Subject
Oceania -- Fiction Books
Best books
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Trembling of a Leaf: Little Stories of the South Sea Islands
"The Trembling of a Leaf: Little Stories of the South Sea Islands" by W. Somerset Maugham is a collection of short stories published in 1921. Born from Maugham's 1916-1917 Pacific travels, these tales explore the collision between Western civilization and island paradise. European and American expatriates encounter love, hatred, and moral crossroads among the South Sea Islands, where extreme happiness trembles on the edge of extreme despair. Each story reveals how the intoxicating beauty of the Pacific can seduce, transform, or destroy those who venture there.
Abraham Merritt
The Moon Pool
"The Moon Pool" by Abraham Merritt is a fantasy novel published in 1919. When a mysterious entity called the Dweller rises from Earth's core to capture humans, Dr. Goodwin and pilot Larry O'Keefe descend into an underground realm of ancient races and advanced beings. There they encounter the Silent Ones—angelic creators bound by their love for their dangerous offspring—and two women locked in battle over O'Keefe's fate. As forces of good and evil collide, the fate of the world hangs on one question: can good triumph through love and sacrifice?
Jack London
A Son of the Sun
"A Son of the Sun" by Jack London is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the lush, adventurous backdrop of the South Pacific, the story follows the life of David Grief, a wealthy trader in the region, as he navigates perilous encounters and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative promises themes of adventure, conflict, and the duality of civilization and savagery as it delves into Grief's interactions with various island inhabitants and other characters. The opening of the book introduces the "Willi-Waw", a trading vessel anchored in a secluded passage bordered by coral reefs. Here, we meet Griffiths, the ship's captain, and his mate Jacobsen, who express their frustration with the oppressive heat and a looming financial obligation to the enigmatic David Grief. The chapter sets a tone of tension as Griffiths prepares to confront his debts and the repercussions of his choices, notably foreshadowing conflict with Grief, who is noted for his shrewdness and financial acumen. Additionally, we encounter the vibrant and diverse imagery of the islanders, hinting at the rich tapestry of lives that impact Grief’s world. Overall, the beginning establishes an engaging narrative that intertwines adventure and intricate character dynamics, inviting readers into a world of sun-soaked intrigue.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Ebb-Tide: A Trio And Quartette
"The Ebb-Tide: A Trio And Quartette" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne is a novella published in 1894. Three desperate beggars in Tahiti—a failed English businessman, a disgraced American sea captain, and a dishonest Cockney—seize control of a plague-stricken ship carrying champagne, planning to steal it. Their scheme unravels when they discover the cargo is fraudulent and encounter a mysterious, violent English pearl harvester on a remote island. What follows is a dark tale of moral corruption, failed redemption, and the clash between greed and faith.
Jack London
South Sea Tales
"South Sea Tales" by Jack London is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The book explores the lives and adventures of various characters inhabiting the islands of the South Pacific, showcasing themes of survival, cultural clashes, and human resilience against nature's forces. The opening of "South Sea Tales" introduces the story "The House of Mapuhi," focusing on young Alexandre Raoul, who is on a trading expedition in the lagoon of Hikueru. Here, he encounters Mapuhi, a native who has found a remarkable pearl and desires a house in exchange for it. As Raoul struggles with the economic and personal implications of this negotiation—compounded by his concerns about a looming storm—audiences witness a rich exploration of character relationships and the societal dynamics of trade and desire. Amid the tension, Mapuhi's insistence on exacting a specific price for the pearl reveals the complexities of value in a world torn between tradition and commerce. The story sets the stage for the ensuing turmoil as the forces of nature threaten to disrupt the lives of all involved.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The cave girl
"The Cave Girl" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel originally published in two parts between 1913 and 1917. When frail, bookish Waldo Emerson Smith-Jones is swept overboard onto a mysterious jungle island, he encounters primitive tribes and a beautiful cave girl named Nadara. As he transforms from coward to warrior, Waldo must navigate dangerous ape-men, tribal customs, and his growing love for Nadara. Their struggle to reunite across treacherous seas and hostile forces tests whether civilization or survival matters most.
Gilbert Parker
Cumner's Son and Other South Sea Folk — Complete
"Cumner's Son and Other South Sea Folk" by Gilbert Parker is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The book primarily explores life in Australia and the South Seas, focusing on vivid personal experiences and customs of the inhabitants during that era. The title story, "Cumner's Son," introduces us to Colonel Cumner's son, a spirited and adventurous young man who becomes embroiled in a political and cultural crisis in the fictional town of Mandakan. The opening of "Cumner's Son" presents a tense atmosphere in Mandakan as the young protagonist engages in play with a local half-breed named Boonda Broke. As the narrative unfolds, we learn that the city is on the brink of upheaval, with the dying Dakoon's power waning and treachery simmering beneath its surface. Colonel Cumner and his men grapple with the urgency of needing someone to reach the outlaw Pango Dooni for assistance. In a bold choice fueled by courage, Cumner's son volunteers to make the dangerous journey, setting in motion an adventure filled with both peril and camaraderie as he embarks on a quest vital to the survival of his community.
George S. (George Shepard) Chappell
The Cruise of the Kawa: Wanderings in the South Seas
"The Cruise of the Kawa: Wanderings in the South Seas" by George S. Chappell is a travel parody published in 1921 under the pseudonym Walter E. Traprock. The book invents the fictional Fatu-liva bird, supposedly found only in the imaginary "Filbert Islands" of the South Pacific. This creature allegedly lays remarkable cube-shaped eggs with black spots resembling dice. The work includes mock-serious photographs and scientific descriptions that playfully blur the line between genuine travel writing and absurdist humor.
Lloyd Osbourne
Wild Justice: Stories of the South Seas
"Wild Justice: Stories of the South Seas" by Lloyd Osbourne is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book presents a vivid portrayal of life in the South Seas, focusing on the interactions between Polynesians and the European characters that traverse their realm. It captures themes of love, culture clash, and personal transformation, often revolving around the relationships between white men and native women, as hinted in the preface. At the start of the book, the author introduces Jack Wilson, a sailor reflecting on his pitiful existence while painting a ship in a remote South Sea bay. Obsessed with his lower status among seamen and yearning for a more meaningful life, he becomes envious of the carefree natives. Upon witnessing a group of joyful Polynesians preparing for a journey, he impulsively decides to abandon his tedious life aboard the ship. Inspired by the affection of a young native woman named Fetuao and the warmth of the community, Jack embraces a new life in the village, where he is not only welcomed but gradually transforms into a part of their world. This sets the stage for a narrative rich in cultural exploration and personal redemption, intertwining Jack's journey with the complexities of love and identity.
W. H. (William Henry) Myddleton
Gabrielle of the Lagoon: A Romance of the South Seas
"Gabrielle of the Lagoon: A Romance of the South Seas" by W. H. Myddleton is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the exotic backdrop of the Solomon Islands, the story follows the enchanting Gabrielle Everard, a white girl living in a tribal community, and the complex dynamics of her relationships with the local people and other outsiders, including the charming ship's apprentice Hillary L and the intriguing half-caste Rajah Koo Macka. The narrative delves into themes of love, identity, and cultural collision. The opening of the novel introduces a vivid night-time festival, where the native inhabitants participate in a ceremonial dance, showcasing the mysticism of their world. Amidst this celebration, Gabrielle unexpectedly leaps onto the stage, captivating the audience with her beauty and grace before fleeing into the forest, leaving them in astonishment. The scene then shifts to Hillary, who is a run-away ship's apprentice feeling out of place and longing for romance. He soon encounters Gabrielle again, sparking an immediate connection that hints at a burgeoning romance. However, the relationships between the characters are complicated by Gabrielle's mixed heritage and her father's contemptuous demeanor, setting the stage for further conflict and exploration of these intense interpersonal dynamics.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 19
"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 19" by Stevenson et al. is a collection of literature likely assembled in the early 20th century. This volume includes two major works: "The Ebb-Tide," a tale exploring themes of disillusionment and moral ambiguity through the experiences of its characters, and "Weir of Hermiston," which examines familial relationships and societal expectations. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the South Pacific, populated by various characters who navigate both physical and emotional turmoil. At the start of "The Ebb-Tide," the story unfolds on a beach in Papeete, where three outcasts, Robert Herrick, an American called Brown, and a clerk known as Huish, find themselves united by their shared hardship. Each man bears the weight of their past failures and struggles with their current desolate circumstances, characterized by hunger, cold, and a sense of moral defeat. The opening pages vividly depict their plight, establishing a tone of melancholy and desperation, as they contemplate the depths of their fall from grace and their yearning for redemption or escape, leading to discussions about their pasts and dreams of a different life.
Cyrus Townsend Brady
By the World Forgot: A Double Romance of the East and West
"By the World Forgot: A Double Romance of the East and West" by Cyrus Townsend Brady is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a love triangle involving Stephanie Maynard, Derrick Beekman, and George Harnash, exploring themes of love, honor, and societal expectations. As the narrative unfolds, the tension between personal desires and familial obligations creates a compelling conflict that captures the reader's interest in the characters' fates. The opening of the novel introduces a passionate exchange between Derrick Beekman and Stephanie Maynard, depicting their emotional struggle against the backdrop of an impending marriage that Stephanie feels compelled to fulfill despite her love for Derrick. Throughout this initial section, it's made clear that their relationship is steeped in complexities — including familial ties and societal expectations — particularly as Derrick learns of Stephanie’s engagement to another man, which heightens the stakes. Stephanie's resistance to a loveless marriage and Derrick's desperation to win her back set the tone for the unfolding drama, especially as George Harnash, Derrick's best friend, enters the narrative with intentions that complicate matters even further.
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