The Colonial Mortuary Bard; "'Reo," The Fisherman; and The Black Bream of Australia 1901

** "The Colonial Mortuary Bard; 'Reo,' The Fisherman; and The Black Bream of Australia" by Louis Becke is a diverse collection of stories illustrating colonial Australia through humor and observation. Presenting three distinct narratives, the anthology paints memorable pictures of individuals through different lenses. Initially, amusing mortuary poems left by tourists at historical places examine mortality with a touch of humor. Subsequently, "'Reo,' The Fisherman," a cunning Malayan fisherman, negotiates cultural norms and pursues personal goals, demonstrating his ingenuity in fishing and social skills. To conclude the collective, memories of childhood fishing trips chasing the Black Bream of Australia evoke the charm of nature and the purity of youth, depicting the complexities of fishing communities. The book captures the social and environmental features of colonial life with colorful stories. **