Toilers of the Sea

"Toilers of the Sea" by Victor Hugo is a 19th-century story focusing on Gilliatt, a reclusive fisherman from Guernsey, and examines courage, the power of the natural world, and being excluded by society. The book considers Gilliatt's battles with nature and his trials as an outsider, setting the stage for a story of physical strength and emotional resilience. The story begins with Gilliatt alone on a cold Christmas Day, showing the harsh, lonely Guernsey setting. His isolated life is contrasted by an appearance of a young girl, Déruchette, who writes his name in the snow, hinting at a bond between them. Gilliatt is shown as mysterious and often distrusted but also connected to the supernatural beliefs of the area. He lives in a haunted house, adding to his reputation as an outcast, despite his kindness and skills as a fisherman and craftsman. His journey will explore his internal struggles, and the conflicts around him.