THE KING OF FASSARAI

by A.D. Divine ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 28, 1949

There's a catching quality to this war backgrounded story of a Pacific island where, after the Japanese exodus during which they also took with them all save the very old and the very young, Reis- a young Navy doctor- is sent. Far from fighting the war he had wanted to fight, Reis is at first bitter but soon involved in the job he has to do as he faces the fact that the natives- for no known medical reason- are dying off one by one. And whereas he can cure their yaws, their hookworm, etc., he cannot counter the pervading listlessness. In time Reis wins the confidence of the old people as well as the love of the children, and in the playgrounds and programs he institutes, eventually brings them an interest in life and gives them a will to live. And after Reis tangles with higher Navy officialdom over a water tank stolen for his islanders, Reis leaves Fassarai a better, happier place- is himself sent down to a boot camp... The humor here- some of it is masculine, the naivete of these natives, and the central character, all have a definite appeal.

Pub Date: Feb. 28, 1949

ISBN: 0548389187

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1949

Categories: FICTION