The Sea-Hawk [Paperback]

Rafael Sabatini (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2002

A masterpiece of historical fiction—and a ferociously gripping adventure tale.

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Where would Errol Flynn have been without this guy? Published in 1922, 1921, and 1915, respectively, these offer swashbuckling at its best in rousing adventure stories of pirates and revolutionaries. These editions include gorgeous cover art by Gregory Manchess and scholarly introductions.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A gadzooks romance with a generous measure of blood, revenge, sacrifice, villainy, adventure, and heart-interest. (The Nation)' -- The Nation

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (July 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393323315
• ISBN-13: 978-0393323313
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,008,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If only you were allowed to give 6 stars., November 28, 1999

By 

Gwen Kramer "gwenhwyvar" (Sunny and not-so-sunny California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sea Hawk (Gateway Movie Classics) (Paperback)

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

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorites revisited, November 9, 2001

By 

Gwen Kramer "gwenhwyvar" (Sunny and not-so-sunny California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sea-Hawk (Hardcover)

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.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will love this book if you like excitement!, December 1, 1999

By 

Lilian (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sea Hawk (Gateway Movie Classics) (Paperback)

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!