Schiffbrüche • Alexandre Dumas

Again and again, you’ll find books about the sea here on Lesestunden—a theme I simply love and can’t get enough of. I also adore Dumas, who truly knew how to write thrilling adventures. When I think of The Count of Monte Cristo and the role the sea played in it, it was immediately clear to me that Schiffbrüche absolutely had to go on my wish list. And indeed, this is a real hidden gem, far from any current bestseller lists.

The book contains four short stories about shipwrecks, all based on true events, describing the disaster from the moment of crisis to the sinking of the ship and the crew’s struggle for survival. Dumas’s writing style strongly resembles a logbook, narrating events as a factual report. That alone lends the stories a dramatic tone, but beyond that, Dumas masterfully conveys the fight for survival in all its intensity. Being a true bon vivant, adventurer, and prolific writer, Dumas—after publishing countless books and stories—was quite happy to draw upon existing material here, adding even more authenticity to his tales.

Schiffbrüche is a very enjoyable and engaging read. The short sentences, precise language, and detailed descriptions of the struggle for life make it genuinely gripping. Whether it’s encounters with fierce natives, battles against hunger, the evacuation of a burning ship, or the desperate search for land from a small lifeboat—this book has plenty to offer. It reminded me strongly of The Islands Where I Am Stranded by Lucien Deprijck. Of course, as the title Schiffbrüche already suggests, the focus here lies on the shipwreck itself rather than on life after being cast ashore, yet the struggle for survival and the escalating tension that turns everything upside down have a similar pull. Naturally, Dumas’s characteristic depictions of the darker sides of human nature are also present once again.

On one side were the brave—those whose souls were enlivened by the power of circumstances; on the other, the incomparably smaller group of those whose fear had paralyzed all capacity to act or think, or driven them into madness or resignation. (p. 207)

As for the settings, I was often reminded of Treasure Island. The romantic South Seas, the lonely shores of what seems like an undiscovered world, and exotic locations—even reaching as far as the New Zealand islands—provide a wonderful backdrop.

At the end of the book, there is an interesting afterword by the translator, Nicola Denis, offering some background information. However, I didn’t care much for the essay by Volker Harry Altwasser, which follows the afterword. In it, he points out numerous errors and inconsistencies in Dumas’s so-called “true stories.” But honestly, anyone picking up a Dumas book isn’t expecting a realistic view of the world—they’re looking for a fast-paced tale, full of flair and adventure, not bogged down by details or factual accuracy.

Conclusion: With Schiffbrüche, readers get four thrilling yet light adventure stories, delivered in Dumas’s usual high quality. The exotic and beautiful settings, the dramatic survival struggles of the characters, and the maritime theme make this book a joy to read. Unfortunately, it’s far too short a pleasure, with stories that may lack major twists or surprises, but offer compelling and engaging storytelling throughout.

Book information: Schiffbrüche • Alexandre Dumas • Matthes & Seitz Berlin • 263 pages • ISBN 9783882217018