John Frewen, South Sea Whaler 1904

"John Frewen, South Sea Whaler" by Louis Becke is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set aboard a whaling ship, the "Casilda", exploring the tumultuous life at sea and the relationships among its crew, primarily focusing on the conflict between Captain Ethan Keller and his second mate, John Frewen, who is portrayed as an able and determined officer. The narrative touches on themes of loyalty, mutiny, and the harsh realities of whaling life in the South Pacific. The opening of the novel introduces Captain Keller's frustration as he grapples with the loss of two boats in pursuit of a formidable sperm whale. Tension is already palpable between Keller and Frewen, as past grudges complicate their interactions amidst the backdrop of high-stakes whaling operations. As the crew deals with the dangers of the ocean and the threat of mutiny looms, the dynamics between Frewen, his half-caste boatsteerer Randall Cheyne, and Keller evolve, setting the stage for further conflict and adventure. Frewen's commitment to his profession and his crew's welfare hint at larger themes of honor and camaraderie that will likely unfold as the story progresses. (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.