William S. Cary
Wrecked on the Feejees
"Wrecked on the Feejees" by William S. Cary is a historical account documenting the experiences of a Nantucket man written in the mid-19th century. This narrative recounts the true tale of Cary, the sole survivor of the whaleship "Oeno," which was wrecked on Turtle Island in 1825, and his life among the Feejee Islanders following the massacre of his crew. The book highlights the survival story, detailing Cary's encounters with the native tribes and the unique cultural observations he makes during his time among them. The opening of the narrative introduces the ill-fated voyage of the "Oeno," starting with Cary’s account of the ship's departure and their experiences hunting whales before they tragically run aground on a coral reef. As they face the growing storm, it quickly leads to chaos, and Cary describes the treacherous conditions that threaten their lives. The crew's desperate escape attempts are recounted alongside their initial interactions with the island's inhabitants, who show both hospitality and hostility. Cary's recounting paints a vivid picture of the people and environment, foreshadowing the challenges and conflicts he will face as a castaway among the Feejee Islanders.