Percival Keene

by Frederick Marryat

"Percival Keene" by Frederick Marryat is a novel published in 1842. It follows the adventures of Percival, the illegitimate son of a Royal Navy captain, as he rises from humble origins to serve as a midshipman during the Napoleonic Wars. Through daring exploits—including capture by pirates, naval battles, and narrow escapes—Percival navigates questions of identity and belonging while seeking his father's recognition. Filled with mischievous pranks, dangerous missions, and a budding romance, this coming-of-age tale chronicles one young man's journey toward honor and fortune.