"The Toilers of the Sea" is a novel by Victor Hugo that centers around the life of Gilliatt, a solitary and skilled fisherman living on the island of Guernsey. The story is set against the backdrop of the tumultuous relationship between man and the sea, highlighting the struggles and challenges faced by those who live off the ocean. Gilliatt is portrayed as a deeply introspective character who grapples with love, isolation, and the harsh realities of nature.
The plot develops as Gilliatt undertakes a daunting task to salvage a shipwrecked vessel, the Durande, which has become stranded on a rocky outcrop. His motivations are twofold: he wishes to win the heart of Déruchette, a woman he loves, and to prove his worth against the forces of nature. In this endeavor, Gilliatt faces not only physical obstacles but also the psychological toll of his solitary journey.