"Romain Kalbris" is a work by the French writer Hector Malot.

Poor fisherman Kalbris, the father of eleven-year-old Romain, dies during a storm. The boy's mother is forced to send her son to study to one of their relatives. In the house of a rich but extremely stingy uncle, an orphan is only waiting for bullying, reproaches and a half-starved existence. A boy who dreams of ships and the expanses of the sea, runs away from a miserable life and rushes in search of a better life. Purposefulness, perseverance, responsiveness to other people's troubles and loyal friends help him overcome all adversities.