Subject
Caribbean Area -- Fiction Books
Best books
Rafael Sabatini
Captain Blood
"Captain Blood" by Rafael Sabatini is an adventure novel published in 1922. Dr. Peter Blood, an Irish physician, is wrongfully convicted of treason for treating wounded rebels and transported to Barbados as a slave. When Spanish raiders attack the island, Blood seizes his chance to escape, capturing their ship and transforming himself into a feared Caribbean pirate. Hunted by his former master and torn between his outlaw life and redemption, Blood navigates dangerous waters where political upheaval may offer an unexpected path back to honor.
Thomas Hoover
Caribbee
"Caribbee" by Thomas Hoover is a historical novel written in the late 20th century. The book explores the early Caribbean landscape of Barbados in 1648, intertwining tales of rebellion against English rule and the ramifications of the slave trade. It showcases the robust characters, both real and fictional, who shape the turbulent era, including English colonists and enslaved Africans, all caught in the tempest of their divergent quests for freedom and survival. The opening of "Caribbee" immerses readers in the Caribbean in 1638, where a band of English hunters, led by Jacques le Basque, prepares to ambush a passing Spanish vessel for revenge after previous attacks on their settlement. Among them is a young Englishman whose moral dilemmas come into sharp relief as he grapples with the idea of attacking fellow countrymen for plunder. This morally charged scene illuminates the chaotic interplay of struggle and honor in a land where survival often forces individuals to confront their deepest values. As tension builds, it foreshadows not only the conflicts that define the early American colonies but also the complexity of human relationships amid the cruelties of colonization and enslavement.
Ralph Delahaye Paine
Four Bells: A Tale of the Caribbean
"Four Bells: A Tale of the Caribbean" by Ralph Delahaye Paine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on Richard Cary, a young chief officer on a steamer, who embarks on a journey that leads him to the tropical allure of the Caribbean, bringing him face to face with his own identity and the romance of the sea amidst the adventures that await him. The opening of the novel introduces Richard Cary as he reflects on his path to the merchant service after a stint in the Naval Reserve during the war, revealing his pragmatic views of seafaring. He returns home to New Hampshire for a short respite, where he conveys a sense of duty over ambition, especially towards his family. During this visit, Cary receives an unexpected offer to take a second officer position on the "Tarragona", a passenger ship bound for ports like Kingston and Cartagena. Intrigued by the prospect of adventure in the Caribbean, he feels a stirring connection to the sea's past, hinting at the romantic journey that awaits him and the significant encounters he will have, particularly with Teresa Fernandez, the ship's stewardess.
Samuel Hopkins Adams
The Unspeakable Perk
"The Unspeakable Perk" by Samuel Hopkins Adams is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the exotic setting of Caracuña, a fictional Caribbean island teeming with adventures and political intrigues. The narrative primarily centers around a young American woman named Polly Brewster, who finds herself navigating complex romantic entanglements and the sociopolitical landscape of the island, particularly as it relates to her encounters with a mysterious scientist referred to as Mr. Beetle Man. The opening of the novel presents an engaging dialogue between Polly and the unseen Mr. Beetle Man, who initially expresses contempt for his tropical surroundings, while she revels in their beauty. Their conversation transitions from playful banter to deeper reflections on personal feelings and societal norms, especially around love, identity, and peril in the foreign land. As Polly shares her tumultuous romantic history, the reader is drawn into her world of flirtation and self-discovery, while Mr. Beetle Man's character hints at a scientific curiosity and emotional depth, setting the stage for further developments in their relationship and the unfolding narrative in the politically charged atmosphere of Caracuña.
Charles Sumner Seeley
The Spanish Galleon Being an account of a search for sunken treasure in the Caribbean Sea.
"The Spanish Galleon" by Charles Sumner Seeley is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows William Morgan, a descendant of the notorious buccaneer Henry Morgan, as he embarks on a wild quest to find treasure aboard a sunken Spanish galleon that sank in the Caribbean Sea in 1665. The novel blends adventure with survival as Morgan navigates the challenges of being stranded on an uninhabited island in his pursuit of the long-lost treasure. The opening of the book introduces William Morgan in a dire situation, floating in the Caribbean Sea after a shipwreck that claimed his crew. Exhausted and near death, he struggles to reach the island he had aimed to explore for treasure. Upon landing, Morgan battles starvation and thirst, reflects on his desperate circumstances, and begins to devise a plan for survival and treasure hunting. As he surveys the island, he discovers resources and potential dangers, introducing readers to the struggles of isolation and the determination required in his treasure-seeking mission. This setup immerses the audience in an adventurous tale of resilience, ambition, and the allure of lost riches.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
Nick Carter Stories No. 138 May 1, 1915; The Traitors of the Tropics; or, Nick Carter's Royal Flush
"The Traitors of the Tropics; or, Nick Carter's Royal Flush" is a detective fiction story from the Nick Carter series, likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the renowned detective Nick Carter as he becomes involved in a perilous situation concerning Prince Marcos, who is recovering from an assassination attempt and is desperately trying to return to his country, Joyalita, to prevent a coup. With a unique blend of intrigue and adventure, the book explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the battle against treachery. The opening of the story sets the stage with Prince Marcos in a precarious state after being shot, expressing his urgent need to travel back home to thwart the plans of those who seek to overthrow him. Nick Carter, understanding the gravity of the situation, proposes an audacious plan to impersonate the prince in order to safeguard the country’s future. The tense interaction between the doctor and Carter highlights the urgency of their mission, while underlying plots involving political betrayal and danger from Marcos' rivals promise an engaging journey filled with suspense and action as they attempt to outsmart the conspirators threatening Joyalita. As the story progresses, the stakes escalate, and readers can expect a gripping chase against time and enemies both old and new.
H. De Vere (Henry De Vere) Stacpoole
The Ship of Coral
"The Ship of Coral" by H. De Vere Stacpoole is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a tropical setting where the main characters, Gaspard Cadillac and his companion Yves, find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted islet after the catastrophic explosion of their ship, the "Rhone". As they adapt to their new reality, themes of survival, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships emerge, highlighted by Gaspard's inner turmoil and emotional struggles. At the start of the narrative, Gaspard and Yves are depicted in peaceful but precarious circumstances on the islet, grappling with their thoughts and the past. Surrounded by the pristine beauty of the sea and its mysteries, Gaspard reflects on his feelings for Anisette, a woman who had caused tensions between him and Yves. When they discover a hidden shipwreck in a lagoon—a ghostly remnant of a past voyage—curiosity intertwines with foreboding. As the story progresses, their contrasting personalities lead to conflict, culminating in tragedy when Gaspard accidentally kills Yves during a heated argument. This pivotal moment thrusts Gaspard into a harrowing journey of loneliness and guilt, setting the stage for a struggle not only against the elements but within himself as he navigates the consequences of his actions.
Cyrus Townsend Brady
Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer: A Romance of the Spanish Main
"Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer: A Romance of the Spanish Main" by Cyrus Townsend Brady is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the notorious pirate Sir Henry Morgan, who is portrayed as both a cruel buccaneer and a knight of England, capturing the duality of his nature and his complex character. The story explores themes of piracy, revenge, and the quest for power during the tumultuous times of the Spanish Main. The beginning of the tale introduces us to an aged Sir Henry Morgan, reflecting on his life of brutality and adventure as he is faced with impending arrest after King Charles II's death and the ascension of King James II. Following the death of his wife, Morgan receives word of his ousting as Governor and his impending arrest. Instead of surrendering, he conspires to escape, leading to a violent confrontation with guards attempting to detain him. Morgan's cunning and ruthlessness are showcased when he subdues his captors and seizes the opportunity to return to a life of piracy, deciding to lead an old crew once more in pursuit of treasure and glory on the Spanish Main. This sets the stage for a gripping adventure filled with treachery and excitement.
Rafael Sabatini
Kapteeni Bloodin vaiheet : $b Seikkailuromaani
"Kapteeni Bloodin vaiheet: Seikkailuromaani" by Rafael Sabatini is an adventure novel published in 1922. Dr. Peter Blood, an Irish physician, is wrongly convicted of treason after tending to wounded rebels and sentenced to Caribbean slavery. On Barbados, he's bought by a cruel colonel whose niece takes pity on him. When Spanish raiders attack, Blood seizes his chance to escape, capturing their ship and becoming a legendary pirate—feared by the Spanish but sparing English vessels while his former master hunts him relentlessly.
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