trafalgar (galdós)

Trafalgar is part of a sequence of historical novels written by Galdós, which follow the character Gabriel de Araceli, as he moves through Spanish history. It’s not a complex novel, but it is informative in the telling of how the battle of Trafalgar, a name which means so much to the British identity but about which so little is actually know, transpired. Gabriel finds himself inadvertently aboard a Spanish warship in the battle, fighting on the French side. A telling detail is that he is surprised to see sawdust being placed on the deck previous to the battle, only to be told that this is to soak up the blood and guts. The battle is savage and the writing gives some insight into the Russian roulette of naval warfare. The novel also details the tactical acumen of Nelson as he strategises victory. Finally, Galdós’ treatment of this historical event shows how significant it was for the Spanish, and reminds us that war is actually something that connects societies as much as it separates them. The narration of the way the British help Gabriel to survive serves to humanise his enemy and reveals the common humanity which exists beneath the geo-political conflict. It seems surprising that none of the great British novelists of the nineteenth century tackled the battle. Trafalgar is not a major work of fiction, but it does offer a polished and humane insight into a historical event whose fame lives on today, and will do so long as the one-eyed sailor stands above the square.