When I picked up this book it immediately made me think of my friend the Pirate Princess! The beautiful illustrations on the cover, with aqua blue water, palm trees and a map of some exotic world enticed me to see what was inside, and I’m glad I did because it was quite an adventure!
The Princess and the Captain (Anne-Laure Bondoux, translated by Anthea Bell) is the tale of Princess Malva of Galnicia. Malva is fed up with palace life and acting as a doll for her father the Corondador to marry off as he pleases, so she decides to run away and live a free life. Orpheus is the son of a long line of captains, the sea is in his blood but he has never set foot on a ship, until the Princess goes missing and he is sent out to bring her home.
The story takes Orpheus and Malva, and an unusual and motley crew for adventures on the high sea where they encounter strange creatures and magical islands and must face tests that uncover their deepest longings and darkest secrets. It is a very fast paced, action filled story so I found it hard to put down!
I initially didn’t sympathise with Malva very much, she was hot headed and rash and seemed to have little concern for others, however by the end of the book I really liked how her character had grown and learnt through her experiences and I could identify with her a lot more. I think this book would adapt well in to a movie, with some dashing actor as Orpheus! The only criticism I have, is that I felt the translation lacked a bit of personality in the writing style, I would really like to read the original in French someday and see if it was a bit richer in that aspect.
Nonetheless, a great read and another one for the fierce and independant Princesses!
May 18th, 2008 at 3:02 am
Pirates! Yarrr~
I have a story in mind about pirates, but I wouldn’t like to tell even though I know you’re trustworthy. Maybe via PM? ^^;
Okay. Is this another book non suitable for me? I’m a really, I mean REALLY delicate princess. Whatever I read or hear can harm me and leave me a trauma forever. Does this book include a romance between Malva and Orpheus? Is it really romantic or just uhm… a distant romance?
May 18th, 2008 at 3:04 am
Sorry, the message cut. ;_;
…I wouldn’t like to read about that. That’s why I don’t read things about love, they can leave me a huge trauma or can make me cry ^^; Anyways, I hope you enjoyer your book. You read really fast! OAO It’s amazing! >A>
May 18th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Sweet Tsuki - I would love to hear your Pirate story! You can email me if you like ^_^ I just sent you an email in reply to your last PM.
I really loved this book, even though I think I am more of a ‘delicate’ princess as you put it. There is some romance, but it is not the biggest part of the plot, also there are some sad parts, I must warn you.
I usually spend about 2 hours a day reading at least, so yes, I go through books quite fast!
May 21st, 2008 at 5:18 am
That does look like a fascinating book.
I shall try and track it down.
Thank you for the recommendation.