Arturo Perez-Reverte, a Spanish novelist popularly known for writing a sequence of Captain Alatriste novels. He was born in an archaic Roman port presently known as Cartagena in Murcia Spain in the year 1951. He is qualified in both journalism and political sciences and once worked for the Madrid Newspaper as a reporter. In the course of his job as a reporter, he went missing two times.
Arturo published 7 books under the Captain Alatriste series. This was later shot as a movie. See more about the movie’s lead character.
He says that each of his novels bears an individual personality, despite the fact that they are founded in comparable circumstances. From interacting with different characters and being exposed to different experiences, Arturo was able to gain and keep a collection of diverse knowledge which has been significant in his writing career.
Career Life
He worked in various war torn countries as a correspondent. The experiences he encountered during his stint as a war correspondent prompted him to write the book Territorio Comanche. This did not go down well with the directors of the company he was working for by then. It is for that reason that he resigned and immersed himself into full time writing. He has since been hosted for both radio and TV interviews published more than 16 novels, and written uncountable magazine and newspaper articles.
Asked why he chose to write? Arturo Perez-Reverte took a deep sigh and outlined three fundamental factors. He was categorical that he thrives in regulating, and analyzing things even when his life could only be defined as tumultuous. In writing, he gets the opportunity to look back on those factors, helping him to appreciate positivity and find comfort in the negativity. He was of the opinion that sometimes his life; one is bound to suffer an intellectual confusion. Writing helps him to regain order.
Many of his readers are of the opinion that his memories while working as a war correspondent are still lingering in his mind. They have hinted that he relives them in his publications something that Arturo seems to dispute saying that; writing cannot eliminate the pain experienced in life. He however says that writing helps relieve the pain.
Arturo’s Inspiration
Arturo derives inspiration from various cycles centered on the occurrences that happened in Spain during the 17th century onwards. His books are written in both criticism of Spain’s former rulers and classic adventure. Much of the content is relatable to present day incidences especially in the political cycles. Even then, Arturo aims at being considerate to the less privileged in the society as opposed to those who hold powerful offices.
He has also been quite influenced by Alexandre Dumas, a famous writer whose books focused on historical literature. He looks up to him so much so that he has written two books in his memory. They are The Club Dumas and The Fencing Master. He has a way with words which is capable of grabbing the reader’s attention.
Based on his plots, the Spanish culture and history, ancient days, and the Mediterranean seem to be an evident show of some of the things that inspire him. He also touches on age old treasures, art, the ocean, and matters of major concern affecting the youth around Spain such as religion, drug trafficking, and relationships.
His quest to involve the reader in becoming part of the story is depicted by the inclusion of a narrator who even though participates within the story, is apart from it. Arturo has been quite categorical in a manner that may otherwise be termed as pessimistic while addressing human mannerisms. His extensive crime research and many years reporting about war seem to have shaped him into an annoying and impartial character.
His Daughter’s Input
Collaborating with his daughter has played a huge role in composing the first batch of Alatriste novels. She perused through historical documents where information about Madrid during the 17th century was available. Arturo has carried out research in a vast range of topics from where he derives lots of inspiration. Having a good understanding of the game of chess, swordsmanship, Dutch masters, and historical events has elevated his writing skills.
For the writer who spent the better part of his adult life as a reporter, he came face to face with war in the pursuit for content. He experienced pain and suffering orchestrated by war and political factors, occurrences which would later inspire him into publishing his first book. He has not looked back since then. Evidently, he possesses impeccable creative skills if his well choreographed adventure filled stories are anything to go by.