Jules Verne is famous for taking us to the bottom of the sea and around the world, but here, he plants his feet firmly on the ground during a violent moment in history.

The Story

The year is 1825. Mexico is fighting for independence from Spain. The story follows two men: Martinez, a proud Spanish naval officer, and Pablo, a French merchant. Their ship is attacked, and they wash ashore right into the heart of the conflict. They're not heroes on a grand quest; they're just trying to stay alive. As they're captured by rebels and dragged toward a likely execution, their journey becomes a desperate scramble through a country tearing itself apart.

Why You Should Read It

This is Verne without the fancy gadgets. The tension comes from the political chaos and the simple, terrifying question of what you'd do to survive. Martinez and Pablo are an unlikely pair, and watching their relationship shift under pressure is the real heart of the story. It's a raw, unflinching look at how war tests ordinary people. You can feel Verne's fascination with history and geography, but he never lets the setting overshadow the human drama.

Final Verdict

This is a great pick for anyone who likes short, potent historical fiction. It's also a must for Verne fans curious to see a different side of his writing. If you enjoy stories about impossible choices and the bonds formed in crisis, you'll fly through this compact, powerful novella. Just don't expect a happy, tidy ending—Verne gives you the real, messy deal.