Moonfleet

‘Moonfleet’ was recommended to me as a pleasant reminder of Black Sails, absolutely the best TV series about pirates and one of my all-time favourite shows. Although Black Sails is ostensibly a prequel to [b:Treasure Island|295|Treasure Island|Robert Louis Stevenson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485248909s/295.jpg|3077988], I preferred ‘Moonfleet’ and felt it was closer in spirit to Black Sails. While both [b:Treasure Island|295|Treasure Island|Robert Louis Stevenson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485248909s/295.jpg|3077988] and ‘Moonfleet’ are narrated by a teenage boy, John Trenchard the narrator of ‘Moonfleet’ is a great deal more sympathetic. Largely because he is less inclined to murder, while also having show more a flexible enough morality to be comfortable with smuggling, burglary, and white lies. The tale concerns smugglers rather than pirates per se, however it has a similar plot full of adventure on the high seas and treasure-hunting. An unfortunate moment of antisemitism aside, it has aged well. I liked the bonds of found family, the condemnation of inequality, and the wonderfully atmospheric writing. I’ve been to Dorset and visited some of the places mentioned (Swanage, Corfe Castle), which added to the appeal. Falkner evokes a wonderful sense of place; the village of Moonfleet is vividly drawn. This is an exciting adventure story with a core of anti-establishment subversion - the real villain is the rich for not sharing their wealth. Satisfyingly, they get their comeuppance.

Although our hero settles down comfortably at the end, I don’t think that negates his previous rebellious behaviour. Especially as his wife is totally comfortable with it. ‘Moonfleet’ is also more emotionally powerful than [b:Treasure Island|295|Treasure Island|Robert Louis Stevenson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1485248909s/295.jpg|3077988]. The wonderfully named Elzevir Block’s adoption of John recalls Valjean’s relationship with Cosette in [b:Les Misérables|24280|Les Misérables|Victor Hugo|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1525303092s/24280.jpg|3208463]. I was genuinely moved when Elzevir sacrifices himself to save John, even though I saw it coming. And all the business with the diamond is thrilling; the whole thing could make an excellent film. Overall, I had a great time reading ‘Moonfleet’ and was pleasantly reminded of my beloved pirates. show less

El primer libro de la serie de Aventuras de la editorial Zenda donde Arturo Perez Reverte re-edita clasicos de aventuras olvidados.

Entiendo lo que le gusta a Perez Reverte de este libro. Es una aventura a pie, a barco, de gente normal, gente humilde, donde el protagonista tiene que superar el miedo a la oscuridad, a los cadaveres y a las alturas por ejemplo. No hay superpoderes, no hay grandes efectos, no hay grandes heroes. Cometiendo errores a veces, haciendolo mejor otras en una aventura donde la avaricia, el dolor, el arrepentimiento, la amistad y el amor se mezclan en una mezcla muy humana.

Me ha gustado como el autor nos explica porque el protagonista es capaz de hacer ciertas cosas. Por ejemplo, en un momento para intentar show more distraer su mente y mirada se fija en varios detalles de un jardin, lo que luego se usa para que el protagonista tenga la confianza de haber visto algo en concreto.

Las descripciones son perfectas. Es increible como en el mundo actual, aun da aprensión leer la descripcion de armas de fuego de hace 200 años. O las tormentas, un mundo en el que unos kilometros de distancia o un cambio en el tiempo era la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte. show less

As one of my All Time Favourites, Moonfleet is one I am sure I could read again and again without ever becoming tired of it. I have a strong emotional tie to the book, even if it isn't one of the more famous ones I've read. Falkner weaves an amazing story and Elzevir is an unequalled character, if only for the personal significance I've had for him since childhood. It's suspenseful, adventurous, and deeply moving. I love this book.

El primer libro de la serie de Aventuras de la editorial Zenda donde Arturo Perez Reverte re-edita clasicos de aventuras olvidados.

Entiendo lo que le gusta a Perez Reverte de este libro. Es una aventura a pie, a barco, de gente normal, gente humilde, donde el protagonista tiene que superar el miedo a la oscuridad, a los cadaveres y a las alturas por ejemplo. No hay superpoderes, no hay grandes efectos, no hay grandes heroes. Cometiendo errores a veces, haciendolo mejor otras en una aventura donde la avaricia, el dolor, el arrepentimiento, la amistad y el amor se mezclan en una mezcla muy humana.

Me ha gustado como el autor nos explica porque el protagonista es capaz de hacer ciertas cosas. Por ejemplo, en un momento para intentar show more distraer su mente y mirada se fija en varios detalles de un jardin, lo que luego se usa para que el protagonista tenga la confianza de haber visto algo en concreto.

Las descripciones son perfectas. Es increible como en el mundo actual, aun da aprensión leer la descripcion de armas de fuego de hace 200 años. O las tormentas, un mundo en el que unos kilometros de distancia o un cambio en el tiempo era la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte. show less

A classic adventure yarn featuring smuggling, buried treasure, and an intimate portrait of a derelict seaside village. Perhaps the stakes are lower than other notable adventure novels of the period, but the writing and narrative is worthy of the comparison. Plus it certainly delivers on the historical side with a great depiction of life in an eighteenth century smuggling town. If you like Poldark you’ll enjoy the setting. If you’ve already read Stevenson, Dumas, Scott, etc pick up this forgotten classic. Nothing is particularly brilliant but it is short, sweet 5 star entertainment. Perfect for a rainy day. Also there is a strong morale about greed that makes this a good choice for youths. A story that proves sometimes buried show more treasure should stay buried…. show less

This was quite a well-known book when I was a child, but, for some reason, I never got round to reading it. So I’ve been repairing a childhood omission.

In a small way, this is a bit of a Bildungsroman – a depiction of a boy’s journey into manhood – and there is quite a moral spine to the story; but it’s not at all preachy, with nothing there to frighten off impatient adolescents.

There isn’t really much structure or depth to it and, at base, it’s just a boys’ adventure story with tales of smugglers and a search for hidden treasure and gripping adventures in hidden tunnels or on the sea. Having said that, it’s quite well-written and up with the best of its kind. I found it quite absorbing and I found the hero’s show more eventual, dramatic return home quite lump-in-the-throat moving.

I note that it’s still in print, and in a number of editions, and deservedly so. It deserves to be regarded as at least a minor classic of its genre. show less

This may not be the greatest of literature, but it was an enjoyable enough tale of a young lad from Dorset who gets caught up in smuggling and pirate-related adventures. I particularly liked the scenes set on the sea itself, and the descriptions of the ocean lashing the shore.