Judith Gruber
14 de mayo de 2008
Another Rip Roaring Adventure
The saga of Captain Alatriste continues, as told by his young ward, Inigo Balboa. Inigo is growing up now and taking a more active role in the adventures. And Alatriste is growing more weary, a man of immeasurable courage, but with no illusions. In this adventure, Alatriste has returned from the war in Flanders only to receive a new and equally dangerous assignment in beautiful Seville.As in the other books, Alatriste hangs out with the lights of Spanish society and with some of the dregs, moves easily in dangerous circles, takes on his new assignment with his usual few words and cold eyes. This time the adventure has to do with the king's gold, on its way from the Americas, much of it disappearing into unauthorized pockets. It's a truly deadly enterprise, but as usual--well, no, you'll just have to read it for yourself.As always author Perez-Reverte writes brilliantly, with just the right mixture of sword-swinging action and cynical introspection about the sorry state of Spain in the Golden Age. He's a former war correspondent, so the writing is real and personal. As always I found many words not in my Spanish dictionaries, but I was usually able to figure out what was happening. Oh yes, Alatriste gets to meet the king, however briefly, and Inigo has another fateful encounter with his love interest, Angelica. Another great episode. What will I ever do when they're all finished? I recommend it highly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.Ver másVer menos
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