The sea-hawk,

by Rafael Sabatini

Book Overview

Oliver Tressilian, a Cornish gentleman who helped defeat the Spanish Armada, is betrayed by his half-brother, throwing him into circumstances where he becomes a barbary pirate and a follower of Islam. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0006AJ3F2
• Release Date: January 1923
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin company
• Length: 366 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.

Customer Reviews

No Superficial Linguistic Dust Here

Having recently read several modern novels by contemporary authors, I was transported by THE SEA-HAWK back in time to an earlier style of writing and a distinctly different use of language. How many books, for instance, have you read lately that use the verb "trepan" very frequently? Didn't think so. Having found modern authors' use of language to be pretty bland and, in a few instances, actually to violate grammatical convention, I was thrilled to encounter Sabatini's 1915 novel with its beautiful, effective use of the language. For a lad born and educated in Europe, Sabatini wrote in English with a felicity that usually eludes native-born American writers, and, dare I say, quite a few British authors, too. Thinking of the modern American authors I have read lately, I can say with pleasure that reading Sabatini is like taking a fresh, invigorating intellectual shower and thoroughly ridding oneself of the superficial linguistic dust lingering from their various works. Of course, there is far more to THE SEA-HAWK than its sparkling use of language. Sir Oliver, or, to use his Muslim name, Sakr-el-Bhar, is a complex character who responds to his changing fortunes as a real person who wishes to survive and even prosper, yet who retains his dignity in the face of undeserved adversities that could have easily crushed a lesser man. The plot is truly gripping, and the reader eagerly pursues the story to learn what will befall Sir Oliver next and whether he can somehow extricate himself from this new quandary and perhaps even turn the situation to his advantage. All is believable. The settings in which the plot unfolds are exotic but realistic. Though he knows it is fiction, the reader can easily accept the reality of the setting, the characters, and the action. While certain fortuitous coincidences do occur from time to time, no miraculous escapes or incredible rescues are foisted upon the hapless reader. Nothing untoward jars him from his vicarious participation in this great adventure. Enjoy THE SEA-HAWK for its wonderful use of language. Enjoy it for the variety and depth of its characters. Enjoy it as a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. (One simply cannot write about Sabatini without using the word "swashbuckling" at least once.) Enjoy it for the reality of its settings and events. There are critics who say that THE SEA-HAWK does not reach quite the same degree of excellence as do some of Sabatini's other novels, such as CAPTAIN BLOOD and SCARAMOUCHE. However, I beg to disagree with them. If you have enjoyed any of Sabatini's other novels, do not hesitate to read this one, for it is equally enjoyable. If you are coming to Sabatini for the first time, you will find THE SEA-HAWK to be a fascinating introduction to his work, and you will be as motivated as I to follow it with several of his other novels. Once begun, Sabatini is habit-forming!

One of my favorites revisited

This has been one of my favorite books since I happened upon it a few years ago. I read it all in one sitting but I have not read it cover to cover again until now.I was struck by the marvelous characterization, even the villains have a depth that is rather unusual in novels of this period. I was also struck by the intensity of emotion. This is what melodrama OUGHT to be but seldom is.The hero (rather anti-hero) of the Sea Hawk is Sir Oliver, a Cornish nobleman betrayed or abondoned by everyone he ever loved. Framed for murder, spurned and insulted by his fiancee, sold into slavery by his half-brother, Sir Oliver turns inward and his soul becomes twisted with hate and desire for vengeance. And that's only the first half.Sabatini should be commended for creating an understandable anti-hero. He should be given a prize for creating a heroine who matches him in intensity. Lady Rosamund is a rare creature (even in our liberated society) a heroine who is femine but with steel behind her smile. She is intelligent and alternately defends and accuses Sir Oliver with equal fervor. Even when he seems to be getting the upper hand and she discovers her hatred of him is unfounded, she remains brave. Marvelous!It is clear that much historical research was done for this book and the quality of it shines through. This is the best book I have read about the Elizabethan period. (even though the last half takes place in Algeria)For those who enjoy an old fashioned melodrama, look no further.

You will love this book if you like excitement!

I am SO ANGRY that they put a picture of Errol Flynn in the movie the Sea Hawk on the cover of this book. The movie is nothing like the book. IT's like they stole the name and didn't use a single bit of anything else. Well, about the REAL book. This is the story of a wonderfully wicked and fascinating character who you won't know whether to love or be in horror of. But you will undoubtedly admire Sir Oliver a.k.a Sakr-al-bahr. Not only is he clever, witty, resourceful and funny, but sarcastic and arrogant as well, which makes for a delightfully rounded character. The girl he loves deserves to be loved, unlike most silly heroines. Rosanmunde has sense and honor. You will understand the terrible amoral brother Lionel even as you hate what he puts poor Sir oliver through. The whole story will have you cheering! The religious aspect of some of the conversations will intrigue you, the fighting will excite you, and for all the die-hard romantics, the melodrama will leave you sighing with happiness. A must read!

If only you were allowed to give 6 stars.

This is another don't-read-unless-you-have-no-social-life books. It will grab you by the throat and drag you into the adventures of Sir Oliver, the Cornish knight turned barbary corsair and his firecracker of a girlfriend, Rosamund.This is historic melodrama at its absolute best. The villains are sympathetic but not so sympathetic that you want them to win. As a character Sir Oliver is an amazing creation. His idea of warfare is to be nastier than his opponents.Oh, and do not read in a public place, you will find yourself exclaiming "BUT HE DIDN'T KILL HIM!" "DON'T BURN THE LETTER!" "PLEASE, ROSAMUND, SEE THE LIGHT!"That kinda thing. Loverly book, a must for any action/romance/classic junkie

An engrossing, entertaining historical novel

This is one of the better Sabatini novels I've read--almost on par with Captain Blood. The story is completely different from the Errol Flynn movie it inspired. The hero is a Cornish gentleman accused of murder, kidnapped from England and forced into life as a Barbary corsair--a leader of "The Sea-Hawks." His anger at his brother, who caused his troubles, and fiance, who rejected him and his protestations of innocence, is easy to understand--and sympathize with. An all-around good novel.