‘Dick Sand, A Captain at Fifteen’ is a novel by Jules Verne, first published in 1878. The story revolves around the young protagonist, Dick Sand, who unexpectedly becomes the captain of a whaling ship, the ‘Pilgrim, ‘ at just fifteen years of age. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the African coast and the high seas. Dick’s journey to captaincy begins after a tragic incident at sea where the original captain and senior crew members are lost, leaving him as the highest-ranking officer onboard.
This adventure novel is a classic coming-of-age story, highlighting themes of courage, responsibility, and perseverance. As Dick navigates the challenges of leading a crew much older than himself, he faces various obstacles, including mutiny and treacherous conditions at sea. The novel also touches upon the dark theme of slavery, as Dick and his crew encounter slave traders in Africa. Verne’s detailed descriptions of nautical life and the African landscape, combined with his exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas, make this novel a compelling read for both young and adult audiences.