Crimson Sails

Crimson Sails is a classic adventure tale of love and hope in the beauty of one’s dreams. Written by Russia’s Alexander Grin in 1923, this short fantasy novel introduces readers to Soll, a hopeful young girl who has been ostracized in her village. When a mysterious storyteller informs her of a massive ship with crimson sails that will come for her, Soll becomes even more isolated from her neighbors, who view her as feeble-minded. In a surprising twist, her prophecy comes true in a most unexpected way. Grin is known for his prolific and adept use of metaphor, and the present translation preserves and highlights this device. Crimson Sails has delighted Russian readers for decades, but has enjoyed limited exposure outside of Russia. The novel is so affecting to Russians, in fact, that each year St. Petersburg holds a Crimson Sails Festival. In addition, the romance was made into a film in 1961. This delightful novel will fill readers - both adults and children alike - with hope and a renewed belief in the beauty of the human spirit.