Captain Alatriste (novel)

Captain Alatriste is a historical adventure novel written by Spanish author Arturo Pérez-Reverte, published in 1996. It is the first book in the Alatriste series, which follows the adventures of Diego Alatriste y Tenorio, a soldier-for-hire in 17th-century Spain during the reign of King Philip IV.

The novel is narrated from the perspective of Íñigo Balboa, Alatriste's young page and ward. It depicts a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Spanish Golden Age, focusing on the social and political turmoil of the time, as well as the moral ambiguities faced by its characters. Alatriste is portrayed as a skilled swordsman and a man of honor, although his profession often forces him to operate in a morally gray area.

The plot revolves around Alatriste and his partner, Francisco de Quevedo, being hired to assassinate two English travelers who are visiting Madrid. However, Alatriste refuses to carry out the assassination after discovering the identity of the individuals involved and sensing a larger conspiracy at play. This decision sets him on a dangerous path, leading him into conflict with powerful figures within the Spanish court and the Inquisition.

Key themes explored in Captain Alatriste include honor, loyalty, friendship, the decline of the Spanish Empire, the corruption and intrigue of the court, and the clash between the old aristocratic values and the rising power of money and influence. The novel is notable for its historical accuracy, its fast-paced action sequences, and its vivid depiction of 17th-century Madrid. It has been widely translated and adapted into films and other media.