Marryat's personal experience enabled him, with little research, to produce a life-like picture of old Dutch seamanship, and his powers in racy narrative have transformed the Vanderdecken legend into a stirring tale of terror.
to the bedside of his mother, whom he found much better; and the neighbours, having their own affairs to attend to, left them alone. Exhausted with the loss of blood, the poor woman slumbered for many hours, during which she never let go the hand of Philip, who watched her breathing in mournful meditation.
It was about one o'clock in the morning when the widow awoke. She had in a great degree recovered her voice, and thus she addressed her son:--
"My dear, my impetuous boy, and have I detained you here a prisoner so long?"
"My own inclination detained me, mother. I leave you not to others until you are up and well again."
"That, Philip, I shall never be. I feel that death claims me; and, O, my son, were it not for you, how should I quit this world rejoicing! I have long been dying, Philip,--and long, long have I prayed for death."
"And why so, mother?" replied Philip, bluntly; "I've done my best."
"You have, my child, you have: and may God bless you for it. Often have
If you like stories where things turn out well in the end, if you need a little lift in your life, give this one a pass.
I found it a rather depressing, meaningless quest which turned out poorly for everyone involved. The description of the Inquisition near the end was the best part of this depressing concoction.
I found this novel dynamic, with especially vividly described events. It has a great ( I believe Christan ) messaga in the end. It's easy to read, and puts your imagination in action. ENJOY
