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All Sails Up!
An exciting seafaring adventure set in the late eighteen hundreds. Our explorers follow the trail of Darwin to the unexplored land of Tierra del Fuego. Follow their determination against all kinds of odds. The book was so popular that was turned into a successful TV mini series.
850 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2021
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Radu Tudoran
42 books77 followersHe was born in Blejoi, Prahova County, Romania, at 8 March 1910, his real name Nicolae Bogza, being the brother of Geo Bogza. His manifested strong nostalgia for traveling on the seas, he probably inherited from his father, Alexandru Bogza, clerk of the commercial marine.
After he finishes the Military High school from Manastirea Dealu in 1930 and, than, the Military School from Sibiu in 1932, he works for 6 years (1932-1938), as an Officer of Romanian Army.
He gives up to his military career in 1938, year in which he makes his debut with a story in the “Lumea Româ
neasca” (“Romanian World”) magazine, led by Zaharia Stancu. There is an obvious connection between his resignation from army and his first literary successes. In the same year, he changes his name from Nicolae Bogza to Radu Tudoran, to not suggest any connection to his brother Geo Bogza (famous Romanian writer).
In 1940 he publishes his first book, volume of short stories “Orasul cu fete sarace” (“The city with poor girls”). In the following year, 1941, he publishes the novel “Un port la rasarit” (“The port from the east”), novel that was noted by the critics with a big delay and, than, from politic reasons, was passed in a shadow corner of oblivion.
While his brother Geo Bogza managed to survive in the turbulent years 1945-1947, being a left side militant, Radu Tudoran more honest and less skilful, wrote articles in which he criticized, on equal sides, the right extremism, but also the politics of Soviet Union.
In the same cloudy period for Romania, 1945-1947, he continued to write and publish, he raised money, established in Braila, and he built a ship that he planned to travel the world.
Suddenly, at the end of the year 1947, when the control of soviets over Romania became totally, Radu Tudoran, was passed quickly in anonymity .
Still, he wasn’t undergone neither to persecutions and neither The Security raids or jail. Being in this cone of shadow of disgrace, he chooses translations, especially from Russian and Soviets authors, as a way of maintaining his contact with literature and as a way of living.
He comes back on the literature scene with a harmless novel for young people “Toate panzele sus!” (“All sails up!”) in 1945, which becomes instantly a big success for all age’s audiences, lighting the imagination of millions of young Romanian people for a couple of generations. The novel, written with a huge amount of narrative and descriptive talent, is strong influenced by author’s passion for adventure. He describes the journey that Radu Tudoran wasn’t able to do in 1948, although his ship, his own schooner “Speranta” (“Hope”), was built and was waiting for him to leave in the port area of Braila. His model was the navigator Joshua Slocum, whom he wanted to leave around the world.
Radu Tudoran always lived withdrawn, until the end of his life, but he published every time only best-sellers. In 1977, the total number of copies of his books – each was almost re-edited many times – exceeded 1 500 000 of edited copies. With the money from his novels, the writer built a new shipment for trips, smaller than his first ship, because this one was destined for less bold trips.
His most ambitious project was the 7 novels cycle “Sfarsit de mileniu” (“End of Milenium”), a complex fresco of the Romanian society of the 20th Century. In his last year of living, he was working on the 7th novel “Sub zero grade” (“Under zero degrees”), in which he talked about the Soviet occupation from 1944 until 1953.
He died in the morning of 18 November 1992, at Fundeni hospital, from an artery disease. His brother Geo Bogza, died a year later.
After he finishes the Military High school from Manastirea Dealu in 1930 and, than, the Military School from Sibiu in 1932, he works for 6 years (1932-1938), as an Officer of Romanian Army.
He gives up to his military career in 1938, year in which he makes his debut with a story in the “Lumea Româ
neasca” (“Romanian World”) magazine, led by Zaharia Stancu. There is an obvious connection between his resignation from army and his first literary successes. In the same year, he changes his name from Nicolae Bogza to Radu Tudoran, to not suggest any connection to his brother Geo Bogza (famous Romanian writer).
In 1940 he publishes his first book, volume of short stories “Orasul cu fete sarace” (“The city with poor girls”). In the following year, 1941, he publishes the novel “Un port la rasarit” (“The port from the east”), novel that was noted by the critics with a big delay and, than, from politic reasons, was passed in a shadow corner of oblivion.
While his brother Geo Bogza managed to survive in the turbulent years 1945-1947, being a left side militant, Radu Tudoran more honest and less skilful, wrote articles in which he criticized, on equal sides, the right extremism, but also the politics of Soviet Union.
In the same cloudy period for Romania, 1945-1947, he continued to write and publish, he raised money, established in Braila, and he built a ship that he planned to travel the world.
Suddenly, at the end of the year 1947, when the control of soviets over Romania became totally, Radu Tudoran, was passed quickly in anonymity .
Still, he wasn’t undergone neither to persecutions and neither The Security raids or jail. Being in this cone of shadow of disgrace, he chooses translations, especially from Russian and Soviets authors, as a way of maintaining his contact with literature and as a way of living.
He comes back on the literature scene with a harmless novel for young people “Toate panzele sus!” (“All sails up!”) in 1945, which becomes instantly a big success for all age’s audiences, lighting the imagination of millions of young Romanian people for a couple of generations. The novel, written with a huge amount of narrative and descriptive talent, is strong influenced by author’s passion for adventure. He describes the journey that Radu Tudoran wasn’t able to do in 1948, although his ship, his own schooner “Speranta” (“Hope”), was built and was waiting for him to leave in the port area of Braila. His model was the navigator Joshua Slocum, whom he wanted to leave around the world.
Radu Tudoran always lived withdrawn, until the end of his life, but he published every time only best-sellers. In 1977, the total number of copies of his books – each was almost re-edited many times – exceeded 1 500 000 of edited copies. With the money from his novels, the writer built a new shipment for trips, smaller than his first ship, because this one was destined for less bold trips.
His most ambitious project was the 7 novels cycle “Sfarsit de mileniu” (“End of Milenium”), a complex fresco of the Romanian society of the 20th Century. In his last year of living, he was working on the 7th novel “Sub zero grade” (“Under zero degrees”), in which he talked about the Soviet occupation from 1944 until 1953.
He died in the morning of 18 November 1992, at Fundeni hospital, from an artery disease. His brother Geo Bogza, died a year later.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 15, 2021
When I read this book I was absolutely shocked at how amazing it was, I (at least) consider it to be one of the best Romanian book ever written. In fact, I think it's in my top 3 favorite books.
Rating: 5+/5
"All Sails Up!" is a novel about pure adventure, freedom and chasing dreams, with strong-willed and fleshed out, original characters that will make you cry with joy, frown, laugh with tears and look deep within yourself. The premise is about the Romanian Anton Lupan and his lifelong dream, an epic voyage to "The Land of Fire" in South America with his friend, Pierre Vaillant. The trouble comes when Pierre goes missing along with the ship they intended to sail, L'Esperance. Many years and struggles later, Anton finds the shipwreck of L'Esperance and understands that he needs to embark on the journey in that moment or he'll miss his chance.
Lupan then gathers a crew of reliable people and the author proceeds to take the reader in one of the most epic travels. It's like you'll see with your own two eyes sceneries from across the Mediterranean, Atlantic and South American places, described in such magical great detail. Not only that, but my general knowledge about seamanship, various cultures, traditions and history improved in no time. You go from Romania to Greece, Turkey, Arabian islands, France, Argentina, Chile and all the seas in between them. From the Muslim rituals in the Saint Sofia Cathedral in Istanbul to the cockfights in Buenos Aires, I now know a little bit more facts about many places on the Globe.
Also, the crew is mainly from a Romanian background, but it also has characters from Turkey, Greece or the Middle East. It is really interesting to see the attitudes people had (and maybe still have) regarding other cultures and traditions. Despite minor misunderstandings, they all get along and understand each other, Radu Tudoran making a point in promoting multiculturalism and friendship between the nations. For example, Ismail, a Turk (which weren't very well seen by Romanians some time ago because of the Otoman's Empire domination), is one of the most beloved characters in Romanian literature, showing altruism and generosity.
The book also reflects some Romanian outlooks on life (settling with what you have earned for now, aspirations don't really have to be followed) clashing with unconventional ways of thinking, by the end all the characters realising that dreams are worth being transformed into reality and that coming out of your confort zone is actually liberating.
There's even a bit of a love story sub-plot which I found very sweet, not at all complicated and for me it felt like a break from all the problematic scenarios I find in television or new books. It was simple and the kind I want to see more in media, it just adds some flavor but doesn't ruin the main story.
I don't know what to say more, but pirates! Thieves in boat ports! Skillful negotiations! Salty water! Traveling across the Atlantic on a boat with sails! The 1880s! Storms that turn ships upside down! Charles Darwin is actually a character! Spring in Brazil! Exploration, unknown, adventure! Zero (0) overused Romanian stereotypes!
Right now I am reading "All Sails Up!" the second time because the nostalgia was too upsetting. There's even a TV series which is generally stays true to the source material, very entertaining especially if you've read the novel.
I hope you enjoyed this review and maybe give this novel a try! I'd like to discuss it with someone!
Rating: 5+/5
"All Sails Up!" is a novel about pure adventure, freedom and chasing dreams, with strong-willed and fleshed out, original characters that will make you cry with joy, frown, laugh with tears and look deep within yourself. The premise is about the Romanian Anton Lupan and his lifelong dream, an epic voyage to "The Land of Fire" in South America with his friend, Pierre Vaillant. The trouble comes when Pierre goes missing along with the ship they intended to sail, L'Esperance. Many years and struggles later, Anton finds the shipwreck of L'Esperance and understands that he needs to embark on the journey in that moment or he'll miss his chance.
Lupan then gathers a crew of reliable people and the author proceeds to take the reader in one of the most epic travels. It's like you'll see with your own two eyes sceneries from across the Mediterranean, Atlantic and South American places, described in such magical great detail. Not only that, but my general knowledge about seamanship, various cultures, traditions and history improved in no time. You go from Romania to Greece, Turkey, Arabian islands, France, Argentina, Chile and all the seas in between them. From the Muslim rituals in the Saint Sofia Cathedral in Istanbul to the cockfights in Buenos Aires, I now know a little bit more facts about many places on the Globe.
Also, the crew is mainly from a Romanian background, but it also has characters from Turkey, Greece or the Middle East. It is really interesting to see the attitudes people had (and maybe still have) regarding other cultures and traditions. Despite minor misunderstandings, they all get along and understand each other, Radu Tudoran making a point in promoting multiculturalism and friendship between the nations. For example, Ismail, a Turk (which weren't very well seen by Romanians some time ago because of the Otoman's Empire domination), is one of the most beloved characters in Romanian literature, showing altruism and generosity.
The book also reflects some Romanian outlooks on life (settling with what you have earned for now, aspirations don't really have to be followed) clashing with unconventional ways of thinking, by the end all the characters realising that dreams are worth being transformed into reality and that coming out of your confort zone is actually liberating.
There's even a bit of a love story sub-plot which I found very sweet, not at all complicated and for me it felt like a break from all the problematic scenarios I find in television or new books. It was simple and the kind I want to see more in media, it just adds some flavor but doesn't ruin the main story.
I don't know what to say more, but pirates! Thieves in boat ports! Skillful negotiations! Salty water! Traveling across the Atlantic on a boat with sails! The 1880s! Storms that turn ships upside down! Charles Darwin is actually a character! Spring in Brazil! Exploration, unknown, adventure! Zero (0) overused Romanian stereotypes!
Right now I am reading "All Sails Up!" the second time because the nostalgia was too upsetting. There's even a TV series which is generally stays true to the source material, very entertaining especially if you've read the novel.
I hope you enjoyed this review and maybe give this novel a try! I'd like to discuss it with someone!
November 13, 2025
For those who enjoy seafaring adventures this is a good read. Set around the time of Charles Darwin it includes exploration in the Southern Hemisphere, meetings with pirates and many twists and turns for both the schooner Hope and the crew ( even a little romance). The thrust of the book is the search for the Captain Anton's friend Pierre, does he find him , you need to read the book.
Not being ever translated in English until now, when you can find it as Kindle edition on Amazon.
Not being ever translated in English until now, when you can find it as Kindle edition on Amazon.
December 5, 2022
I know the Romanian version and this one has been skillfully translated. It was a pleasure to relive the adventure. I highly recommend it to anyone who is searching for an original journey
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews