Subject
Adventure stories, Australian Books
Best books
Louis Becke
Rídan the Devil, and Other Stories 1899
"Rídan the Devil, and Other Stories" by Louis Becke is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The opening story introduces Rídan, a mysterious and feared character living on a German plantation in Upolu Island, who is regarded as a devil or wizard by his peers. The tales likely explore themes of colonialism, conflict, and the struggles of indigenous populations, particularly in relation to Rídan’s tragic experiences and the oppressive conditions he faces. At the start of the collection, readers meet Rídan, a man bound in iron and living in isolation due to the animosity and fear he evokes in his fellow workers on the plantation. After a violent altercation with the overseer, Burton, Rídan is sent back to the plantation, despite attempts to escape his harsh captivity. The narrative underscores the brutality of colonial rule as it follows Rídan's attempts to regain his freedom and the kindness of a man named Pulu, who shows compassion towards him even under dire circumstances. Rídan's heartbreaking story invites readers to grapple with issues of identity, cultural dislocation, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression.
Mary Grant Bruce
A Little Bush Maid
"A Little Bush Maid" by Mary Grant Bruce is a children's novel from the early 20th century. The story centers around Norah, a spirited young girl growing up in the isolated yet vibrant environment of Billabong Station in northern Victoria, Australia. Through her adventures with her friends, family, and beloved animals, the narrative explores her experiences in the beautiful and challenging Australian bush. The opening of "A Little Bush Maid" introduces readers to Norah and her home at Billabong Station, where she enjoys the freedom and wild beauty of rural life. The character of Norah comes alive as she interacts with her surroundings, her brother Jim, and the diverse array of animals she cherishes. The descriptions highlight her adventurous spirit, as she relishes the joys of outdoor life, from riding her pony Bobs to caring for her pets and exploring the vast land around her home. We also learn about her close relationship with her father, their shared tasks, and the challenges of growing up in a remote area, including the absence of her mother and the dynamics of the bush community. This engaging beginning sets a vivid and inviting stage for the developments to follow in Norah's journey.
Louis Becke
By Reef and Palm
"By Reef and Palm" by Louis Becke is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century, likely in the context of Becke's own experiences in the South Pacific islands. The stories explore themes of adventure, trade, and human relationships in the setting of Polynesia, often weaving the complexities and realities of island life with elements of romance and conflict. The opening of the book introduces readers to the author's background and experiences, highlighting his arrival in Samoa and detailing the vibrant and tumultuous atmosphere of the time. It offers glimpses into various characters, including traders, native islanders, and their intricate relationships, as well as the adventures that Becke encounters, suggesting a rich tapestry of narratives that reveal both the beauty and harshness of island life. The introduction sets the stage for the subsequent stories, encompassing various aspects of life in the Pacific, from love and betrayal to survival and culture.
Mary Grant Bruce
From Billabong to London
"From Billabong to London" by Mary Grant Bruce is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the Linton family, especially focusing on young Jim and his sister Norah, as they navigate life at their rural Australian homestead, Billabong, amidst the backdrop of World War I. Themes of adventure, growth, and the challenges brought by the war are expected to unfold throughout the narrative as the characters prepare for a significant transition. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the idyllic homestead of Billabong, with its sprawling gardens and welcoming atmosphere, setting up the peaceful life the characters lead before the impending upheavals of war. We meet the central figures, including David Linton, the nurturing father; Jim, who is grappling with the desire to enlist; and Norah, who not only cares for the home and animals but is also eager to partake in the upcoming journey to England with her father and brother. The relationships and daily activities at Billabong are depicted in a lively manner, hinting at a mixture of both excitement and apprehension as the family braves the uncertainties of the world beyond their home.
Louis Becke
Concerning "Bully" Hayes From "The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton, and Other Stories" - 1902
"Concerning 'Bully' Hayes" by Louis Becke is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It explores the life and exploits of Captain William Henry Hayes, a notorious figure in the Pacific during the 1860s and 1870s, who was known for his controversial methods in trading and the recruitment of labor. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the colorful and often morally ambiguous world of the South Seas during this period, depicting Hayes's interactions with the local populations and other traders. The narrative delves into the multifaceted character of Bully Hayes, illustrating his charm, recklessness, and cunning as he navigates complex relationships with both traders and native communities. Through a series of engaging anecdotes and personal experiences, the author recounts Hayes's journeys across the Pacific, his dealings in the labor trade, particularly involving the capture and transportation of islanders, and his notorious reputation as a sort of pirate. The story paints a picture of a man both reviled and admired, showcasing the broader themes of colonialism and the exploitation that characterized many encounters during this era. The reader gains insight into the dynamics of power, culture, and survival in the tumultuous waters of the Pacific during Hayes's rough and adventurous lifetime.
Louis Becke
The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton 1902
"The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton" by Louis Becke is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story takes place in the Pacific Islands, primarily on Tarawa Island, and follows the protagonist, James Shervinton, a young trader struggling with health issues and the oppressive isolation of his surroundings. As the narrative unfolds, Shervinton's mundane existence is disrupted by a series of dramatic events, including encounters with local natives, a violent trader, and the mysterious witch woman Niâbon, all of which push him towards a quest for distinction and survival. At the start of the novel, Shervinton reflects on the oppressive atmosphere of the stifling night while seated on a canoe, contemplating his life as a trader on a foreign, desolate island. We learn of his battle with malarial fever, which has left him physically weakened and despondent. Just as a storm begins to brew, he encounters Niâbon, a Danger Island girl, seeking his help for Tematau, a badly injured man. This encounter not only marks the beginning of Shervinton's involvement in the complex dynamics between the settlers and natives but also introduces themes of power, violence, and survival. The discovery of a dead trader later sets off a chain of events filled with intrigue and danger, beckoning Shervinton toward an unexpected adventure that challenges his understanding of heroism and mortality.
Louis Becke
John Corwell, Sailor and Miner; and, Poisonous Fish 1901
"John Corwell, Sailor and Miner; and, Poisonous Fish" by Louis Becke is a narrative work that combines elements of adventure and observation, likely composed in the early 20th century. The book follows the exploits of John Corwell, a sailor turned miner, who embarks on a journey to discover fertile lands and resources in the South Seas while also delving into the perils of local flora and fauna, particularly the poisonous fish of the Pacific Islands. The first part of the book chronicles John Corwell's ventures as he reports his findings to the Governor of New South Wales, including the discovery of a rich harbor and gold deposits on an island. With the support of the Governor, who promises assistance despite the limitations of the fledgling colony, Corwell sets out to reinforce his ship, the "Ceres", and gather a trustworthy crew to return to the island. As they extract gold and navigate the challenges of trust and betrayal, the narrative takes a darker turn with the introduction of treachery among the crew, leading to tragic consequences for Corwell and his wife, Mary. The latter part of the book then shifts to an account of the dangerous and often deadly nature of certain fish in the Pacific, underscoring the complexities of life in remote islands and the local knowledge necessary to survive. Overall, the book presents a rich tapestry of adventure, human struggle, and the intricacies of nature in the Pacific realm.
Louis Becke
"Martin of Nitendi"; and The River of Dreams 1901
"MARTIN OF NITENDI"; and THE RIVER OF DREAMS by Louis Becke is a collection of linked tales published in the early 20th century, around the turn of the century. The book primarily delves into the lives and experiences of characters in the South Pacific, exploring themes of survival, revenge, and cultural interactions between white settlers and native inhabitants. The title story, "Martin of Nitendi," presents a gritty narrative about a white man who becomes entwined in the violent struggles between local natives and colonizers, while "The River of Dreams" captures voyages through the idyllic yet haunting landscape of a tropical island. In "Martin of Nitendi," the protagonist, Jim Martin, grapples with his violent past as a beachcomber who has turned against civilization after a series of betrayals and conflicts. Residing in a village with his native wife, he confronts the repercussions of an attack that left his community devastated. Consumed by a desire for revenge, Martin's internal struggle reflects his complex identity caught between two worlds. Meanwhile, "The River of Dreams" offers a contrast to this darkness, depicting an idyllic adventure through the lush environment, highlighting the beauty and serenity of nature alongside social connections formed through fishing and camaraderie. The contrasting tales reveal both the brutality and tranquility of life in the South Pacific, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and cultural exchange.
Louis Becke
"Five-Head" Creek; and Fish Drugging in the Pacific 1901
"Five-Head" Creek; and Fish Drugging in the Pacific by Louis Becke is a narrative work that blends personal memoir with observational insights, likely written in the early 20th century. The book presents an account of the author’s experiences managing a cattle run in North Queensland, Australia, along with descriptions of local wildlife, nature, and fishing techniques employed by indigenous peoples in the Pacific. The text reflects on the harshness and beauty of the Australian landscape while also delving into cultural practices surrounding fishing. In the first part, Becke recounts his time at Five-Head Creek, highlighting the brutality of drought on the land, his daily routines, and interactions with local fauna and Aboriginal inhabitants. The arrival of rain breathes new life into the desolate surroundings, and he finds joy in fishing and hunting, often sharing these experiences in vivid detail. The second part shifts focus, discussing the method of fish drugging used by Pacific islanders, particularly the use of the "oap" plant, showcasing a contrast between traditional and modern fishing techniques. Becke’s writing combines adventure, nature, and ethnographic observation, inviting readers to engage with both the environment and the indigenous cultures of the Pacific.
Louis Becke
Yorke The Adventurer
"Yorke the Adventurer" by Louis Becke is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Captain Yorke, a complex, self-reliant adventurer who encounters danger and intrigue while navigating the treacherous waters of the South Pacific. The narrative promises an exploration of adventure, survival, and human character against the backdrop of remote and often hostile environments. The opening of the tale introduces Yorke as he resides aboard the damaged cutter "Francesco", having survived the recent massacre of his crew by natives. The account begins with the narrator, Drake, recalling their chance meeting under dire circumstances. Yorke's tale unfolds, revealing his resilience, resourcefulness, and the dark fate of his crew when they attempted to engage with local islanders. As they set off for supplies and aid with another vessel, the tension is palpable, hinting at further adventures and potential dangers that may lie ahead as the two men navigate the unpredictable and perilous waters of the Pacific.
Louis Becke
The Colonial Mortuary Bard; "'Reo," The Fisherman; and The Black Bream of Australia 1901
"The Colonial Mortuary Bard; 'Reo,' The Fisherman; and The Black Bream of Australia" by Louis Becke is a collection of narratives that blends humor, storytelling, and vivid depictions of life in colonial Australia, likely written in the early 20th century. This book explores themes of mortality, survival, and the complexities of human interactions within a colonial setting, offering insight into the lives of various characters, including sailors, fishermen, and common folk of the era. The book comprises three distinct parts. The first section, "The Colonial Mortuary Bard," presents amusing and poignant excerpts of mortuary poetry from visitors to significant historical sites, using engaging prose to reflect on how people memorialize the deceased in a light-hearted manner. The second section, "'Reo,' The Fisherman," follows the adventures of 'Reo, a wily Malayan fisherman who navigates cultural expectations and personal ambition, highlighting his cleverness in fishing and interactions with both his community and relatives. Lastly, "The Black Bream of Australia" reminisces about the author's youth spent fishing for bream, illustrating the beauty of the Australian landscape and the joy of fishing through rich descriptions, while also capturing the innocence of childhood and the complexities of local fish-catching culture. Together, these narratives encapsulate the nuanced social fabric of colonial life intertwined with vivid imagery of nature and humor.
Louis Becke
"Old Mary" 1901
"Old Mary" by Louis Becke is a short story written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the life of Mary Eury, a remarkable old woman who recounts her tragic yet resilient life story to a visiting supercargo named Denison. The book elegantly explores themes of memory, loss, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who has faced a variety of adversities throughout her life in the South Seas. In the tale, Mary shares her harrowing experiences, beginning with her survival from a shipwreck at the tender age of five, and continuing through her tumultuous life filled with love, loss, and heartache. She speaks of her marriage to Robert Eury, their adventures, the devastating loss of their children to smallpox, and the subsequent pirate attacks that took her husband’s life. Throughout her storytelling, Mary's strength and unwavering resolve shine through as she reflects on her past, her loyalty to those she loved, and her acceptance of her current solitude on the island. The richly woven narrative not only paints a vivid picture of Mary’s life but also serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit amidst hardship.
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