LORD OF THE ISLES

by Donald Barr Chidsey ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 1954

The Sandwich Islands are the setting for the story of Ann Buttoner Mathewson, widowed on her trip out with the first United States Church Mission, Johnny Lamb and the Queen, Kauhumanu, as each fights for their way of life. The Mission fails to attract the natives and Ann is the one who indicates that, working through Johnny, they can persuade the Queen to indoctrinate her people but the ""Long Necks'"" attempts meet opposition when Johnny, too much the Queen's favorite and a trader heading for success, refuses to cooperate. Ann's surrender to Johnny doesn't prevent bitter spats and Johnny heads for home with a prize cargo of sandalwood. On his return he finds the Queen has accepted Christianity and wants him for a husband; Ann ready to marry another member of the missionary family. The burning of the church is the signal for Johnny to redeem his name, win Ann away from religion and head home to Hartford, Conn., for respectability and wealth. Swampings of kodachrome for the last days of a Pacific paradise, this combination of religion, romance and history may satisfy the popular taste.

Pub Date: March 29, 1954

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1954

Categories: FICTION