Thursday, October 15, 2009

Novels, Compasses, Charts and Stories of Seas


When I have a few minutes, I'm reading another book translated from spanish by the Spanish author Arturo Pérez-Reverte. This one is titled "The Nautical Chart" and it has aspects of many things that interest me.

And apparently, affect what I create.


The book was published in 2000, with the english translation in 2001. It's a good translation, and the parts that should still be in spanish have been kept that way.


It has suspense and mystery, sailing and navigation. A bit of a mix of "The Maltese Falcon" and "Treasure Island" with a tiny bit of "Moby Dick" mixed in for fun.

I didn't know it had been made into a movie, and may not try to get it to watch. The reviews from the NY Metro and the Observer of the book are good, but some reviews of the movie not as great. That happens sometimes.


So out of that atmosphere I've been inspired to make these items that look like compass designs. And some of the crosses have maps in the background, like a sailor's keepsake.

I haven't finished the book yet, but it deals with auctions, nautical museums, sunken ships, treasure hunting and locating mystery items on maps and charts. Right up my alley. I hope the ending is good. It's so annoying when you're enjoying a read, and the end lets you down, as though it wasn't quite finished but the author stopped writing at the wrong spot.


So far I can recommend it. I can't give away the ending, I haven't gotten there myself yet; if those subjects interest you, check it out.

2 comments:

Marie-Aimée said...

it's really beautiful

Marie Cramp said...

The influence is very inspirational. The new pieces are absolutely fantastic!!