Each set of characters we meet is more eccentric than the previous. I think what Glados is doing here is showing us how unfit and outclassed the Spanish were against Nelson and the English. We see what Spain became by the end of their power.

The descriptions of the city and especially of them sailing out of Port is beautiful! Very romantic but it’s in keeping with the narrator who is only 14-15.

As a lover of sea stories and my new found admiration for Galdos I wanted to read something sort of light and that didn’t require me to take a ton of notes – I just wanted to enjoy a novel for fun. And this is a very good story so far – clearly written, funny, and vibrant.