have significantly altered. A major character throughout the novel is Norna of the Fitful Head, generally regarded by the island's inhabitants as a witch who can use spells to alter the weather.
Minor characters - and real delights they are - are Triptolemus Yellowley and his haridan of a sister Barbara. He was sent to study religion, but only paid attention during lessons dealing with agricultural practices, which he tries, with absolutely no success, to reform on the island. Pacolet, a repulsive dwarf, lives with Norna in her habitation among ruins by the promontory of her title. There is also a fiddler, rhymester and interminable story-teller Claud Halcro, who once met John Dryden ('Wonderful John') and must be actively discouraged from recounting the tale ad nauseum. An itinerant pedlar, Bryce Snailsfoot, was more concerned with looting Cleveland's chest while Mordaunt was trying to save the pirate's life and is in fact the one responsible for spreading scurrilous rumours about Mordaunt among the Troil family.
Eventually, Cleveland and Mordaunt come to blows over the young ladies and the manner in which this is sorted out is complicated by the arrival of Cleveland's sister ship in Kirkwall harbour and the intercession of his crew, which upset his plans to leave pirating behind in order to pursue his love for Minna. At least two relatively shocking revelations of unknown parentage (the first, I'd figured out long before; the second, I never would have seen coming), one happy marriage, a return to the true religion and a glorious death in battle tie up a novel in which Scott had all his juggling balls nicely balanced through his adroit handling of plot, character, humour, love and geography.
One of the very best of the Waverley novels. Highly recommended.
Minor characters - and real delights they are - are Triptolemus Yellowley and his haridan of a sister Barbara. He was sent to study religion, but only paid attention during lessons dealing with agricultural practices, which he tries, with absolutely no success, to reform on the island. Pacolet, a repulsive dwarf, lives with Norna in her habitation among ruins by the promontory of her title. There is also a fiddler, rhymester and interminable story-teller Claud Halcro, who once met John Dryden ('Wonderful John') and must be actively discouraged from recounting the tale ad nauseum. An itinerant pedlar, Bryce Snailsfoot, was more concerned with looting Cleveland's chest while Mordaunt was trying to save the pirate's life and is in fact the one responsible for spreading scurrilous rumours about Mordaunt among the Troil family.
Eventually, Cleveland and Mordaunt come to blows over the young ladies and the manner in which this is sorted out is complicated by the arrival of Cleveland's sister ship in Kirkwall harbour and the intercession of his crew, which upset his plans to leave pirating behind in order to pursue his love for Minna. At least two relatively shocking revelations of unknown parentage (the first, I'd figured out long before; the second, I never would have seen coming), one happy marriage, a return to the true religion and a glorious death in battle tie up a novel in which Scott had all his juggling balls nicely balanced through his adroit handling of plot, character, humour, love and geography.
One of the very best of the Waverley novels. Highly recommended.
December 27, 2012
This is set in Shetland (my home) and I've been meaning to read it for a good long time. However my edition was a solid brown-covered 1920s one, and it took resolution to open it, knowing that I was in for a hard 50 pages before the story began. I was wrong - for Scott, the story began pretty briskly, and once I was in, I was hooked - great characters, mystery, twists, everything that made him a great novelist. Except for the ending, I'd rate it as one of his good ones. I might even have another go at The Heart of Midlothian now ...
I won't spoil the plot but it involves a night and day pair of sisters, dark, romantic Minna and sunny Brenda - Norna the seer and wise-woman who can command the elements - our hero, Mordaunt, and his strange father - Magnus Troil, the Foude and archetypal NOrse Shetlander. The first half is set in Shetland, then the story moves to Orkney.
It was set in the late seventeenth century, and some of the language creaked a bit, especially when the characters got worked up - they went off into a 'high style' prose which smacked of Victorian melodrama.
From a Shetland point of view, it was really interesting. A lot of the 'old customs' he mentions I've heard of too - did they really survive until modern times, or was it just that Victorians here read it, and that revived the customs? One that was new to me was the use of ponies - you just grabbed one from a passing herd, rode it to where you were going, and then loosed it to make its own way home.
The edition I eventually read was a modern Shetland Times one - I hope it'll encourage more folk to read this neglected classic.
I won't spoil the plot but it involves a night and day pair of sisters, dark, romantic Minna and sunny Brenda - Norna the seer and wise-woman who can command the elements - our hero, Mordaunt, and his strange father - Magnus Troil, the Foude and archetypal NOrse Shetlander. The first half is set in Shetland, then the story moves to Orkney.
It was set in the late seventeenth century, and some of the language creaked a bit, especially when the characters got worked up - they went off into a 'high style' prose which smacked of Victorian melodrama.
From a Shetland point of view, it was really interesting. A lot of the 'old customs' he mentions I've heard of too - did they really survive until modern times, or was it just that Victorians here read it, and that revived the customs? One that was new to me was the use of ponies - you just grabbed one from a passing herd, rode it to where you were going, and then loosed it to make its own way home.
The edition I eventually read was a modern Shetland Times one - I hope it'll encourage more folk to read this neglected classic.
March 11, 2010
Scott throws together the most interesting ingredients-- pirates, the Dwarfie Stone, Norna of the Fitful Head, bland, the Stones of Stennis-- and this fearlessness covers a multitude of sins. Not that I find a multitude of sins; I like Scott and I don't think he deserves his ignominy. He's got panache, he's got poetry, and he's got a friend in me.
Want to read
March 6, 2014
The link: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42389
September 24, 2022
My comments in video: https://youtu.be/S1hJDVTUhNs
The Cervantes of piracy.
This entertaining work of the English writer, shows the great admiration he had for Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra when trying to emulate him in humor, in the importance and presence of the narrator, in the archetypal figure of the bandit-pirate, in the contrast of letters and weapons, in the use of spells and oracles, and even showing us that the pirate is like a errant knight. But in addition to all of the above, the female figure that stands out (which reminds me of "the brave" movie of Disney is interesting, apart from the obvious reference to "Pirates of the Caribbean") because it seems to me that it is the main character and focus of the drama. The descriptions of the landscapes, customs and history of Shetland that presents us are also lovely (perfect combination of literature and history). All that makes this work a magnificent, entertaining and enriching reading. Do you think Scott admired and tried to emulate Cervantes? I await his comments.
El Cervantes de la piratería.
Esta entretenida obra del escritor inglés, muestra la gran admiración que tuvo por Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra al tratar de emularlo en el humor, en la importancia y presencia del narrador, en la figura arquetípica del bandido-pirata, en la contraposición de letras y armas, en el uso de sortilegios y oráculos, y hasta mostrándonos que el pirata es como un caballero andante. Pero adicional a todo lo anterior, resulta interesante la figura femenina que destaca (que me recuerda la película Valiente de Disney, aparte de la obvia referencia a "Piratas del Caribe") pues me parece que es el personaje principal y foco del drama. También son encantadoras las descripciones de los paisajes, costumbres e historia de Shetland que nos presenta (perfecta combinación de literatura e historia). Todo eso hace de esta obra una magnífica, entretenida y enriquecedora lectura. ¿Creen que Scott admiraba y trató de emular a Cervantes? Espero sus comentarios.
The Cervantes of piracy.
This entertaining work of the English writer, shows the great admiration he had for Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra when trying to emulate him in humor, in the importance and presence of the narrator, in the archetypal figure of the bandit-pirate, in the contrast of letters and weapons, in the use of spells and oracles, and even showing us that the pirate is like a errant knight. But in addition to all of the above, the female figure that stands out (which reminds me of "the brave" movie of Disney is interesting, apart from the obvious reference to "Pirates of the Caribbean") because it seems to me that it is the main character and focus of the drama. The descriptions of the landscapes, customs and history of Shetland that presents us are also lovely (perfect combination of literature and history). All that makes this work a magnificent, entertaining and enriching reading. Do you think Scott admired and tried to emulate Cervantes? I await his comments.
El Cervantes de la piratería.
Esta entretenida obra del escritor inglés, muestra la gran admiración que tuvo por Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra al tratar de emularlo en el humor, en la importancia y presencia del narrador, en la figura arquetípica del bandido-pirata, en la contraposición de letras y armas, en el uso de sortilegios y oráculos, y hasta mostrándonos que el pirata es como un caballero andante. Pero adicional a todo lo anterior, resulta interesante la figura femenina que destaca (que me recuerda la película Valiente de Disney, aparte de la obvia referencia a "Piratas del Caribe") pues me parece que es el personaje principal y foco del drama. También son encantadoras las descripciones de los paisajes, costumbres e historia de Shetland que nos presenta (perfecta combinación de literatura e historia). Todo eso hace de esta obra una magnífica, entretenida y enriquecedora lectura. ¿Creen que Scott admiraba y trató de emular a Cervantes? Espero sus comentarios.
October 4, 2017
I'm very happy with how the story concluded.
January 24, 2024
OK, if you don't like Walter Scott novels, this is not for you. And it's not the Bride of Lammermoor or Heart of Midlothian, so I suppose it's not absolutely his best. But come on. How can you put down a book with a character named Habakkuk Mucklewrath. He almost writes himself as soon as you get the name. Prefigures the Dickens touch with really great, tenderly drawn small characters. What is especially good about this one is the ability to put a clear and sympathetic lens on so many different players in the dispute with the Scotch Covenanters. The sympathetic portrait of Claverhouse, for example, is particularly deft.
May 21, 2020
“El Pirata”, publicada en 1822, es una novela histórica, romántica y costumbrista del autor escoces Walter Scott. La obra se inspiró en el legendario país de Thule y en la historia de “Gowl el Pirata”, referida al autor por una vieja sibila durante un viaje por las costas e islas de Escocia en 1814. La novela está ambientada en el Siglo XVI, los parajes gélidos del archipiélago de Shetland y de las Islas Orcadas, apartados reductos geográficos taciturnos y supersticiosos, abrigan viejas y nuevas leyendas. Scott reconstruye, a través de su potente inventiva y del registro histórico, un sitio de mitologías nórdicas con brujas, piratas y pasiones. A pesar de que en el prólogo menciona que la mayoría de costumbres, normas y convenciones sociales de la época son producto de su imaginación, el carácter tan vivo y candoroso de sus pinturas literarias, hizo que sobrepasen la ficción para instalarse en los imaginarios colectivos del pasado y del presente: “Walter Scott inventó Escocia”. Sitios sagrados paganos, montañas escarpadas y violentas tormentas se confabulan para dotar a la novela de un aire trágico, gótico y glacial. La primera parte de la obra presenta a los personajes envolviéndolos en cierto aire de misterio que se irá desvelando al pasar de los capítulos: el viejo Mertoum que llega a Shetland para establecerse en el lugar más miserable y apartado junto a su hijo Mordaut, valiente joven que deleita con sus bailes y encantos, honesto y arrojado, rescata de las mortales aguas a Cleveland el pirata. Magnus Troil, antiguo udaller de las Islas que lleva en su sangre dinastías norsas por heredad, cariñoso padre de Minna, altiva y espiritual, templada al fragor de las hazañas marítimas de los héroes vikingos, acostumbrada a los aciagos conjuros de la nórdica tradición; y de Brenda, risueña, jovial, perspicaz y dicharachera compañera de juegos y aventuras. Minna es la noche, Brenda es el día. El capitán Cleveland sobrevive al naufragio de su barco gracias a la ayuda de Mertoum sellando una alianza y enemistad que los llevará a batirse por el corazón de las hermanas Troil, sin sospechar que un secreto se abate hermanándolos. Sin embargo, es Norna de Fitful Head, extravagante hechicera, el personaje más interesante y singular del relato, aquella que desencadena los acontecimientos, que trama y ejecuta las intrigas, aquella que lleva el sino de su propia destrucción en sus actos, la que guarda consigo, las ideas de Scott objetivadas en la novela.
Norna de Fitful Head se erige como un ser a medio camino entre este mundo y el de los muertos, una mujer de vida trágica que pactó con el diablo para sobrevivir a la injusticia, al desamor, al abandono y al parricidio. Norna vive rústica y enajenada en los abruptos costaneros con un enano lengudo a su servicio, luce ataviada de extrañas vestimentas deambulando por la región, suscitando el miedo y desvarío entre las gentes que la creen con poderes para controlar las tormentas y los mares, para maldecirlos hasta la simiente o concederles indulgencia. Norna preparó trucos y artimañas, uso plantas y secretos, caminó por pasadizos y senderos para engañar a los Shetlandeses, pero no pudo engañarse a sí misma, en el fondo se sabía falsa y embustera. Adoptó el misticismo para solventar el dolor de su alma sangrante, el sortilegio para protegerse de un escarnio, una culpa y una humillación que la devoraba, y que nadie percibía excepto ella; se convirtió en bruja para proteger a los suyos, su linaje, sus creencias, sus costumbres y a su hijo, al que sus místicos disparates casi conducen al cadalso. La segunda parte de la novela desarrolla la trama marcando un contraste entre las viejas y nuevas ideas, el progreso se enfrenta a la costumbre, el cambio a la tradición, la religión monoteísta a los dioses tutelares vikingos, que celosos, intentarán conservar sus dominios a través de los conjuros de Norna. La hechicera equivoca sus consignas, confunde sus caminos y sus lúcidas maniobras se descubren erradas. Convino entonces enmendar los rituales, dejar de lado los fanatismos y abrazar las prácticas cotidianas de sus vecinos. Norna renuncia a la superstición acogiendo el perdón, su propio perdón.
Walter Scott nos entrega una novela vibrante, el ritmo inicial es algo lento y las descripciones de los lugares y vestimentas son un poco pesadas, sin embargo, los caracteres de los personajes están muy bien retratados de forma que entendemos sus motivaciones y conflictos al encarar los lances y maniobras, lo que agilita la lectura a partir de la mitad. El pirata no es una novela de aventuras, aunque las tiene, es una novela histórica, romántica y costumbrista que se aleja en tono y temática de otras novelas náuticas y de piratas por su hincapié en el contrapunto que ofrece la religión/superstición. Sott rinde homenaje a Shetland y a las Orcadas al retratar de forma magistral los orígenes mitológicos de las Islas y algunos de sus ritos preponderantes, a la vez que los confronta a las ideas de su época. Para Scott la magia es una treta, un motivo del “atraso” y degradación; serán los humanos, y no los dioses, los causantes de sus propias dichas y pesares. Por eso establece en “el Pirata” el triunfo de la justicia, la ciencia y la religión, con sus mecanismos imperfectos, pero humanos al fin. Para Scott y para mí, la magia verdadera es la literatura.
Norna de Fitful Head se erige como un ser a medio camino entre este mundo y el de los muertos, una mujer de vida trágica que pactó con el diablo para sobrevivir a la injusticia, al desamor, al abandono y al parricidio. Norna vive rústica y enajenada en los abruptos costaneros con un enano lengudo a su servicio, luce ataviada de extrañas vestimentas deambulando por la región, suscitando el miedo y desvarío entre las gentes que la creen con poderes para controlar las tormentas y los mares, para maldecirlos hasta la simiente o concederles indulgencia. Norna preparó trucos y artimañas, uso plantas y secretos, caminó por pasadizos y senderos para engañar a los Shetlandeses, pero no pudo engañarse a sí misma, en el fondo se sabía falsa y embustera. Adoptó el misticismo para solventar el dolor de su alma sangrante, el sortilegio para protegerse de un escarnio, una culpa y una humillación que la devoraba, y que nadie percibía excepto ella; se convirtió en bruja para proteger a los suyos, su linaje, sus creencias, sus costumbres y a su hijo, al que sus místicos disparates casi conducen al cadalso. La segunda parte de la novela desarrolla la trama marcando un contraste entre las viejas y nuevas ideas, el progreso se enfrenta a la costumbre, el cambio a la tradición, la religión monoteísta a los dioses tutelares vikingos, que celosos, intentarán conservar sus dominios a través de los conjuros de Norna. La hechicera equivoca sus consignas, confunde sus caminos y sus lúcidas maniobras se descubren erradas. Convino entonces enmendar los rituales, dejar de lado los fanatismos y abrazar las prácticas cotidianas de sus vecinos. Norna renuncia a la superstición acogiendo el perdón, su propio perdón.
Walter Scott nos entrega una novela vibrante, el ritmo inicial es algo lento y las descripciones de los lugares y vestimentas son un poco pesadas, sin embargo, los caracteres de los personajes están muy bien retratados de forma que entendemos sus motivaciones y conflictos al encarar los lances y maniobras, lo que agilita la lectura a partir de la mitad. El pirata no es una novela de aventuras, aunque las tiene, es una novela histórica, romántica y costumbrista que se aleja en tono y temática de otras novelas náuticas y de piratas por su hincapié en el contrapunto que ofrece la religión/superstición. Sott rinde homenaje a Shetland y a las Orcadas al retratar de forma magistral los orígenes mitológicos de las Islas y algunos de sus ritos preponderantes, a la vez que los confronta a las ideas de su época. Para Scott la magia es una treta, un motivo del “atraso” y degradación; serán los humanos, y no los dioses, los causantes de sus propias dichas y pesares. Por eso establece en “el Pirata” el triunfo de la justicia, la ciencia y la religión, con sus mecanismos imperfectos, pero humanos al fin. Para Scott y para mí, la magia verdadera es la literatura.
December 8, 2021
This is Scott’s only novel set in the Shetland Islands, and this sets it apart from other Scottish novels. The Shetlands, of course, are famously very un-Scottish, on account of their distinctive Norse history and culture. By setting the novel in the seventeenth century, Scott makes this distinctiveness even more apparent.
I loved the atmosphere and sense of place. Some years ago I very nearly got to spend a week with a community of nuns living on Fetlar, one of the remotest and most northerly of the Shetland islands, and was very sorry when family commitments intervened to prevent my visit. (Alas, they’ve since moved to a less remote island, which doesn’t appeal so much, so I missed the opportunity).
The handsome young man who is Scott’s hero is slightly different from the usual in the sense that the mystery of his paternity is revealed in the most thrillingly unexpected fashion. The figure of the pirate Bunce – a frustrated actor – is played mostly for laughs, though one feels he would have been funnier for Scott’s contemporaries than for us. The hero Mordaunt Mertoun (what a name!) often takes out his frustrations by shooting at seals or seagulls, which considerably diminishes his heroism in my eyes, and was for me the most unpleasant part of the narrative. Autre temps, autre moeurs.
The real scene stealer, though, is the female lead Norna of the Fitful Head, who is a superbly realised character radiating strangeness, mystery and awe. But there are a lot of excellent characters here, and all with splendid names. (I’m thinking of changing my name to Triptolemus Yellowley. What a pity covid regulations mean that one is now denied the innocent pleasure of using a nom de plume like that to book a restaurant table or sign a hotel register).
I loved the atmosphere and sense of place. Some years ago I very nearly got to spend a week with a community of nuns living on Fetlar, one of the remotest and most northerly of the Shetland islands, and was very sorry when family commitments intervened to prevent my visit. (Alas, they’ve since moved to a less remote island, which doesn’t appeal so much, so I missed the opportunity).
The handsome young man who is Scott’s hero is slightly different from the usual in the sense that the mystery of his paternity is revealed in the most thrillingly unexpected fashion. The figure of the pirate Bunce – a frustrated actor – is played mostly for laughs, though one feels he would have been funnier for Scott’s contemporaries than for us. The hero Mordaunt Mertoun (what a name!) often takes out his frustrations by shooting at seals or seagulls, which considerably diminishes his heroism in my eyes, and was for me the most unpleasant part of the narrative. Autre temps, autre moeurs.
The real scene stealer, though, is the female lead Norna of the Fitful Head, who is a superbly realised character radiating strangeness, mystery and awe. But there are a lot of excellent characters here, and all with splendid names. (I’m thinking of changing my name to Triptolemus Yellowley. What a pity covid regulations mean that one is now denied the innocent pleasure of using a nom de plume like that to book a restaurant table or sign a hotel register).
August 13, 2017
Publicada originalmente en 1821, la novela está parcialmente basada en John Gow un célebre pirata mencionado por Daniel Defoe. Este libro es una adaptación juvenil e ilustrada bastante corta y sencilla de leer editada por Ariel, en su colección “Juvenil Ilustrada”. Las supersticiones y las intrigas amorosas de Escocia y sus mitos nórdicos, son el marco en donde se desarrolla esta trama y no altamar como me imaginaba. Un relato que tiene costumbrismo, romanticismo, y aventuras.
Un barco naufraga cerca de las Islas Shetland en el punto más septentrional de Reino Unido, un lugar rústico, con tradiciones isleñas y supersticiones arraigadas. El capitán Cleveland es rescatado por el joven Mordaunt, habitante predilecto de las Islas y favorito del udaller, Magnus Troil y sus hijas Minna y Brenda. Durante el rescate aparece también la vieja Norna, de quién se cuenta, posee poderes sobrenaturales.
El amor y la magia se mezcla en los acontecimientos. Minna y Brenda se enamoran de Cleveland y Mordaunt pero no está muy clara la conformación de las parejas. Entre el pirata y el isleño surge una rivalidad por el corazón de una de las hijas del udaller. Nos enteramos que Norna tuvo un hijo que le fue arrebato y que provocó su locura. Los personajes protagónicos y secundarios están muy bien logrados; el recurso narrativo que separa las historias de los personajes por capítulos dotan de riqueza a la trama al brindar detalles de la vida de cada uno de ellos.
El ritmo empieza algo lento y va creciendo hasta un final trepidante y repleto de emoción. Además de la interesante trama, es materia de análisis el contexto socio-político-cultural lleno de bellas pinceladas y pormenores históricos. Un clásico de la literatura de piratas.
Un barco naufraga cerca de las Islas Shetland en el punto más septentrional de Reino Unido, un lugar rústico, con tradiciones isleñas y supersticiones arraigadas. El capitán Cleveland es rescatado por el joven Mordaunt, habitante predilecto de las Islas y favorito del udaller, Magnus Troil y sus hijas Minna y Brenda. Durante el rescate aparece también la vieja Norna, de quién se cuenta, posee poderes sobrenaturales.
El amor y la magia se mezcla en los acontecimientos. Minna y Brenda se enamoran de Cleveland y Mordaunt pero no está muy clara la conformación de las parejas. Entre el pirata y el isleño surge una rivalidad por el corazón de una de las hijas del udaller. Nos enteramos que Norna tuvo un hijo que le fue arrebato y que provocó su locura. Los personajes protagónicos y secundarios están muy bien logrados; el recurso narrativo que separa las historias de los personajes por capítulos dotan de riqueza a la trama al brindar detalles de la vida de cada uno de ellos.
El ritmo empieza algo lento y va creciendo hasta un final trepidante y repleto de emoción. Además de la interesante trama, es materia de análisis el contexto socio-político-cultural lleno de bellas pinceladas y pormenores históricos. Un clásico de la literatura de piratas.
June 7, 2020
I read most of Scott's novels a good many years ago, but it seems that The Pirate is one that escaped my attention. It is, as Scott novels go, fairly lightweight, definitely an entertainment rather than a novel (to borrow Graham Greene's distinction); but, like so many (perhaps all?) of his works, it is centred on a conflict between characters and values which are, broadly speaking, ancient, mysterious, romantic, passionate and those which are, by contrast, modern, enlightened, rational, unsentimental. This conflict expresses itself partly through the question as to which of the two Troil daughters, Minna or Brenda, will become the bride of Mordaunt; and it is a mark of the comparative weakness of this work that the final union of Mordaunt with Brenda is not prepared for by any convincing exploration of the feelings of the parties concerned. It is rather sprung upon us, in the final pages of the novel, as one element in the winding up of the various strands of the tale whereby the forces of rational modernity are seen to triumph over those of primitive superstition. That said, The Pirate is, like all Scott novels I have read, a thoroughly compelling narrative.
April 11, 2016
Sir Walter's usual great cast of characters but with a slightly different setting this time: the Shetlands and Orkneys, which he makes clear to the reader, may be ruled by Scotland but are populated by a proud race of Scandinavians who would rather be left alone.
Want to read
March 25, 2013Free download available at Project Gutenberg.
June 12, 2014
Despite slow and winding parts, The Pirate remains a cracking read, especially for those with an interest in Shetland!
April 23, 2024
I don't really give half-stars, but this was right between a 4 and a 5 for me. I'd rather give it 4.5.
I liked it quite a bit, and found it hugely informative. I expected it to be more tropical, with a lot more time on ship, and was disappointed at first that almost the whole novel takes place on the main island in Shetland, but that ended up being a really cool setting for the novel. (I think it's meant to be set in the 1700s, probably 1720s, but it could be later.) I've never read anything set there, or in the neighboring islands of the Orkneys, and it was an education. Now I can picture them as they were--their stark beauty, the independent inhabitants, their way of life, the history of the people (both Norse and Scots), and more of that sort. I liked how the setting was a kind of character in the novel.
It's also an interesting and entertaining story. Scott often tells excellent adventure stories, and this is partly in that mold, but it's also about half "novel of manners," taking place largely in a few upper-class homes. Much of it takes place during a long celebration at the home of the wealthiest landowner, the father of the two most sought-after young women, and it has the feel of something you might find in Austen or Eliot.
As you often see in a Scott work, the most striking feature of the novel is its characters: the blunt but generous nobleman, Magnus Troil; the witch-like Norna; the reclusive stranger, Mr. Mertoun; his athletic and well-liked son, Mordaunt; the shipwrecked stranger Mordaunt saved from drowning, Cleveland, who is the eponymous pirate; the beautiful and romantic Minna and her practical sister Brenda; the tiresome poet, Claud Halcro; the Scottish reformer, Triptolemus; and many more memorable characters. Though the style is ornate and the tone is romantic and adventurous, I found these characters surprisingly round and dynamic, especially for the time. Even when the mood turns Gothic, there was plenty of realism shining through, and the characters continued to seem largely plausible and real.
We do, by the end, find real pirates on a real ship, with actual cannons getting run out, and townsmen gathering their weapons to defend themselves, and there's some excellent pirate action. But despite this, and despite the name, it's more about eerie Norna's machinations and the strange way fate works itself out. And I was actually surprised at the ending, though it was very satisfying.
There is a plot, btw. Mordaunt loves one of the young women, and he was well received in her father's home, but Cleveland spreads lies that Magnus Troil is too ready to believe, putting him on the outs. Mordaunt and Cleveland become rivals and then enemies, even though they each saved the other from drowning at different times. Romantic Minna dreams of Viking times and loves Cleveland despite (and partly because of) his violent past, though many around her want to save her from a rogue like him. And Mordaunt actually loves the younger sister, though Norna insists it's his fate to marry the elder.
It's good.
Recommended for readers of 19th century adventure novels. This is one of Scott's better books, too, IMO.
I liked it quite a bit, and found it hugely informative. I expected it to be more tropical, with a lot more time on ship, and was disappointed at first that almost the whole novel takes place on the main island in Shetland, but that ended up being a really cool setting for the novel. (I think it's meant to be set in the 1700s, probably 1720s, but it could be later.) I've never read anything set there, or in the neighboring islands of the Orkneys, and it was an education. Now I can picture them as they were--their stark beauty, the independent inhabitants, their way of life, the history of the people (both Norse and Scots), and more of that sort. I liked how the setting was a kind of character in the novel.
It's also an interesting and entertaining story. Scott often tells excellent adventure stories, and this is partly in that mold, but it's also about half "novel of manners," taking place largely in a few upper-class homes. Much of it takes place during a long celebration at the home of the wealthiest landowner, the father of the two most sought-after young women, and it has the feel of something you might find in Austen or Eliot.
As you often see in a Scott work, the most striking feature of the novel is its characters: the blunt but generous nobleman, Magnus Troil; the witch-like Norna; the reclusive stranger, Mr. Mertoun; his athletic and well-liked son, Mordaunt; the shipwrecked stranger Mordaunt saved from drowning, Cleveland, who is the eponymous pirate; the beautiful and romantic Minna and her practical sister Brenda; the tiresome poet, Claud Halcro; the Scottish reformer, Triptolemus; and many more memorable characters. Though the style is ornate and the tone is romantic and adventurous, I found these characters surprisingly round and dynamic, especially for the time. Even when the mood turns Gothic, there was plenty of realism shining through, and the characters continued to seem largely plausible and real.
We do, by the end, find real pirates on a real ship, with actual cannons getting run out, and townsmen gathering their weapons to defend themselves, and there's some excellent pirate action. But despite this, and despite the name, it's more about eerie Norna's machinations and the strange way fate works itself out. And I was actually surprised at the ending, though it was very satisfying.
There is a plot, btw. Mordaunt loves one of the young women, and he was well received in her father's home, but Cleveland spreads lies that Magnus Troil is too ready to believe, putting him on the outs. Mordaunt and Cleveland become rivals and then enemies, even though they each saved the other from drowning at different times. Romantic Minna dreams of Viking times and loves Cleveland despite (and partly because of) his violent past, though many around her want to save her from a rogue like him. And Mordaunt actually loves the younger sister, though Norna insists it's his fate to marry the elder.
It's good.
Recommended for readers of 19th century adventure novels. This is one of Scott's better books, too, IMO.
February 17, 2023
Cuando comienzo a leer un libro sobre piratas lo primero que viene a mi mente es el mar Caribe o el mar del sur de China, al menos las costas de Somalia. Pues bien, este libro se desarrolla en las Islas Shetland. Y de nuevo, lo primero que viene a mi mente es que el caballo más pequeño del mundo es el pony de las Islas Shetland. Creo que a eso se reducían mis memorias sobre aquella tierra, ubicada a las puertas del circulo ártico, pero con un invierno más suave que el que tenemos en Chihuahua: bastante agradable para la latitud en que se encuentra.
Además del ambiente tan disímbolo a los otros libros de piratería, este se distingue además de ello en el retrato poco simpático de los piratas. Finalmente la piratería, como toda actividad ilícita, no es motivo de orgullo, y los piratas no serían personas en quienes se depositaría demasiada confianza. Al menos en los que se apegan más a la realidad, y no en caballeros tan íntegros como El Corsario Negro o Sandokan .
Así lo saben y lo reconocen algunos de los piratas en esta obra. Pese a ello y a sus denodados esfuerzos, les resulta imposible desasirse de su pasado: aun cuando la justicia terrena los exonera de sus delitos, la culpa y el estigma los persigue en tanto se sabe de sus correrías en la Nueva España de mediados del siglo XVII. Solo el anonimato los abriga del descrédito o la muerte en el campo del honor los rehabilita.
La novela en general es un cuadro de costumbres de las Islas Shetland de la época, conocidas por Walter Scott de primera mano en un viaje a las islas británicas más septentrionales. Vecinas de Escocia, pero con profundas raíces en la cultura nórdica, que las unen más a Noruega que a la pérfida Albión.
Los personajes están vivos, es posible reconocerles carácter, y las reacciones a las circunstancias que se les presentan pueden anticiparse en ocasiones. Hay una galería de tipos y estereotipos, como en Ivanhoe , que incluyen elementos humorísticos, héroes verosímiles, patriarcas orgullosos de su linaje e identidades misteriosas. Todos los elementos que mejor recuerdo de la novela de El cruzado, y por los que le ganaron un lugar entre mis favoritos.
Una gran y agradable diferencia es Norna de Fitful-Head, dama de orígenes arcanos, con una inteligencia, sensibilidad y capacidad observadora que la hace aparecer como sobrenatural a los ojos de casi todos. Los capítulos en los que la acción se centra en ella son los mejores del libro. A esto agrego las descripciones del paisaje y la naturaleza y el retrato de las costumbres de los shetlandeses y con esto tenemos un libro que disfruté en su mayor parte.
Además del ambiente tan disímbolo a los otros libros de piratería, este se distingue además de ello en el retrato poco simpático de los piratas. Finalmente la piratería, como toda actividad ilícita, no es motivo de orgullo, y los piratas no serían personas en quienes se depositaría demasiada confianza. Al menos en los que se apegan más a la realidad, y no en caballeros tan íntegros como El Corsario Negro o Sandokan .
Así lo saben y lo reconocen algunos de los piratas en esta obra. Pese a ello y a sus denodados esfuerzos, les resulta imposible desasirse de su pasado: aun cuando la justicia terrena los exonera de sus delitos, la culpa y el estigma los persigue en tanto se sabe de sus correrías en la Nueva España de mediados del siglo XVII. Solo el anonimato los abriga del descrédito o la muerte en el campo del honor los rehabilita.
La novela en general es un cuadro de costumbres de las Islas Shetland de la época, conocidas por Walter Scott de primera mano en un viaje a las islas británicas más septentrionales. Vecinas de Escocia, pero con profundas raíces en la cultura nórdica, que las unen más a Noruega que a la pérfida Albión.
Los personajes están vivos, es posible reconocerles carácter, y las reacciones a las circunstancias que se les presentan pueden anticiparse en ocasiones. Hay una galería de tipos y estereotipos, como en Ivanhoe , que incluyen elementos humorísticos, héroes verosímiles, patriarcas orgullosos de su linaje e identidades misteriosas. Todos los elementos que mejor recuerdo de la novela de El cruzado, y por los que le ganaron un lugar entre mis favoritos.
Una gran y agradable diferencia es Norna de Fitful-Head, dama de orígenes arcanos, con una inteligencia, sensibilidad y capacidad observadora que la hace aparecer como sobrenatural a los ojos de casi todos. Los capítulos en los que la acción se centra en ella son los mejores del libro. A esto agrego las descripciones del paisaje y la naturaleza y el retrato de las costumbres de los shetlandeses y con esto tenemos un libro que disfruté en su mayor parte.
September 27, 2022
I listened to the LibriVox edition of this book. The soloist takes getting used to, but it's an acceptable rendering.
Lore has it that Victor Hugo was paid by the page, which is why his works are heavily padded with description and digression. I'd accuse Scott of the same charge, except his wordiness also involves so many 50-cent words that one almost needs an English degree to comprehend it all.
The story itself - which could have been told in half the time - is a good one. Mordant, the son of a recluse, rescues a shipwrecked sailor, who turns out to be a pirate captain. Both men vie for the attentions (and love) of the most important family in the area and come into conflict. Added to this is the mysterious old woman of the neighbourhood, credited with controlling the weather and other supernatural acts, who tries to orchestrate events and relationships.
If you have a lot of time to listen to this story, do so. But at least you're forewarned that you might keep saying to Scott, "Get on with it!"
Lore has it that Victor Hugo was paid by the page, which is why his works are heavily padded with description and digression. I'd accuse Scott of the same charge, except his wordiness also involves so many 50-cent words that one almost needs an English degree to comprehend it all.
The story itself - which could have been told in half the time - is a good one. Mordant, the son of a recluse, rescues a shipwrecked sailor, who turns out to be a pirate captain. Both men vie for the attentions (and love) of the most important family in the area and come into conflict. Added to this is the mysterious old woman of the neighbourhood, credited with controlling the weather and other supernatural acts, who tries to orchestrate events and relationships.
If you have a lot of time to listen to this story, do so. But at least you're forewarned that you might keep saying to Scott, "Get on with it!"
January 11, 2024
Looking for something good to read over the festive season I returned to one of my favourite authors. This was the 14th novel of Scott’s I have read and it did not disappoint. Whereas several of his previous stories might be classified as historical fiction in that they have been written around significant past events in Scotland or England, this was a romantic novel set in the past. The action takes place in the Shetland and Orkney islands, in places that Scott had visited earlier in his life. This provided him with a rich resource of geographical locations, many of them wild, remote and experiencing extremes of weather. His rich descriptions of these made them feel very real. This and his strong characterisation made the book entertaining. Whilst some of the traits exhibited by his characters might be predicted from previous novels (eg. the dashing, virtuous young hero, the niggardly, sour, housewife, the eccentric ‘mad’ witch) they all play their parts in the enjoyment of the story. Add to this a strong plot, with some unexpected twists and turns, and you have a good, escapist read.
December 31, 2023
This book is not what I expected at all, so be warned, but definitely worth reading. It's not so much about pirates and more about Shetland and Orkney Isles - the landscape, it's folklore and norse roots. It starts a bit slow and begins as more of a tour through the Isles, but about halfway through there is romance and a lot of twists and turns. The ending is surprising, I didn't expect it at all, and I think every reader likes to be taken aback and caught off guard by the plot.
December 1, 2024
Този роман трябваше да се нарича Юдалерът или Двама братя, две сестри, въпреки, че така ще издаде сюжетната линия към края.
Като цяло, действието се развива в Шетландските и накрая в островите Оркни. Така, че в началото донякъде бях разочарован, че сюжетното действие не се води на ветроход сред океана в близост до топли острови на юг, вместо на ветровити острови на север. Но въпреки това, романът се оказа интересен и завладяващ.
Като цяло, действието се развива в Шетландските и накрая в островите Оркни. Така, че в началото донякъде бях разочарован, че сюжетното действие не се води на ветроход сред океана в близост до топли острови на юг, вместо на ветровити острови на север. Но въпреки това, романът се оказа интересен и завладяващ.
June 9, 2023
I absolutely loved the setting in Shetland and Orkney, and the illustrations of the landforms were beautiful. I read the 1901 Harper Thistle edition. This story had more twists near the end than other Scott novels I have read. I’d like to reread it sometime.
I picked up this one next because it was referenced so prominently in The Mill on the Floss. I wish poor Maggie had finished reading it.
I picked up this one next because it was referenced so prominently in The Mill on the Floss. I wish poor Maggie had finished reading it.
February 18, 2023
Es una obra creada en pleno romanticismo. Si bien entiendo el estilo y el ambiente que quiere recrear el autor, me resultó una lectura tediosa, muy lenta. Se salva un poco acercándose al desenlace, que tampoco es gran cosa. Esperaba más.
June 13, 2023
My favorite Sir Walter Scott so far. I enjoyed the bits of Scots and Gaelic and the story-line progressed at a steady rate. I was confused at first about why it is titled "The Pirate" since we don't encounter any pirates until half-way through.
August 2, 2024
I didn't enjoy this book as much as i would like to, the title had barely something to do with the actual content, i didn't finish it either, mainly because it bore me, i know someone else can enjoy it, i really don't know if i would ever try to read it again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2022
A fun read! Many beautiful and powerful scenes and fun characters -- Norna most of all -- but it took until the very last chapters before almost all of the action.
December 16, 2022
I can always count on Sir Walter Scott for a rousing romantic adventure.
July 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
When I grow up I want to be Norna of the Fitful Head
When I grow up I want to be Norna of the Fitful Head
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