Arturo Perez Reverte outdid himself in the composition of the Captain Alatriste series of novels, particularly the El Capitan Alatriste. He is of Spanish descent having been born in Cartagena in the month of November the year 1951. It is during his war correspondence job that he gained the motivation to quit and assume full time writing.
Perez is a trained journalist and political science activist. Before he quit, he had worked in different war torn countries for a period stretching to 21 years. His premiere novel was inspired by the experiences he came across in the call of duty. He joined the Royal Spanish Academy as a member in June of the year 2003. His imaginative skills and ability to capture his reader’s attention is demonstrated by the popularity of his books. He also doubles up as a magazine and other publications writer.
He has written numerous articles since he quit his journalism job. Due to the intricacy of his job, he has been quite careful when dealing with different people and spending time in particular places. This probably explains his unceremonial decision to retire at the prime of his career. In the course of his career, Perez has won various awards in recognition of his exemplary work. Some of them include the Premio Gregor Von Rezzori, an award given to writers who concentrate on foreign fiction. The El Capitan Alatriste opened the door for a series of seven books under that series.
Publication
It was first published in the year 1996 and is both captivating and irresistible. It has received recommendation among readers worldwide. In the novel, Gualterio Malatesta and Diego Alatriste happen to be the main characters. Malatesta is Italian, a man with a calm appearance but a ruthless character. Both accomplices have been given money to trick some two visiting English men. What they thought was supposed to be a trickery with no blood involved suddenly changes with the appearance of an unidentified character who promises to give them extra money to execute the two English men.
Little did they know that their targets were men of great political standing and influence. They agree to commit the murder though half heartedly, with their main focus being the money they stand to gain. However their plan is halted when they realize who the men are. They figure that attempting to murder the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Buckingham is a plot too high to achieve. Considering the risks involved, they are certain they may not be able to achieve it and even if they do, it may cost them their own lives.
About Alatriste
In the book, Alatriste is a man of courage, a trait he mastered during his many years of service as a soldier. Read more about this title character.
At some point, he had to quit the army due to a troublesome wound that had refused to heal. This leaves him incapacitated and unable to earn a living. From his swordsman skills, he figures he can make a living by engaging in cunning practices which involve robbing people. He however, is considerate and empathetic enough to spare them from suffering and death.
Even though he is not a qualified captain, he earned the nickname when he assumed the role of a commandant in an acting capacity. This followed the killing of his official unit’s captain. This book contains one character by the name Inigo Balboa, an adept narrator with excellent mastery of the art of incorporating the reader within the story. A dynamic 13 year old whose skills have been sharpened from his relentless interactions with Alatriste.
He possesses a special bravery when it comes to executing out of the ordinary acts. At some point, he saves Alatriste from an imminent death.
His narration throughout the book is captivating and gripping. It gives the book a unique personality. Perez Reverte embraces an ancient methodology to ensure that the reader feels like part of the story. He uniquely combines the narrator’s ability, who contrary to popular belief is apart from the story in as much as he makes it sound like he is part of it, to capture and maintain the reader’s attention throughout the entire publication. He eliminates curiosity by expounding on the character’s former and future lives.