In Arturo Pérez-Reverte's book "Good Men," the character Bringas expresses a longing for London, suggesting that his dislike for the current weather is the only thing keeping him from living there. He nostalgically imagines the historical figures of Newton and Shakespeare enjoying the freedom found on the banks of the Thames, highlighting a sense of connection to the past and a yearning for a different life. This longing reflects his dissatisfaction with the circumstances he faces where he currently resides.

Bringas's admiration for London's historical significance and its association with freedom presents a stark contrast to his own reality. His comment about people knowing how to "be decapitated a king" serves to underline a historical moment of change and revolution, suggesting that he values a place where bold actions were taken for liberty. His reflections evoke themes of aspiration, historical legacy, and the desire for a more fulfilling existence.