Âmona; The Child; And The Beast; And Others From "The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton, and Other Stories" - 1902

"Âmona; The Child; And The Beast; And Others" by Louis Becke is a compilation of stories set in the South Seas during the early 1900s, using the backdrop of striking landscapes to present complex interpersonal dramas. The collection likely focuses on societal problems, the impact of colonialism, and the battles of individuals, especially native people, as they search for who they are in a world that's constantly changing. The title story centers on Âmona, a kind native cook working for the cruel and alcoholic Armitage, where the contrast in their natures highlights the story's theme, while Armitage's wife and child also endure his merciless behavior. The wife’s suffering exposes the emotional burden of her marriage, leading to tragic outcomes for her and her son, yet a powerful bond forms between Âmona and the child, highlighting the resilience of compassion even in desperate times, making for a touching and socially conscious narrative.