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The Tapu Of Banderah 1901   By: (1855-1913)

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The Tapu Of Banderah 1901 by Louis Becke takes readers on a captivating journey through the exotic landscapes and intriguing cultures of the South Seas. With a blend of adventure, romance, and rich descriptions, Becke offers a vivid portrayal of life in the Pacific islands during the late 19th century.

Set in the remote island of Banderah, the story follows the protagonist, John Nares, a young Englishman who finds himself stranded in this unfamiliar territory. Becke's meticulous attention to detail helps transport readers to this idyllic paradise, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and customs of the native islanders.

The novel seamlessly weaves together contrasting narratives, seamlessly intertwining elements of adventure and romance. As John navigates his way through the island's complex social dynamics, he becomes entangled in a forbidden love affair, which threatens to disrupt the delicate equilibrium of the island's cultural traditions.

Becke's expertise in creating realistic and authentic characters shines through in The Tapu Of Banderah 1901. Each character, whether a brawny sailor or a wily island chief, is rendered with meticulous detail, making them come alive on the page. The interactions between the characters are realistic and provide a fascinating insight into the clash between Western influences and traditional island cultures.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Becke's portrayal of the local belief system and the concept of "tapu," a type of religious taboo. The tapu is presented as a powerful force, shaping the actions and decisions of the characters and adding an intriguing layer of suspense to the plot. The exploration of this cultural aspect adds depth and complexity to the story, making it more than just a simple adventure tale.

While the narrative moves at a steady pace, the book occasionally suffers from minor inconsistencies in the plot. Some transitions between scenes and chapters are not as smooth as one would hope, resulting in a slightly disjointed reading experience. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.

In summary, The Tapu Of Banderah 1901 is a captivating and riveting novel that transports readers to a time and place often forgotten. Becke's impeccable descriptions, engaging characters, and exploration of cultural dynamics provide a rich and immersive reading experience. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure, romance, and the mesmerizing allure of the South Seas.

First Page:

THE TAPU OF BANDERAH

By Louis Becke

C. Arthur Pearson Ltd.

1901

I ~ THE "STARLIGHT"

As the rising sun had just begun to pierce the misty tropic haze of early dawn, a small, white painted schooner of ninety or a hundred tons burden was bearing down upon the low, densely wooded island of Mayou, which lies between the coast of south east New Guinea and the murderous Solomon Group the grave of the white man in Melanesia.

The white population of Mayou was not large, for it consisted only of an English missionary and his wife who was, of course, a white woman a German trader named Peter Schwartzkoff and his native wife; an English trader named Charlie Blount, with his two half caste sons and daughters; and an American trader and ex whaler, named Nathaniel Burrowes, with his wives.

Although the island is of large extent, and of amazing fertility, the native population was at this time comparatively small, numbering only some three thousand souls. They nearly all lived at the south west end of the island, the rendezvous of the few trading ships that visited the place. Occasionally a surveying vessel, and, at longer intervals still, a labour recruiting ship from Hawaii or Fiji, would call. At such times the monotony of the lives of the white residents of Mayou was pleasantly broken... Continue reading book >>




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