Tom Wallis: A Tale of the South Seas

"Tom Wallis: A Tale of the South Seas" by Louis Becke is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young boy named Tom Wallis, who lives in a quaint seaport town in Australia with his father and elder brother, Jack. The narrative promises adventure, focusing on Tom's experiences and aspirations, set against the vivid backdrop of the South Seas. The opening of the book introduces us to the Wallis family home and the coastal setting, establishing the adventurous spirits of Tom and Jack. As their father contemplates a past that has seen both loss and hope, Tom dreams of exploration and adventure at sea. Soon, Tom's desire for adventure leads him to the discovery of a shipwrecked boat, prompting a daring rescue mission that sets the stage for the unfolding tale of bravery, personal growth, and the bond of family among the dangers of the South Seas. The initial chapters establish a tone of nostalgia, excitement, and impending adventure that invites readers into Tom's world and his quest for a life of exploration and significance. (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.