Toilers of the Sea is a novel written by Victor Hugo, first published in 1866. The story is set on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel and follows the protagonist, Gilliatt, a fisherman and sailor. Gilliatt undertakes a perilous and heroic mission to salvage a steamship wrecked on treacherous rocks in the local waters. His efforts are complicated by challenges such as the dangerous sea, superstitions of the local population, and a giant octopus dwelling in the wrecked ship. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the natural world, exploration of human resilience in adversity, and examination of themes like fate, obsession, and the relationship between humans and the sea.