Subject
Tahiti (French Polynesia : Island) -- Fiction Books
Best books
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Moon and Sixpence
"The Moon and Sixpence" by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel published in 1919. It follows Charles Strickland, a middle-aged English stockbroker who abruptly abandons his wife and children to pursue his obsession with becoming an artist. Living in poverty and indifferent to those around him, Strickland destroys relationships in his single-minded pursuit of art and beauty. Inspired by Paul Gauguin's life, the story explores the myth of the artist-genius through a journey from London to Paris to Tahiti.
Pierre Loti
Le Mariage de Loti
"Le Mariage de Loti" by Pierre Loti is an autobiographical novel published in 1880. The story follows a young French naval officer stationed in Tahiti who immerses himself in indigenous culture and begins a romantic liaison with a Tahitian girl named Rarahu. Based on Loti's own experiences during a two-month stay in Papeete, the novel blends fact and fiction, capturing the author's transformation as he adopts local customs and a new identity while fulfilling his military duties in the exotic Polynesian islands.
Friedrich Gerstäcker
Tahiti: Roman aus der Südsee. Erster Band.
"Tahiti: Roman aus der Südsee. Erster Band" by Friedrich Gerstäcker is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story appears to focus on René, a young Frenchman who finds himself aboard a whaling ship named Delaware bound for the South Seas. The book explores his tumultuous experience as he grapples with his situation while yearning for freedom and adventure in the exotic locale of Tahiti. The opening of the novel introduces the setting aboard the whaling ship Delaware, where René struggles with his desire to escape the harsh life of a sailor under the stern Captain Lewis. Careful to keep his intentions secret, he resolves to make a break for freedom as the ship approaches a small island. His friend Adolph tries to dissuade him, warning of the dangers that lie ahead should he encounter the native people alone. Meanwhile, although René successfully escapes to the island's interior, he is quickly pursued by locals who are initially friendly but driven by the promise of a reward from the ship's crew. As he navigates this precarious situation, he encounters a young island girl who intervenes, providing him with a warning against being captured and hinting at a possible refuge, suggesting the story will continue to unfold in a blend of peril and romance.
Friedrich Gerstäcker
Tahiti: Roman aus der Südsee. Vierter Band
"Tahiti: Roman aus der Südsee. Vierter Band" by Friedrich Gerstäcker is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story appears to unfold in a rich setting, reflecting on themes of conflict and colonialism in Tahiti and the surrounding islands. The central character, René, navigates complex relationships against the backdrop of a brewing rebellion between the indigenous people and colonial forces, as he grapples with personal dilemmas and the expectations of friendship. The opening of the novel introduces us to René, who is deep in contemplation and struggling with thoughts of homesickness and his current situation on Tahiti. After a chance reunion with his friend Adolphe, they discuss their lives and the mixture of joy and turmoil in their surroundings. René’s thoughts are interrupted by the news of an uprising and the potential for conflict, leading to a stark contrast between the peaceful beginnings of their lives in Tahiti and the violent struggle looming on the horizon. As tensions rise, we are introduced to other characters and the palpable sense of unrest among the natives, foreshadowing significant conflict and the challenges that lie ahead for all involved.
Friedrich Gerstäcker
Tahiti: Roman aus der Südsee. Dritter Band.
"Tahiti: Roman aus der Südsee. Dritter Band." by Friedrich Gerstäcker is a novel written in the mid-19th century. This work continues a narrative set in the idyllic yet tumultuous atmosphere of Tahiti, interweaving themes of love, loss, and the socio-political upheavals stemming from colonial encounters. The central character appears to be Sadie, who grapples with personal anguish while navigating her relationships amidst the changing dynamics on the island. The beginning of the third volume introduces a scenic portrayal of the Tahitian landscape, where the protagonist Sadie finds herself in deep reflection and sorrow. Following an emotional departure of her husband René, she faces inner turmoil, exacerbated by the arrival of Mr. Rowe, a missionary who confronts her about her moral and spiritual choices. This emotional exchange lays the groundwork for the themes of temptation and faith, as Sadie feels the weight of societal and personal expectations. Compounding her distress, René's potential danger returns to the forefront when he is gravely wounded in a conflict between the varying cultural and military powers vying for dominance in Tahiti. The opening sets a dark yet engaging tone, inviting readers to explore Sadie's complex world amid the evolving backdrop of colonial tension.
Friedrich Gerstäcker
Tahiti: Roman aus der Südsee. Zweiter Band.
"TAHITI: Roman aus der Südsee. Zweiter Band" by Friedrich Gerstäcker is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The book presumably explores life on the island of Tahiti, touching on themes of local culture, interactions between islanders and foreigners, relationships, and the clash of different societal values. The narrative is likely populated with characters such as René and Sadie, hinting at their connections to the island and each other in this vibrant setting. The opening of the second volume introduces a lively scene on the island, where locals engage in festivities following a prayer. It depicts various characters, including spirited girls like Maïre and interactions with sailors, providing a glimpse into Tahitian life. The text contrasts traditional island values with the encroachment of foreign influences, showcasing the intersection of joy and tension in their interactions. We also meet René, who is establishing a new life on the island with his wife Sadie while navigating cultural dynamics, including influences from both missionaries and local customs, setting the stage for potential conflicts and growth in the narrative ahead.
Pierre Loti
Lotin avioliitto
"Lotin avioliitto" by Pierre Loti is an autobiographical novel published in 1880. The work chronicles Loti's romantic relationship with a Tahitian woman named Rarahu during his naval posting in Papeete. Drawing from his detailed diaries, the young French officer immersed himself in local culture, adopting native customs and language. This pioneering work of romantic exoticism blends fact and fiction, creating a lyrical portrait of Polynesian life that brought Loti widespread acclaim and established his literary reputation across Europe.
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