The Mariner (El marinero)

"The Mariner" (El marinero) is a Spanish short story by Juan Benet that explores themes of memory, obsession, and the passage of time. It tells of a sailor’s nostalgic reflections on his life at sea and his longing for the past. Through vivid imagery and introspective narration, the story examines how personal history influences identity and perceptions. It captures the emotional complexity of longing for familiar experiences while confronting the inevitable changes wrought by time, emphasizing the internal struggles of holding onto memories against the backdrop of life's transient nature.