Officer and Man 1901

"Officer and Man" by Louis Becke is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically around the turn of the century. The story is set in the South Seas, primarily on the islands of Fiji, and revolves around themes of duty, loyalty, and the complexities of relationships amidst the backdrop of colonial influence and military service. The narrative intricately explores the lives of characters caught in the moral quandaries posed by their societal roles and personal relationships. The plot follows Lieutenant Carteret of H.M.S. Spitfire, who is dispatched to capture a deserter named George Barcom, whose true identity is later revealed to be Charles Parker, a former sergeant of marines. The narrative unfolds through the interactions between Carteret, Barcom, and Tui, Barcom’s native wife, highlighting the tension between duty and personal loyalty. As Carteret grapples with the implications of arresting a man who saved his life, the story delves into the themes of love and sacrifice, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation that has lasting repercussions for all involved. The narrative culminates in Tui's desperate acts to reclaim her husband and defend their love against the backdrop of colonial perceptions and conflicts. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Lewis Becke was at the turn of the nineteenth century, the most prolific, significant, and internationally renowned Australian-born writer of the South Pacific region. Having lived and worked among Pacific Islands and Islanders as a trader, ship's supercargo, and villager for some two decades, learning languages and observing natural and cultural life, Becke was prompted by J F Archibald of The Bulletin to write down his experiences, eventually becoming a popular and respected author of short stories, novellas, novels, as well as historic and ethnographic works.