Tessa / 1901

Name: Tessa / 1901
Author: Louis Becke

A young woman aboard a trading steamer in the Equatorial Pacific confronts betrayal, sickness, and calculated villainy as crew members conspire to manufacture a scandal that will compel her into marriage. When her lover is shackled and one officer plans to abandon him ashore, she relies on her close native companion while tensions rise amid fevered illness, heavy seas, drink, and secret plots. The narrative combines shipboard daily life, island settings, and interpersonal intrigue to explore loyalty, exploitation, and the precarious position of vulnerable passengers among opportunistic seafarers.

By Louis Becke

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About This Book

About the Author

Louis Becke

Louis Becke was an Australian author known for his vivid storytelling and depictions of life in the South Seas. His works often draw on his own experiences as a sailor and trader in the Pacific Islands, blending adventure with rich cultural observations. Becke's notable titles include "Chinkie's Flat" and "Martin of Nitendi," which showcase his ability to create engaging narratives filled with local color and character. His writing reflects the complexities of colonial life and the natural beauty of the regions he explored, contributing significantly to the literary heritage of Australian literature.