Where the Pavement Ends

"Where the Pavement Ends" by John Russell, is a tale of survival and morality set against the backdrop of a daring escape from a penal colony. Three white convicts, spearheaded by the cunning Dr. Dubosc, embark on a treacherous journey to freedom with the unexpected assistance of a native man known as the Canaque. Their escape unfolds on a fragile raft amidst the unforgiving sea, where they grapple with hunger, the elements, and their own clashing personalities. The doctor's leadership is tested as the convicts navigate external dangers and internal struggles, brought into sharper focus by the Canaque's presence, who embodies both a lifeline and a source of prejudice, highlighting themes of race, desperation, and the relentless pursuit of liberty.