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Морският ястреб
Oliver Tressilian, a Cornish gentleman who helped the English defeat the Spanish Armada, is betrayed by his ruthless half-brother and seeks refuge in the Middle East, where he takes on a new role as a Barbary pirate.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1915
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3406 people want to read
About the author
Rafael Sabatini
692 books539 followersRafael Sabatini (1875 - 1950) was an Italian/British writer of novels of romance and adventure. At a young age, Rafael was exposed to many languages. By the time he was seventeen, he was the master of five languages. He quickly added a sixth language - English - to his linguistic collection. After a brief stint in the business world, Sabatini went to work as a writer. He wrote short stories in the 1890s, and his first novel came out in 1902. Sabatini was a prolific writer; he produced a new book approximately every year. He consciously chose to write in his adopted language, because, he said, "all the best stories are written in English. " In all, he produced thirty one novels, eight short story collections, six nonfiction books, numerous uncollected short stories, and a play. He is best known for his world-wide bestsellers: The Sea Hawk (1915), Scaramouche (1921), Captain Blood (1922) and Bellarion the Fortunate (1926). Other famous works by Sabatini are The Lion's Skin (1911), The Strolling Saint (1913) and The Snare (1917).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
April 5, 2010
Rafael Sabatini! Oh, this generation doesn't even KNOW. This is a classic swashbuckling novel by the author of Captain Blood, and it is deliciously over the top. Handsome, powerful Oliver Tressilian, in love with the fair Rosamund, is working to overcome the opposition that Rosamund's sleazy brother and guardian are posing to their marriage. R's brother Peter provokes Oliver into public threats, but Oliver controls himself for love of his fair one; alas, Oliver's weasly brother Lionel kills Peter in a fight over the slut they both are hooking up with. Oliver (because he is THAT GUY) shoulders the blame to protect poor lil Lionel. But Lionel is afraid Oliver will break down and tell, so he has him kidnapped! And sold into slavery! And Oliver, crushed and betrayed, becomes Sakr el-Bahr, the Sea Hawk, scourge of the sea. AND THEN THEY ALL MEET UP AGAIN - Lionel, Oliver, and Rosamund. Oh yeah.
*sighs* You know you want to read it. Don't let your sophistication get in the way.
*sighs* You know you want to read it. Don't let your sophistication get in the way.
Read
December 19, 2025spoilers ahoy!
Jealous rivals deliver Sir Oliver Tressilian, English aristocrat and naval war hero, into the clutches of the Spanish Inquisition. Convicted of heresy and war crimes against the Spanish crown, he is sentenced to a long, grueling death by galley slavery. But Oliver's luck begins to change when he befriends his bench-mate in misery, a North African Muslim former pirate. When they are freed by a bold attack by the Barbary Corsairs, Oliver converts to Islam and joins up with his liberators. Now known as Sakr-el-Bahr, "the Hawk of the Sea," he becomes a legendary predator of Spanish shipping in the Mediterranean. But--this being a Rafael Sabatini novel--Oliver cannot escape the thought of Rosamund, the girl he left behind. His longing culminates at last in a daring Barbary raid of the English coast. Adventure, romance, revenge, betrayal, bloodshed, plot twists, and much else ensue, en route to a glorious, if bittersweet, finale. Altogether, The Sea Hawk is an exciting and skillfully-wrought swashbuckler: "top shelf" Sabatini, without question. (Although Scaramouche still sits above the shelf, alone.)
After three decades, a few thoughts occur to me about The Sea Hawk:
(1) This novel was my introduction to the Corsairs of Barbary, the Muslim pirates of the North African coast who waged relentless Jihad against the infidels of Europe for hundreds of years, right up until the early nineteenth century. I went on to learn a great deal about the Corsairs and the fascinating phase of history they inhabited, even incorporating them into some of my own early attempts at historical fiction. The Sea Hawk helped pique my curiosity about related subjects that became lifelong interests, from Islamic civilization to the the sixteenth century Mediterranean. I should take the opportunity here to acknowledge that this novel had a deep influence on me. It was one of those works of historical fiction that proved to be a portal into actual history. Even beyond the hours of reading pleasure it provided, I am grateful to Rafael Sabatini for writing it.
(2) The The Sea Hawk is just the sort of novel now routinely accused of "Orientalism," or of seeing the Muslim world through the colonialist lens as the "Other." I will not dispute this characterization. It's true enough. Yet I must also note that sixteenth century Islamic empires weren't a whit less imperialistic than their European contemporaries. They were just less well geographically situated for oceanic expansion. And no culture ever does, or ever could, perceive any other through a purely neutral lens. The implication-by-omission that this universal ethnocentrism is a uniquely or especially European failing is itself a textbook example of "Othering." Or at least it would be, if the academics who write modern textbooks weren't themselves so incessantly guilty of it.
I'd argue The Sea Hawk is noteworthy less for its condescension towards Islamic civilization than its genuine respect and admiration for it. There is no question Sabatini's perception of the Muslim world was distorted by romanticism. But his perception of all of history was distorted by romanticism. Maybe that's a failing, but if so it was a rather more general one. To my mind, it's nothing more than forgivable literary license.
(3) If you think the prospect of a sixteenth century English Muslim pirate is far fetched, think again. Many of the most notorious Barbary Corsairs were European turncoats who at least nominally embraced Islam to ply their trade under the protection of the Barbary states such as Algeria, Tunisia, or Tripoli.
The most famous of these was an Englishman named Jack Ward, also known as "Sparrow." (Sound familiar?) As "Yusuf Reis," Jack Ward commanded a pirate fleet based in Tunisia, and made his fortunes preying Spanish and Venetian ships with the support of the reigning Bey. Not even Oliver Tressilian's naval raid into the Atlantic turned out to be unrealistic. At their peak, the Barbary Corsairs often launch raids into the English channel, and ranged as far afield as Norway and Iceland.
(4) When I first picked up The Sea Hawk about thirty years ago, I assumed it was the basis of the old Errol Flynn film, which I'd watched several times on television as a boy. It turned out to be an entirely different, and a far superior, story. Only the name is the same. A modern day version, adapted from the novel, could be fantastic--if translated with the skill and attention to detail of, say, Master and Commander. But Hollywood, unfortunately, just doesn't make films like that anymore. Until or unless it ever does, I'll thank it kindly to leave The Sea Hawk alone.
Jealous rivals deliver Sir Oliver Tressilian, English aristocrat and naval war hero, into the clutches of the Spanish Inquisition. Convicted of heresy and war crimes against the Spanish crown, he is sentenced to a long, grueling death by galley slavery. But Oliver's luck begins to change when he befriends his bench-mate in misery, a North African Muslim former pirate. When they are freed by a bold attack by the Barbary Corsairs, Oliver converts to Islam and joins up with his liberators. Now known as Sakr-el-Bahr, "the Hawk of the Sea," he becomes a legendary predator of Spanish shipping in the Mediterranean. But--this being a Rafael Sabatini novel--Oliver cannot escape the thought of Rosamund, the girl he left behind. His longing culminates at last in a daring Barbary raid of the English coast. Adventure, romance, revenge, betrayal, bloodshed, plot twists, and much else ensue, en route to a glorious, if bittersweet, finale. Altogether, The Sea Hawk is an exciting and skillfully-wrought swashbuckler: "top shelf" Sabatini, without question. (Although Scaramouche still sits above the shelf, alone.)
After three decades, a few thoughts occur to me about The Sea Hawk:
(1) This novel was my introduction to the Corsairs of Barbary, the Muslim pirates of the North African coast who waged relentless Jihad against the infidels of Europe for hundreds of years, right up until the early nineteenth century. I went on to learn a great deal about the Corsairs and the fascinating phase of history they inhabited, even incorporating them into some of my own early attempts at historical fiction. The Sea Hawk helped pique my curiosity about related subjects that became lifelong interests, from Islamic civilization to the the sixteenth century Mediterranean. I should take the opportunity here to acknowledge that this novel had a deep influence on me. It was one of those works of historical fiction that proved to be a portal into actual history. Even beyond the hours of reading pleasure it provided, I am grateful to Rafael Sabatini for writing it.
(2) The The Sea Hawk is just the sort of novel now routinely accused of "Orientalism," or of seeing the Muslim world through the colonialist lens as the "Other." I will not dispute this characterization. It's true enough. Yet I must also note that sixteenth century Islamic empires weren't a whit less imperialistic than their European contemporaries. They were just less well geographically situated for oceanic expansion. And no culture ever does, or ever could, perceive any other through a purely neutral lens. The implication-by-omission that this universal ethnocentrism is a uniquely or especially European failing is itself a textbook example of "Othering." Or at least it would be, if the academics who write modern textbooks weren't themselves so incessantly guilty of it.
I'd argue The Sea Hawk is noteworthy less for its condescension towards Islamic civilization than its genuine respect and admiration for it. There is no question Sabatini's perception of the Muslim world was distorted by romanticism. But his perception of all of history was distorted by romanticism. Maybe that's a failing, but if so it was a rather more general one. To my mind, it's nothing more than forgivable literary license.
(3) If you think the prospect of a sixteenth century English Muslim pirate is far fetched, think again. Many of the most notorious Barbary Corsairs were European turncoats who at least nominally embraced Islam to ply their trade under the protection of the Barbary states such as Algeria, Tunisia, or Tripoli.
The most famous of these was an Englishman named Jack Ward, also known as "Sparrow." (Sound familiar?) As "Yusuf Reis," Jack Ward commanded a pirate fleet based in Tunisia, and made his fortunes preying Spanish and Venetian ships with the support of the reigning Bey. Not even Oliver Tressilian's naval raid into the Atlantic turned out to be unrealistic. At their peak, the Barbary Corsairs often launch raids into the English channel, and ranged as far afield as Norway and Iceland.
(4) When I first picked up The Sea Hawk about thirty years ago, I assumed it was the basis of the old Errol Flynn film, which I'd watched several times on television as a boy. It turned out to be an entirely different, and a far superior, story. Only the name is the same. A modern day version, adapted from the novel, could be fantastic--if translated with the skill and attention to detail of, say, Master and Commander. But Hollywood, unfortunately, just doesn't make films like that anymore. Until or unless it ever does, I'll thank it kindly to leave The Sea Hawk alone.
February 21, 2024
শ্রেষ্ঠ একটা থ্রিলার পড়ার মতো আনন্দ পেয়েছি। প্রতিটা পৃষ্ঠা তারিয়ে তারিয়ে উপভোগ করেছি; এজন্য অনুবাদকের কৃতিত্ব শতভাগ। নির্দিষ্ট জনরায় ফেলা যায় না, এমন বইগুলো পড়তে খুবই ভালো লাগে। ‘দ্য ব্রেদরেন’-এর কথা মনে পড়ে যায়– সেখানেও দুই ভাইয়ের এক নারীকে নিয়ে মনস্তাত্ত্বিক দ্বন্দ্ব ছিল। কাকতালীয়ভাবে দুই নারীর নামও একই– রোজামুণ্ড। তবে দুটোতে অবশ্যই দুই ধরনের চমক আছে।
▪️▪️▪️
সি-হক মানে সমুদ্রের বাজপাখি। না, সত্যিকারের পাখি না। বরং এই বাজপাখি একজন শক্তিশালী মানুষ– হিংস্র-দয়ালু, তেজী-নমনীয়, বিদ্রোহী-অনুগত এমন সব বিপরীতমুখী বৈশিষ্ট্য যার মাঝে আছে; খ্রিষ্টান থেকে যে কিনা ধর্মপ্রাণ মুসলমান জলদস্যু হিসেবে নিজেকে শীর্ষে তোলে। হয়ে ওঠে আলজিয়ার্সের অধিপতি আসাদ-আদ-দীনের বিশ্বস্ত সেনাপতি। কীভাবে অবস্থার এমন পরিবর্তন হলো? কেন এককালের সম্ভ্রান্ত যুবক দস্যুতার মতো নীচ পেশা বেছে নিবে– উত্তর খুঁজতে হবে বইয়ে।
বইয়ের কাহিনি সম্পর্কে খুব বেশি কিছু বলতে ইচ্ছে করে না। রিভিউ বা পাঠ প্রতিক্রিয়া পড়েই ভেতরের সবটা সবাই জেনে যাক– এটা চাই না!! শুধু এটুকু বলি, অনেক জনরার মিশেলের স্বাদ চাখার জন্য এ-ধরনের বইগুলো চমৎকার; আর নিঃসন্দেহে দ্য সি-হক উপরের দিকেই থাকবে।
▪️▪️▪️
সি-হক মানে সমুদ্রের বাজপাখি। না, সত্যিকারের পাখি না। বরং এই বাজপাখি একজন শক্তিশালী মানুষ– হিংস্র-দয়ালু, তেজী-নমনীয়, বিদ্রোহী-অনুগত এমন সব বিপরীতমুখী বৈশিষ্ট্য যার মাঝে আছে; খ্রিষ্টান থেকে যে কিনা ধর্মপ্রাণ মুসলমান জলদস্যু হিসেবে নিজেকে শীর্ষে তোলে। হয়ে ওঠে আলজিয়ার্সের অধিপতি আসাদ-আদ-দীনের বিশ্বস্ত সেনাপতি। কীভাবে অবস্থার এমন পরিবর্তন হলো? কেন এককালের সম্ভ্রান্ত যুবক দস্যুতার মতো নীচ পেশা বেছে নিবে– উত্তর খুঁজতে হবে বইয়ে।
বইয়ের কাহিনি সম্পর্কে খুব বেশি কিছু বলতে ইচ্ছে করে না। রিভিউ বা পাঠ প্রতিক্রিয়া পড়েই ভেতরের সবটা সবাই জেনে যাক– এটা চাই না!! শুধু এটুকু বলি, অনেক জনরার মিশেলের স্বাদ চাখার জন্য এ-ধরনের বইগুলো চমৎকার; আর নিঃসন্দেহে দ্য সি-হক উপরের দিকেই থাকবে।
February 25, 2025
Sabatini seems so far to have a pattern to his writing. His stories stop when the hero has his happy ending and justice has been delivered to his villains, i.e., actual scumbags for whom there is very little sympathy from the reader. In all three books, there is also the woman who misunderstands the hero, the side villain that redeems himself, and the fool of a side character that makes life hard for the hero. The hero is sardonic, honorable, stoic, steadfast, and faces adversity with a barbed tongue, dignity, and cunning resourcefulness. Despite these patterns, I've found that the three books I've read of him thus far have been very different from each other and enjoyable in different ways, and that their heroes, while sharing personality points, are characters that stand on their own without borrowing fromt he others. Even knowing that it will be a good ending doesn't stop me from getting caught up in the tension of the Sea Hawk, for example, and the emotions expounded on by the narrator. You just want to know how the story will unfurl, how Oliver will dodge the bullet, and so on and so forth. I think I could read Sabatini forever, hahaha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2020
Като дете всичките ми любими романи бяха с герои мъже/момчета (изключвам Пипи). Дали стигаха звездите, попадаха на необитаем остров, обикаляха света и африканските пустини или си пробиваха пътя из мръсните викториански лондонски улици, все тая. Беше жестоко! Женските персонажи, доколкото присъстваха, не бяха интересни. Сигурно затова и до днес типът “безпомощна героиня за спасяване” ми е противен.
И тогава се захванах със Сабатини. Наполовина италианец, наполовина англичанин, от началото на 20-ти век, педантично изучаващ историческите епохи за книгите си. Въобразявал си, че пише “сериозни” романи. И от моя гледна донякъде е така, само дето вкусът му към герои-странни птици, забъркани в авантюри с неочаквани обрати, придружени с любовни дилеми, го класирал за българските издатели през 80-те като приключенска литература за младежи.
Странна птица е и главният герой - многоуважаемият сър Оливър, изключително (не)благопристоен английски аристократ от Златния век на Елизабет I, с каперска минало, доста разтегливи морални понятия и напът да се ожени за любимата си Розамунд. Да, ама не. Иначе нямаше да има книга. Един коварен и слабоволев брат - и ето го нашият герой продаден в робство в Алжир. А няколко години по-късно алжирски пирати стъпват на усамотен английски бряг, за да прекъснат един годеж и да отвлекат двама англичани в Северна Африка. Сър Оливър е готов да представи сметките си за уреждане, заедно с натрупаната лихва. В това време кипят и вечните игри за власт в харема на местния владетел, където отново вярната посока е “търси жената”.
В цялата история много се възхитих на Розамунд. Желязната воля зад нежна външност, и доста голямо упорство, дори когато е в грешка, но пък още по-голямо упорство като хване най-сетне вярната посока. За известно време ми беше голяма любимка, заедно с главния герой и с главния злодей. Всички характери успяха да влязат в зрелищни сблъсъци един с друг.
Хубавото при Сабатини е, че не дели добри и лоши с ясна демаркационна линия. В един момент, с целия списък изложени на показ слабости (амбиция, алчност, завист, тесногръдие, арогантност, безгръбначие, жестокост, самовлюбеност), всичките герои до един ми бяха симпатични. Докато издирвах - по стар навик - моралната поука, книгата взе, че свърши, без да внесе нравоучителна яснота. Но пък какво приключение беше!
И тогава се захванах със Сабатини. Наполовина италианец, наполовина англичанин, от началото на 20-ти век, педантично изучаващ историческите епохи за книгите си. Въобразявал си, че пише “сериозни” романи. И от моя гледна донякъде е така, само дето вкусът му към герои-странни птици, забъркани в авантюри с неочаквани обрати, придружени с любовни дилеми, го класирал за българските издатели през 80-те като приключенска литература за младежи.
Странна птица е и главният герой - многоуважаемият сър Оливър, изключително (не)благопристоен английски аристократ от Златния век на Елизабет I, с каперска минало, доста разтегливи морални понятия и напът да се ожени за любимата си Розамунд. Да, ама не. Иначе нямаше да има книга. Един коварен и слабоволев брат - и ето го нашият герой продаден в робство в Алжир. А няколко години по-късно алжирски пирати стъпват на усамотен английски бряг, за да прекъснат един годеж и да отвлекат двама англичани в Северна Африка. Сър Оливър е готов да представи сметките си за уреждане, заедно с натрупаната лихва. В това време кипят и вечните игри за власт в харема на местния владетел, където отново вярната посока е “търси жената”.
В цялата история много се възхитих на Розамунд. Желязната воля зад нежна външност, и доста голямо упорство, дори когато е в грешка, но пък още по-голямо упорство като хване най-сетне вярната посока. За известно време ми беше голяма любимка, заедно с главния герой и с главния злодей. Всички характери успяха да влязат в зрелищни сблъсъци един с друг.
Хубавото при Сабатини е, че не дели добри и лоши с ясна демаркационна линия. В един момент, с целия списък изложени на показ слабости (амбиция, алчност, завист, тесногръдие, арогантност, безгръбначие, жестокост, самовлюбеност), всичките герои до един ми бяха симпатични. Докато издирвах - по стар навик - моралната поука, книгата взе, че свърши, без да внесе нравоучителна яснота. Но пък какво приключение беше!
December 12, 2020
“Miracles, my lord, must happen sometimes if the truth is to prevail.”
Wow, I hardly know how to rate this one! 😂 I was resolved through much of the book to give it no more than 3 stars, and there were actually moments when I considered not finishing it. Sir Oliver's conversion to Islam - even though it was rather superficial and under extreme circumstances - and his life as a fierce corsair, was very disturbing. But the ending was truly great and redeemed much of the story for me.
Wow, I hardly know how to rate this one! 😂 I was resolved through much of the book to give it no more than 3 stars, and there were actually moments when I considered not finishing it. Sir Oliver's conversion to Islam - even though it was rather superficial and under extreme circumstances - and his life as a fierce corsair, was very disturbing. But the ending was truly great and redeemed much of the story for me.
September 29, 2011
I have a bit of a weakness for swashbuckling tales of adventure, and I think it’s fair to say that the greatest writer of such stories in the English language was Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950). And The Sea Hawk, originally published in 1915, is generally regarded as one of his finest works.
Sabatini was born in Italy. His mother was English and from the age of seventeen he made his home in England. All his books were written in English.
Like his even more famous Captain Blood which came out in 1922) The Sea Hawk is the story of a reluctant pirate. The Tressilian family has a reputation for hot tempers and for morals that could charitably be described as relaxed. The young Sir Oliver Tressilian certainly shares the family reputation, although in his case it’s a little unfair. He is aware of his tendency to anger quickly and he is trying to curb that weakness.
He has an incentive to do so. He is in love with Rosamund Goldolphin. The Godolophins are both neighbours and traditional enemies of the Tressilians and Rosamund’s unstable brother Peter hates Sir Oliver with a passion. Sir Oliver is determined not to be provoked by the impetuous youth. He has sworn to Rosamund that Peter will never meet with harm from him.
His good intentions are to no avail. When Peter Godolphin is found dead of a sword thrust the general assumption is that Sir Oliver was his slayer. Even Rosamund believes this. He is in fact innocent, but is trapped between family loyalty and self-interest and is unable to convince her that he is guiltless. And his troubles have only just begun. He is treacherously kidnapped and finds himself at sea, and worse soon follows. The ship is taken by the Spaniards, and this being the late 16th century, the age of Queen Elizabeth, being taken by the Spaniards is very bad news indeed. Particularly in light of the fact that Tressilian has in the past been involved in maritime adventures that the Spanish are inclined to regard as being simple piracy.
Tressilian is sentenced to the galleys, but help comes from an unlikely quarter. His galley is captured by Moslem corsairs. Sir Oliver decides that being a Christian hasn’t done him much good and is easily persuaded to adopt the Moslem faith. This proves to be a very good move. Like many another Christian renegade he adapts quickly to life as a Barbary corsair and within a few years is the right-hand man to the Basha of Algiers. Sir Oliver Tressilian is now the famous Moslem corsair Sakr-el-Bahr, the Sea-Hawk. Piracy is a profession for which he has a true gift.
He believes he has shaken off his past, but it will come back to haunt him in unexpected ways and he will face some very difficult choices.
And of course he will have many adventures on the way.
Sir Oliver is a wonderful larger-than-life character. He is a flawed hero, or perhaps an heroic villain, but either way he’s entertaining and likeable. He is in fact a classic swashbuckling hero but with a dark side.
Sabatini tells his colourful tale with a great deal of flair. The plot is quite intricate and although it relies rather a lot on coincidence this is one of the conventions of this type of fiction. The lives of heroes are guided by fate, after all.
Immense fun, highly recommended.
Sabatini was born in Italy. His mother was English and from the age of seventeen he made his home in England. All his books were written in English.
Like his even more famous Captain Blood which came out in 1922) The Sea Hawk is the story of a reluctant pirate. The Tressilian family has a reputation for hot tempers and for morals that could charitably be described as relaxed. The young Sir Oliver Tressilian certainly shares the family reputation, although in his case it’s a little unfair. He is aware of his tendency to anger quickly and he is trying to curb that weakness.
He has an incentive to do so. He is in love with Rosamund Goldolphin. The Godolophins are both neighbours and traditional enemies of the Tressilians and Rosamund’s unstable brother Peter hates Sir Oliver with a passion. Sir Oliver is determined not to be provoked by the impetuous youth. He has sworn to Rosamund that Peter will never meet with harm from him.
His good intentions are to no avail. When Peter Godolphin is found dead of a sword thrust the general assumption is that Sir Oliver was his slayer. Even Rosamund believes this. He is in fact innocent, but is trapped between family loyalty and self-interest and is unable to convince her that he is guiltless. And his troubles have only just begun. He is treacherously kidnapped and finds himself at sea, and worse soon follows. The ship is taken by the Spaniards, and this being the late 16th century, the age of Queen Elizabeth, being taken by the Spaniards is very bad news indeed. Particularly in light of the fact that Tressilian has in the past been involved in maritime adventures that the Spanish are inclined to regard as being simple piracy.
Tressilian is sentenced to the galleys, but help comes from an unlikely quarter. His galley is captured by Moslem corsairs. Sir Oliver decides that being a Christian hasn’t done him much good and is easily persuaded to adopt the Moslem faith. This proves to be a very good move. Like many another Christian renegade he adapts quickly to life as a Barbary corsair and within a few years is the right-hand man to the Basha of Algiers. Sir Oliver Tressilian is now the famous Moslem corsair Sakr-el-Bahr, the Sea-Hawk. Piracy is a profession for which he has a true gift.
He believes he has shaken off his past, but it will come back to haunt him in unexpected ways and he will face some very difficult choices.
And of course he will have many adventures on the way.
Sir Oliver is a wonderful larger-than-life character. He is a flawed hero, or perhaps an heroic villain, but either way he’s entertaining and likeable. He is in fact a classic swashbuckling hero but with a dark side.
Sabatini tells his colourful tale with a great deal of flair. The plot is quite intricate and although it relies rather a lot on coincidence this is one of the conventions of this type of fiction. The lives of heroes are guided by fate, after all.
Immense fun, highly recommended.
May 4, 2016
Sometimes roots of all evil lies within mankind, equally as a species.
I won't say anything but that, because I try to respect both men and women equally, but ... Well, read the story and you shall understand what I mean.
The Sea-Hawk, indeed, was a epic saga. So much story within one book, so many things happened within one fourth of the book, and so many ups and downs altogether... all made me captive with awe. A story told so long ago, yet it remains to be one of its kind. Thus The Sea-Hawk is considered as a classic, independent of time and land.
It starts with Oliver, a nobleman, good guy. He tends to his responsibilities well, he respect his love and honor equally. So when love of his life, Rosamund, ignored her, he felt sad and weak. But he never once doubted her love for him, and hoped things will come around once again soon enough. Then conspiracy happens and things go south. From then on, it was one non-stop ride of tragic events towards the end.
From beginning to end it was an intriguing story. I remained to the edges for each turn of event took place. Felt sad many times, was afraid of the future that threatened the main protagonist. And talking about evil deeds!! Oh man! there were plenty. I just kept my fingers crossed and hoped for the best until the end.
It was a clever storyline, which I am sure author crafted with complete outline before attempting to write. There were many loose strings which gets tied up together nicely enough.
There were pirates, attacks, love, hate, friendship, loyalty, conspiracy, tragedy, and much more.
This is a story that has the power to keep you entrained, time and time again.
[I read a translated version, and to describe in one word, it was a "Flawless" work.]
I won't say anything but that, because I try to respect both men and women equally, but ... Well, read the story and you shall understand what I mean.
The Sea-Hawk, indeed, was a epic saga. So much story within one book, so many things happened within one fourth of the book, and so many ups and downs altogether... all made me captive with awe. A story told so long ago, yet it remains to be one of its kind. Thus The Sea-Hawk is considered as a classic, independent of time and land.
It starts with Oliver, a nobleman, good guy. He tends to his responsibilities well, he respect his love and honor equally. So when love of his life, Rosamund, ignored her, he felt sad and weak. But he never once doubted her love for him, and hoped things will come around once again soon enough. Then conspiracy happens and things go south. From then on, it was one non-stop ride of tragic events towards the end.
From beginning to end it was an intriguing story. I remained to the edges for each turn of event took place. Felt sad many times, was afraid of the future that threatened the main protagonist. And talking about evil deeds!! Oh man! there were plenty. I just kept my fingers crossed and hoped for the best until the end.
It was a clever storyline, which I am sure author crafted with complete outline before attempting to write. There were many loose strings which gets tied up together nicely enough.
There were pirates, attacks, love, hate, friendship, loyalty, conspiracy, tragedy, and much more.
This is a story that has the power to keep you entrained, time and time again.
[I read a translated version, and to describe in one word, it was a "Flawless" work.]
July 31, 2022
Sabatini is the master of the swashbuckling tale. I liked Captain Blood better than The Sea-Hawk, but both have galloping plots that ensure a quick and enjoyable read. My dad loved the Sabatini books, and I have him to thank for putting me on to them.
October 17, 2012
I first came to Rafael Sabatini through his excellent 1922 pirate novel Captain Blood, and then read his fine 1921 swashbuckling tale, Scaramouche. Continuing this journey through Sabatini's novels, I've just completed his 1915 pirate intrigue, The Sea-Hawk. The Sea-Hawk doesn't disappoint, living up exceedingly well to the high standards of Sabatini's other novels. It's got everything - adventure, drama, romance, and exotic locales. There are some elements that echo Sabatini's other stories, but they're used with a new spin and combined in different ways, so it still seems fresh, and the setting helps with that a great deal as well.
Our hero, Sir Oliver Tressilian, lives in England in the late 16th century under the cloud of his deceased father's bad reputation. Like Peter Blood, the titular Captain Blood, he is victim of a great injustice, finds himself enslaved, gains freedom, and becomes a pirate, all while having a complicated relationship with a woman whose political background is a challenge. However, his injustice is of a much more personal nature, and his saga of piracy, love, and redemption doesn't take place in the Caribbean, as Blood's does, but along the Barbary Coast, where Sir Oliver becomes known as Sakr-el-Bahr, the Hawk of the Sea, a feared corsair and major political power in Algiers.
The setting and the political intrigue are what really stand out for me with The Sea-Hawk. There are countless tales about piracy in the Caribbean, but the Barbary Coast pirates are often forgotten, despite their effectiveness. Seeing Sir Oliver plunged into the Muslim world of Algiers is fascinating. This is Sabatini at his historical fiction finest. He really immerses you in the culture, the religion, and both the glamour and unpleasant realities of the time and place. It's not just window dressing, either, as important facets of the religion and culture play crucial roles in the plot. There's also some excellent political scheming, as Sakr-el-Bahr is a favorite of the Basha of Algiers, and his conniving wife and jealous son try every trick in the book to turn them against each other. Oh, and the romance? Yeah, that gets caught up in all of this as well.
I listened to Tantor's 2001 production of The Sea-Hawk, read by John Bolen. The audio quality was a bit rough, but I believe that's likely a result of the library's e-audio book over-compression, as I haven't noticed it with other Tantor productions. As for Bolen himself, he does excellent work with character voices, but his general narration is oddly a bit flat. Overall, he's perfectly capable. I did find myself wishing that Simon Vance (who also records as Robert Whitfield) had recorded The Sea-Hawk, though, as I've enjoyed his narration on Sabatini's Captain Blood and Scaramouche immensely. The unabridged recording runs approximately eleven hours.
I highly recommend The Sea-Hawk. Fans of Sabatini's other work will immediately take to it, as will fans of pirate fiction, historical fiction, political intrigue or stories that take place in exotic locations. The Sea-Hawk has helped cement Sabatini's place as one of my favorite authors.
Our hero, Sir Oliver Tressilian, lives in England in the late 16th century under the cloud of his deceased father's bad reputation. Like Peter Blood, the titular Captain Blood, he is victim of a great injustice, finds himself enslaved, gains freedom, and becomes a pirate, all while having a complicated relationship with a woman whose political background is a challenge. However, his injustice is of a much more personal nature, and his saga of piracy, love, and redemption doesn't take place in the Caribbean, as Blood's does, but along the Barbary Coast, where Sir Oliver becomes known as Sakr-el-Bahr, the Hawk of the Sea, a feared corsair and major political power in Algiers.
The setting and the political intrigue are what really stand out for me with The Sea-Hawk. There are countless tales about piracy in the Caribbean, but the Barbary Coast pirates are often forgotten, despite their effectiveness. Seeing Sir Oliver plunged into the Muslim world of Algiers is fascinating. This is Sabatini at his historical fiction finest. He really immerses you in the culture, the religion, and both the glamour and unpleasant realities of the time and place. It's not just window dressing, either, as important facets of the religion and culture play crucial roles in the plot. There's also some excellent political scheming, as Sakr-el-Bahr is a favorite of the Basha of Algiers, and his conniving wife and jealous son try every trick in the book to turn them against each other. Oh, and the romance? Yeah, that gets caught up in all of this as well.
I listened to Tantor's 2001 production of The Sea-Hawk, read by John Bolen. The audio quality was a bit rough, but I believe that's likely a result of the library's e-audio book over-compression, as I haven't noticed it with other Tantor productions. As for Bolen himself, he does excellent work with character voices, but his general narration is oddly a bit flat. Overall, he's perfectly capable. I did find myself wishing that Simon Vance (who also records as Robert Whitfield) had recorded The Sea-Hawk, though, as I've enjoyed his narration on Sabatini's Captain Blood and Scaramouche immensely. The unabridged recording runs approximately eleven hours.
I highly recommend The Sea-Hawk. Fans of Sabatini's other work will immediately take to it, as will fans of pirate fiction, historical fiction, political intrigue or stories that take place in exotic locations. The Sea-Hawk has helped cement Sabatini's place as one of my favorite authors.
May 12, 2016
রাফায়েল সাবতিনি এর লেখা আগে পড়ি নি । যদিও অনুবাদ পড়েছি কিন্তু স্বীকার করতে বাধা নেই যে এমন রোমাঞ্চ উপন্যাস আগে কখনো পড়িনি । উপন্যাসটাই টুইস্টে ভরপুর। এক টানে পুরো ৪২৯ পাতা মন্ত্র মুগ্ধের মত পড়েছি । আর অনুবাদক ইসমাইল আরমান ও যথার্থ গুণের পরিচয় দিয়েছেন । এই বইটি রাফায়েল সাবতিনি এর সবচেয়ে বিখ্যাত উপন্যাস। ইন্টার ন্যাশনাল বেস্টসেলার বলতে যা বুঝায় তা শুরু হয়েছিল এই বইটির মাধ্যমেই ।
February 7, 2022
Ha! Completely different than any of the "normal" things I read. What can be said about an Adventure novel from the early part of the 20th Century? The time period isn't clear, but it seems to take place in the latter part of the 16th Century. Oliver Tresselian, an English gentleman, leaves his nice home and takes to the seas. What would make him do that? The early part of the novel makes this clear. A good yarn follows.
This is all plot. There is no reason to expect even a whit of characterization. All of the characters are pretty much stereotypes. I expected no different. The writing style is another matter. It works for this novel because of the time period. For the dialog, I think he attempted to mimic Shakespeare. The straight prose paragraphs are easier to follow, but at first they were a tad jarring.
As I say, this is a good yarn, though I definitely liked his Scaramouche much better. I'd be tempted to also give this one 4-stars, but, for me, it wasn't quite that good. Almost, but not quite.
This is all plot. There is no reason to expect even a whit of characterization. All of the characters are pretty much stereotypes. I expected no different. The writing style is another matter. It works for this novel because of the time period. For the dialog, I think he attempted to mimic Shakespeare. The straight prose paragraphs are easier to follow, but at first they were a tad jarring.
In that silence he strode up the steps, and entered the rush-strewn hall. As he vanished he heard the hubbub behind him break out anew, fiercer than it had been before. But he nothing heeded it.There can be no doubt Sabatini did this intentionally and I don't pretend otherwise. It both enhances and detracts from the story. By the time I was more than halfway, I just accepted it for what it is. I freely admit, however, I probably won't volunteer for it very often!
As I say, this is a good yarn, though I definitely liked his Scaramouche much better. I'd be tempted to also give this one 4-stars, but, for me, it wasn't quite that good. Almost, but not quite.
September 14, 2022
সাবাতিনির বইয়ে চমকের কখনোই কমতি হয় না। তরতরিয়ে কাহিনি এগিয়েছে। তবু, সাবাতিনির বইয়ের সমাপ্তি নাটুকেপনায় ভরা থাকে। এবারও ছিল।
ইসমাইল আরমান দেশের অন্যতম সেরা অনুবাদক। তার দক্ষতা নিয়ে আলাদা করে বলার নেই।
কাহিনির প্রয়োজনেই ইসলাম ধর্মের প্রসঙ্গ এসেছে। ঔপন্যাসিকের সূক্ষ্ম ইসলামবিদ্বেষ চোখ এড়ায়নি।
ইসমাইল আরমান দেশের অন্যতম সেরা অনুবাদক। তার দক্ষতা নিয়ে আলাদা করে বলার নেই।
কাহিনির প্রয়োজনেই ইসলাম ধর্মের প্রসঙ্গ এসেছে। ঔপন্যাসিকের সূক্ষ্ম ইসলামবিদ্বেষ চোখ এড়ায়নি।
October 18, 2021
Rafael Sabatini's Captain Blood is a story I've enjoyed in the past but it never prompted me to explore his other novels. This is, apparently, the time for exploration. It began with noticing this title which matches my favorite Errol Flynn movie. Turns out the title is about all they took from the book, if indeed the book was at all involved.
This is a much better tale, one of a family feud, betrayed brotherhood, and love gone awry which results in galley slavery, more than a flirtation with Islam, and every exotic story device that can be imagined. It all works. In a bit of an over-the-top sort of way, but I was hanging on every chapter, reading breathlessly to see what happened next.
What makes the story even better is that Sabatini evidently was scrupulous in being historically exact. Yes, Lord Oliver existed and did those things. Now, that didn't keep Sabatini from inventing and exaggerating to give us this swashbuckler. And I'm ok with that. I'm not reading these for the history, though that doesn't hurt it a bit.
This is a much better tale, one of a family feud, betrayed brotherhood, and love gone awry which results in galley slavery, more than a flirtation with Islam, and every exotic story device that can be imagined. It all works. In a bit of an over-the-top sort of way, but I was hanging on every chapter, reading breathlessly to see what happened next.
What makes the story even better is that Sabatini evidently was scrupulous in being historically exact. Yes, Lord Oliver existed and did those things. Now, that didn't keep Sabatini from inventing and exaggerating to give us this swashbuckler. And I'm ok with that. I'm not reading these for the history, though that doesn't hurt it a bit.
February 18, 2018
Having already read two of Sabatini's previous works, Captain Blood and Scaramouche, this book was enjoyable but really predictable , aside from the interesting influence of having part if the novel set in a predominately Muslim country .
September 2, 2022
I'm giving this book a two. It would be a 2.5 but goodreads does not allow halves so a two it shall be.
I'm gonna be straight: Sabatini does some fucked up stuff in this book. Lets start with the story, since some of you might be wondering - is the Flynn movie an adaptation of this book? No. But, it does borrow plot elements here and there. If this movie was ever made it would probably be considered highly controversial and messier than Lawrence of Arabia.
Spoiler cut because I'm gonna summarize the whole plot:
I'm gonna be straight: Sabatini does some fucked up stuff in this book. Lets start with the story, since some of you might be wondering - is the Flynn movie an adaptation of this book? No. But, it does borrow plot elements here and there. If this movie was ever made it would probably be considered highly controversial and messier than Lawrence of Arabia.
Spoiler cut because I'm gonna summarize the whole plot:
October 28, 2017
Nach gefühlten eintausend Seiten streiche ich endgültig die Segel und gebe diesen Roman auf. Rafael Sabatini muss sich in einer unkreativen Schreibstimmung befunden haben, als er diese Geschichte aufs Papier brachte.
Ich bin es zwar inzwischen gewohnt, dass das glühende Verlangen seiner Hauptfigur nach einem natürlich überirdisch schönen weiblichen Wesen, zentrales Thema seiner Romane ist. Aber in seinem wunderbaren "Captain Blood" fügte er es gekonnt zwischen Meer und Takelage ein.
So verbringt der "Seefalke" die meiste Zeit überhaupt nicht auf See, sondern zunächst in seinem Haus in Cornwall, obwohl dieser Teil der Geschichte noch ein gewisses Vergnügen bereitet. Doch im zweiten Teil wird die Handlung nach Algier verlegt, in den Palast des Statthalters und seiner intriganten Frau. Was nun folgt, sind ausschließlich schwülstige Dialoge und langweilige Ränke. Man muss nicht lange überlegen, ob es Sir Oliver am Ende gelingen wird, seine Rosamunde von seiner Liebe und Treue zu überzeugen. Es ist von Anfang an so sicher wie das Amen in der Kirche. - Was Sabatini hiermit vorlegt, ist weit davon entfernt ein fesselndes Seeabenteuer zu sein, sondern vielmehr handelt es ich um eine ausgesprochen oberflächliche, hervorsehbare und öde Liebesschnulze!
Ich bin es zwar inzwischen gewohnt, dass das glühende Verlangen seiner Hauptfigur nach einem natürlich überirdisch schönen weiblichen Wesen, zentrales Thema seiner Romane ist. Aber in seinem wunderbaren "Captain Blood" fügte er es gekonnt zwischen Meer und Takelage ein.
So verbringt der "Seefalke" die meiste Zeit überhaupt nicht auf See, sondern zunächst in seinem Haus in Cornwall, obwohl dieser Teil der Geschichte noch ein gewisses Vergnügen bereitet. Doch im zweiten Teil wird die Handlung nach Algier verlegt, in den Palast des Statthalters und seiner intriganten Frau. Was nun folgt, sind ausschließlich schwülstige Dialoge und langweilige Ränke. Man muss nicht lange überlegen, ob es Sir Oliver am Ende gelingen wird, seine Rosamunde von seiner Liebe und Treue zu überzeugen. Es ist von Anfang an so sicher wie das Amen in der Kirche. - Was Sabatini hiermit vorlegt, ist weit davon entfernt ein fesselndes Seeabenteuer zu sein, sondern vielmehr handelt es ich um eine ausgesprochen oberflächliche, hervorsehbare und öde Liebesschnulze!
May 8, 2025
This isn’t really about the book, but I have to say that I listened to portions of this and the audio recording. I had was farcically bad it wasn’t just that the guy was mispronouncing multiple words because I think that’s probably part of the course with any free recording. What really bugged me was that This guy could make the most hair-raising scenes sound like an absolute Snoozefest. I mean, literally he would be talking about people, swinging chains and smashing open skulls and sound like he was describing the gradual growth of geraniums.
March 15, 2018
কাহিনির নায়ক ইংল্যান্ড এর কর্নওয়াল এর বাসিন্দা অকুতোভয় নাইট স্যার অলিভার ট্রেসিলিয়ান। সৎ ভাইয়ের ষড়যন্ত্রে কপালে জুটলো মিথ্যা খুনের অপবাদ; হারালো প্রেমিকা রোজামুন্ড এর বিশ্বাস ও তার পদমর্যাদা। ঘটনাপ্রবাহে অপহৃত হয়ে বন্দি হলো অন্য জাহাজে; বরণ করে নিতে হল ক্রীতদাসের জীবন।
সময়ের পরিক্রমায় ক্রীতদাসের জীবন থেকে মুক্তি পেয়ে অলিভার পরিণত হল কর্সেয়ার জলদস্যু Sea-Hawk (সাগরের বাজপাখি) -তে শাকের-আল-বাহার নামে, যার নাম শুনলেই কেপে উঠতো ইসলামের বিধর্মীদের জাহাজগুলো। আলজেরীয় বাদশাহের পৃষ্ঠপোষকতায় সাগরে একের পর এক বিজয় ছিনিয়ে আনতে শুরু করল শাকের-আল-বাহার ওরফে অলিভার ট্রেসিলিয়ান।
এভাবে দিন চলতে চলতে সুযোগ এলো ইংল্যান্ড এ ফিরে গিয়ে সৎ ভাইয়ের উপর প্রতিশোধ নেবার ও প্রেমিকার বিশ্বাস পুনঃ অর্জনের। মাথার উপর তখন ঘুরছে মিথ্যা খুনের সাজা। এরপর কী হল? অলিভার কী সফল হবে তার পরিকল্পনায়? তা জানতে হলে পড়তে হবে বইটি।
রাফায়েল সাবাতিনির বই এর আগে পড়েছি 'দ্য ব্ল্যাক সোয়ান', 'আক্রস দ্য পিরেনিজ', 'লাভ এট আর্মস', 'দ্য লস্ট কিং।' কোনটাতেই 'দ্য সি-হক' এর মত মজা পাইনি। বলা হয়ে থাকে এটি সাবাতিনির অন্যতম শ্রেষ্ঠ উপন্যাস। ক্লাসিক উপন্যাস হিসেবে একেবারে মানানসই। ৪০০+ পৃষ্ঠার এই বইয়ে বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, রোমাঞ্চ, অভিযান, প্রেম, জলদস্যুতা, দাস-প্রথার কাহিনি, ষড়যন্ত্র, প্রতিশোধ, বিচার, হাস্যোরস, একের পর এক ট্যুইস্ট - সব উপাদানই বিদ্যমান। অনুবাদক ইসমাইল আরমানকেও ৫ তারা।
সময়ের পরিক্রমায় ক্রীতদাসের জীবন থেকে মুক্তি পেয়ে অলিভার পরিণত হল কর্সেয়ার জলদস্যু Sea-Hawk (সাগরের বাজপাখি) -তে শাকের-আল-বাহার নামে, যার নাম শুনলেই কেপে উঠতো ইসলামের বিধর্মীদের জাহাজগুলো। আলজেরীয় বাদশাহের পৃষ্ঠপোষকতায় সাগরে একের পর এক বিজয় ছিনিয়ে আনতে শুরু করল শাকের-আল-বাহার ওরফে অলিভার ট্রেসিলিয়ান।
এভাবে দিন চলতে চলতে সুযোগ এলো ইংল্যান্ড এ ফিরে গিয়ে সৎ ভাইয়ের উপর প্রতিশোধ নেবার ও প্রেমিকার বিশ্বাস পুনঃ অর্জনের। মাথার উপর তখন ঘুরছে মিথ্যা খুনের সাজা। এরপর কী হল? অলিভার কী সফল হবে তার পরিকল্পনায়? তা জানতে হলে পড়তে হবে বইটি।
রাফায়েল সাবাতিনির বই এর আগে পড়েছি 'দ্য ব্ল্যাক সোয়ান', 'আক্রস দ্য পিরেনিজ', 'লাভ এট আর্মস', 'দ্য লস্ট কিং।' কোনটাতেই 'দ্য সি-হক' এর মত মজা পাইনি। বলা হয়ে থাকে এটি সাবাতিনির অন্যতম শ্রেষ্ঠ উপন্যাস। ক্লাসিক উপন্যাস হিসেবে একেবারে মানানসই। ৪০০+ পৃষ্ঠার এই বইয়ে বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, রোমাঞ্চ, অভিযান, প্রেম, জলদস্যুতা, দাস-প্রথার কাহিনি, ষড়যন্ত্র, প্রতিশোধ, বিচার, হাস্যোরস, একের পর এক ট্যুইস্ট - সব উপাদানই বিদ্যমান। অনুবাদক ইসমাইল আরমানকেও ৫ তারা।
November 1, 2022
এ যে দেখি সেই পুরনো বাংলা সিনেমা!
সব মিলিয়ে আনন্দ দিয়েছে এই এডভেঞ্চারাস বাংলা সিনেমা।
আর অনুবাদের কথা কিই বা বলবো! চমৎকার ^_^
~১ নভেম্বর, ২০২২
সব মিলিয়ে আনন্দ দিয়েছে এই এডভেঞ্চারাস বাংলা সিনেমা।
আর অনুবাদের কথা কিই বা বলবো! চমৎকার ^_^
~১ নভেম্বর, ২০২২
October 23, 2021
Bears more than a passing resemblance to Captain Blood--I don't know how many English gentlemen were forced to become galley-slaves-turned-pirate-captains in the late 1500s, but Sabatini would have me believe this happened every Tuesday--and lots of swashbuckling fun. Also lots of really dated, cringe-worthy opinions on Islam and slavery, so be forewarned there. Really appealing characters can overcome a lot, but Sir Oliver is a real piece of work for most of the book, so there wasn't much to camouflage the flaws, especially the excruciatingly drawn-out reveal scenes. Worth a read if you're a Sabatini fan or into swashbuckling older adventure, but probably not if you're not already into those things.
July 8, 2022
পছন্দের গল্প।এটার মত রিভেঞ্জ থ্রিলার খুব কম ই পড়েছি।সুপাঠ্য অনুবাদ,টান টান উত্তেজনা সব মিলিয়ে সেরা একটা গল্প
December 9, 2021
One of Raphael Sabatini’s more popular adventurous swashbucklers, The Sea-Hawk is exciting and great fun, though not so much so as the other Sabatini I read recently, Bardelys the Magnificent. Don’t read it expecting the story from the Errol Flynn movie, as that film took the title but none of the story. This one is about revenge and betrayed love and an Englishman joining Muslim pirates. A fun read.
November 27, 2011
Buddy read with Bettie, Hayes (?) and Wanda.
Page 75:
Sakr-el-Bahr, the hawk of the sea, the scourge of the Mediterranean and the terror of Christian Spain lay prone on the heights of Cape Spartel.
This is the story of Oliver Tressilian who became a corsair since he was wrongly accused by this own brother of the murder of Master Peter Godolphin.
He then became a Barbary pirate after have spent a long time a galley slave.
Lady Rosamund Godolphin, his girlfriend, didn't trust him at the first time and believed at his treasonous brother. But their lives will cross again and the truth shall prevail.
The original movie Sea-Hawk (1924) was based on this book. However, the story is completely different from the Errol Flynn movie Sea-Hawk (1940).
Page 75:
Sakr-el-Bahr, the hawk of the sea, the scourge of the Mediterranean and the terror of Christian Spain lay prone on the heights of Cape Spartel.
This is the story of Oliver Tressilian who became a corsair since he was wrongly accused by this own brother of the murder of Master Peter Godolphin.
He then became a Barbary pirate after have spent a long time a galley slave.
Lady Rosamund Godolphin, his girlfriend, didn't trust him at the first time and believed at his treasonous brother. But their lives will cross again and the truth shall prevail.
The original movie Sea-Hawk (1924) was based on this book. However, the story is completely different from the Errol Flynn movie Sea-Hawk (1940).
June 16, 2019
'Tis a wonder that one so cunning could have a brother so stupid.
In the end this book has an original star-point for Oliver's character - that is, for his wit, his intelligence and cunning, pretty great character building.
One point for a natural-ish plot, it didn't seem forced to me, and there was no other way clear to me that could have spared the characters the grief.
One point for the other stupid characters that were there to compensate for Oliver. In faith, if not for that Harry, I would have given up hope, even Rosamund. There is a pride next to a natural evil that is the like of her brother's that bade her think a man beneath her and condemn him and his last attempt to reach out.
One more point because this book deserves a 4 and I'm lazy
In the end this book has an original star-point for Oliver's character - that is, for his wit, his intelligence and cunning, pretty great character building.
One point for a natural-ish plot, it didn't seem forced to me, and there was no other way clear to me that could have spared the characters the grief.
One point for the other stupid characters that were there to compensate for Oliver. In faith, if not for that Harry, I would have given up hope, even Rosamund. There is a pride next to a natural evil that is the like of her brother's that bade her think a man beneath her and condemn him and his last attempt to reach out.
One more point because this book deserves a 4 and I'm lazy
May 18, 2015
Rafael Sabatini is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. The Sea Hawk is the 2nd book I've read of his and it's already one of my favorite books of all time. I look forward to reading many more of his work!
May 24, 2022
The most instances (four!) of the word "mummery" of any book I can recall
Update: Ivanhoe includes an impressive six instances.
Update: Ivanhoe includes an impressive six instances.
January 12, 2019
It's been quite a while since I saw the Errol Flynn movie that I remember very little beyond the galley slaves rowing and Erich Wolfgang Korngold's memorable score, but I would be willing to bet on my fleeting memory that the film was considerably different than this book, and that's not a bad thing. The film is enjoyable for its time, but the book stands strong as an adventure. The idea of Christian Englishman with a sordid past being abducted and finding his way to becoming a Muslim pirate legend seems like a radical plot for its time. There are many intense scenes throughout, and I don't just mean action. When he gets to prove his innocence to his former fiancee who believed the accusations that he was a murderer, while reconciliation is certainly to be expected in a novel of this type and time, it does not come easily. In fact, the venom spoken between the two is cold and biting. A bit melodramatic in places, but not nearly as much as I was expecting. This was an excellent adventure novel.
June 25, 2017
Sir Oliver Tressilian, a Cornish gentleman, finds refuge in the Middle East after his half-brother's betrayal almost gets him sold into slavery. There, he converts to Islam and joins the ranks of the Barbary pirates, building a fearsome reputation as Sakr-el-Bahr, the Sea-Hawk, and awaiting his opportunity to take revenge for the fate that has been visited upon him.
Much as I enjoy a good swashbuckling tale and pirate adventure, this one was just a little too full of unlikable characters and over the top melodrama for me... and frankly, that judgmental bitch Rosamund really wasn't worth all the trouble people went to because of her.
Much as I enjoy a good swashbuckling tale and pirate adventure, this one was just a little too full of unlikable characters and over the top melodrama for me... and frankly, that judgmental bitch Rosamund really wasn't worth all the trouble people went to because of her.
November 10, 2019
I don’t have much patience for adventure novels unless they’re incredibly well-written, which this one is. Sir Oliver Tressilian, a Cornish gentleman, is double-crossed by his half brother and sold as a slave to some Barbary pirates. Being a take-charge kind of guy, what can he do but become a pirate himself and take charge of their ship? But he still has a score to settle back home, especially since the slimy half-brother is now engaged to his old fiancee. And this is just the beginning of the action! The author of the book, Rafael Sabatini, is better known for Scaramouche, which I really enjoyed. But The Sea Hawk is way better. I couldn’t put it down.
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