Alexander Grin’s Scarlet Sails is not only a story about love and dreams but also a coded book, full of symbols. Every name, every place, even the color of the sails carries a hidden meaning. Grin seemed to leave us a message: a dream becomes reality when we ourselves create a miracle.

The first trial public literary readings dedicated to the 145th anniversary of Alexander Grin’s birth took place at the Literary Salon and the Children’s Club.

Four brave women—our regular readers, members of the literary salon, mothers and one grandmother—took the stage and read excerpts from Scarlet Sails. Just a few pages, it would seem, but in their voices Assol, Grey, the sea wind came alive, and one wanted to believe in miracles.

And for those who think women’s novels are “light reading,” it is worth remembering: Scarlet Sails follows all the rules of the genre. There is a young heroine, a prophecy about a prince, trials, and a Cinderella-like finale. But the strength of this story lies in the fact that Grin’s fairy tale does not lead us into illusions but reminds us of the main idea: we create miracles ourselves.

Why scarlet and not red sails?
Originally, Grin titled the book Red Sails. But in the early 20th century, red had too obvious political associations. Scarlet, however, is tender, pure, morning-like. It is the color of dreams, hope, and wonder. That is why Grey chooses it to bring Assol’s fairy tale to life.

Assol — a name reaching for the sun
The heroine received an unusual name, which researchers link to the Spanish al sol — “towards the sun.” She is like a forest fairy: living by dreams, believing in tales, and waiting for a miracle. Even her name sounds light and musical, like the echo of a seashell.

Egle — storyteller and prophet
The name Egle echoes the Latin ego — “I.” It seems to be the author’s own voice, his reflection in the book. It is Egle who foretells Assol’s meeting with the prince on the ship with scarlet sails.

Longren — “long” and green
Assol’s father bears a name likely derived from the English long and a hint at the author’s surname Green. It reflects both the writer himself and his tall, restrained figure.

Arthur Grey — a prince in a captain’s guise
Arthur recalls the legendary King Arthur, a symbol of chivalry and strength. Grey underlines the hero’s English roots and noble descent. In essence, Grey is a true prince who chose the path of a sailor and a miracle-maker.

Lionel Grey — the lion of the family
Arthur’s father bears a name connected to the French Léon — “lion.” In heraldry, the lion is a symbol of England. This emphasizes the majesty and royal nature of the Grey family.

Lilian Grey — the royal lily
Arthur’s mother’s name derives from the Latin lilium — “lily,” a symbol of the French kings. Thus, Arthur’s parents embody both England and France — two royal traditions.

Kaperna — a city as a symbol of disbelief
The town where Assol lived resembles the biblical Capernaum. In the Gospel, this city was condemned for its people’s unbelief. Similarly, in the book, the townsfolk mock Assol and refuse to believe in her dream.

The ship Secret — a mystery turned miracle
During the story, Arthur Grey’s ship is transformed: from Secret it becomes Scarlet Sails. This is a metaphor: the soul’s secret becomes visible when a miracle is born.

Our library has this and other works by the wonderful Russian writer Alexander Grin. Come, sign up, and read!