LONG PIG

by Russell Foreman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 20, 1958

This is an adventure story of shipwreck in the South Seas. In 1800, the American Argo out of Canton bound for New South Wales, was dashed on a coral reef in the Fiji Islands. Her crew, after landing with some supplies, were met by natives who were at first in awe of the strangers, then grew increasingly bold and were subdued only when Captain Berry demonstrated their firearms. The white men were regarded as gods until one of the crew infected the native village with dysentery at which point the natives turn on them and reveal their cannibalism. The crew is depleted through mutiny, sickness and the native uprising; Captain Berry becomes mad and kills the young cabin boy, Jeremy, and is in turn killed by Barber, now the only survivor along with first mate Oliver Slater. The remaining two are rescued by a beautiful native girl, Seyawa, with whom Slater has fallen in love, and she leads them to another island where the situation is similar but the details are changed -- the two white men join with the Fijians in an encounter against their enemies in the islands. Subsequently Barber is killed and Seyawa dies in childbirth, leaving Slater alone with his son, knowing he will never leave the island. Full of horrifying savage practices, vigorous action, this is strident excitement which does not always merit assent.

Pub Date: Oct. 20, 1958

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1958

Categories: FICTION