The Ebbing Of The Tide South Sea Stories - 1896

"The Ebbing of the Tide" by Louis Becke is a compilation of narratives set among the islands of the South Pacific, exploring the encounters between islanders and outsiders. The book commences by introducing Sru and Niya, islanders who share the "Song of Luliban," a story about a woman caught between her husband, a white man, and another lover, a beachcomber. This tale, rich with themes of love, competition, and treachery, mirrors the bigger clash of cultures and the challenges of identity amid changing times. Through folklore that is intertwined into ordinary life, the book creates an image of relationships under pressure. The tone is both evocative and insightful, capturing the atmosphere of the islands and the complexities of human connections in a world where tradition meets the modern age.