Sard Harker: A novel

"Sard Harker: A Novel" by John Masefield is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of a tumultuous political landscape in the fictional Santa Barbara, focusing on the main character, Sard Harker, who is portrayed as a complex, sardonic young man navigating both his duties at sea and his personal vendettas, particularly revolving around a girl from his past. The narrative intertwines elements of adventure, romance, and political intrigue, showcasing Harker’s desire to reunite with a woman he has long dreamt about while engaging in deep explorations of identity and purpose. At the start of the story, readers are introduced to the setting of Las Palomas, a port city ripe with tension, and the historical figure Don Manuel, a former dictator who has transformed the area through his reign. We learn about Sard's backstory—raised by a single mother after his father's early death—and his commitment to the sea after choosing to sail, effectively drawing him away from his past. This opening establishes Sard’ character as he recalls a prophetic dream about a significant encounter involving Los Xicales, a mysterious mansion that serves as a symbol of his unfulfilled desires. Throughout his reflections, a vivid anticipation builds about the possibility of fate intermingling with his mundane existence, foreshadowing the intricate events yet to unfold as he wrestles with dreams, memories, and the entanglements of his maritime life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Edward Masefield was an English poet and writer, and Poet Laureate from 1930 until his death in 1967. Among his best known works are the children's novels The Midnight Folk and The Box of Delights, and the poems "The Everlasting Mercy" and "Sea-Fever".