Review of Emilio Salgari's Captain Tempesta

Captain Tempesta by Emilio Salgari

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


For thirteen long months, the Venetians have endured and staved off the Ottoman army of Sultan Selim II. But there is only so much that 700 can do against 80,000. The blockade of the port has cut off supplies and reinforcements, making it only a matter of time before Famagusta falls. Yet no one thinks of surrendering. Even if they did, they know the fate that awaits them, for the Turkish general is well-known for his cruelty.

One evening before the end comes, Sir Perpignan gambles with Captain Lazinski, a Polish mercenary. To Perpignan, the sell-sword is merely an adventurer who spends more time drinking and throwing dice than fighting. The game devolves into an argument about Perpignan’s commander, Captain Tempesta, a true warrior who is an expert swordsman. Lazinski thinks Tempesta is far too feminine to be an accomplished warrior and has an exaggerated reputation. Before they come to blows, the subject of their discussion appears and dares Lazinski to a contest to decide which of them is the better swordsman. Each day, before the shelling begins, a Turk rides out from the enemy camp to challenge his enemy to a duel. Tomorrow, Tempesta and Lazinski will both accept and may the better man win.

There is more to this contest than a simple demonstration of swordsmanship. Lazinski knows Tempesta’s secret. Captain Tempesta is a woman of noble birth, and the sell-sword will accept the challenge on the condition that she becomes his wife if he wins. She prefers to slit his throat so the truth remains a secret. Angered by the refusal, Lazinski still agrees so that he finally has the chance to unmask her before others.

Muley-el-Kadel, known as the Lion of Damascus, is an expert with the blade. No one can match him. Nor have any of the infidels taken up his challenge, so he is pleasantly surprised to find two adversaries who wish to fight him. He defeats one, but is defeated by the other. The one who bests him spares his life, and he vows never to forget such generosity.

Being a warrior was never Eleanora Eboli’s goal in life. She desires only to wed the man she loves, Viscount Gaston Le Hussière. When he was captured by the Turks, she becomes Captain Tempesta in order to rescue Gaston so they can marry and live their lives together. First, she must find him. El-Kadur, a devoted family friend and servant, infiltrates the Ottoman camp for her. He knows Gaston lives, but cannot find out where. During the final bombardment, Captain Tempesta is wounded and he hides her from the brutal slaughter that follows. Although he would rather slit the Lion of Damascus’s throat, he also knows that he is the only man who can help Tempesta escape the fallen city. The questions are will the Lion help Tempesta flee Famagusta and find Gaston, and can he do so before her secret is revealed?

Originally published in 1905 in Italian, Captain Tempesta is a rousing swashbuckler of the past that still ensnares those brave enough to venture within its pages. Each time the reader thinks all is well, a new twist raises the stakes and puts the characters in greater danger on land and at sea. The siege of Famagusta, which occurred between 1570 and 1571, is vividly depicted. The tale itself demonstrates the fine line separating love from jealousy and hate. The characters are larger than life, but realistically portrayed. The villains – and yes, there is more than one – arouse loathing in readers, but they compel you to turn pages to see what happens. While there is a happily-ever-after ending, it isn’t the one you expect. Salgari is a master storyteller, unknown to many readers of English, and he knows exactly how to capture your imagination and take you on high adventure rife with sword fights and daring deeds reminiscent of more familiar authors, such as Rafael Sabatini, Alexander Dumas, or Baroness Orczy. Captain Tempesta can easily stand alongside Captain Blood, the Musketeers, or the Scarlet Pimpernel, and be worthy of the honor.




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