The Prince of the Mist: A Summary
The Prince of the Mist – Fact Sheet
Book Details
- Book Title: The Prince of the Mist
- Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
- Illustrations: Constantine Gatagara
- Publisher: Edebé
- Collection: Periscope
- Publication Year: 1993
- Number of Pages: 221
- Number of Chapters: 19
Book Summary
Max, a thirteen-year-old boy, moves with his family—his parents, his older sister Alicia, and his younger sister Irina—to a coastal town on the Atlantic, away from the city and the war. Their new home, a beach house, doesn’t excite the family initially. Shortly after arriving, they encounter a mysterious cat that Irina adopts.
Max’s father, a watchmaker, sets up his business in the village. Hoping to make the best of the summer, Max befriends Roland, a local boy who lives with his grandfather, Victor Kray. Roland’s past is shrouded in mystery. Max, Roland, and Alicia quickly become inseparable.
Tragedy strikes when Irina falls into a coma after a freak accident. While Irina’s parents stay at the hospital, Max begins to notice strange occurrences. He discovers old film reels showing the life of the previous owners’ son. Behind the house, he finds a small, locked garden filled with statues that seem to come alive. A series of accidents nearly claims Roland’s life, including a near-drowning while exploring a sunken ship, the *Orpheus*.
Victor Kray reveals a chilling story about an evil character known as The Prince of the Mist, who grants wishes at a terrible price. He explains how the Prince of the Mist destroyed his life, taking his best friend, the woman he loved, and his future. The Prince had granted Dr. Fleishman’s wish to marry Eve, in exchange for the life of his firstborn child, Jacob.
Initially skeptical, Max investigates. Roland discovers he is actually Jacob Fleishman, the son of Dr. Fleishman. Victor Kray admits he has been posing as Roland’s grandfather to protect him, as requested by Dr. Fleishman. After twenty years, The Prince of the Mist rises from the sea to fulfill his part of the bargain: to kill Jacob.
During a stormy night, the *Orpheus* rises from the water. The Prince of the Mist captures Alicia and takes her aboard the ship. Roland dives in after her. Max follows, and a desperate search for Alicia ensues. Roland attempts to distract the Prince, but the devil sees through his plan. Failing to find Alicia, Roland makes a pact with the Prince: Alicia’s life in exchange for his own. Roland saves Alicia, but the Prince drags him to his death.
The events of that summer in 1943 leave a lasting impact on Max and Alicia. Though they are no longer as close, Roland’s memory binds them. Victor Kray, having failed to protect Jacob, leaves town. He gives Max the keys to the lighthouse, and Max takes on the responsibility of lighting it every day, continuing the tradition of the old lighthouse keeper.