South Wind

"South Wind" by Norman Douglas is a story that occurs in the early 1900s. It follows Bishop Thomas Heard's return to the island of Nepenthe after his time as a bishop in Africa. As Bishop Heard gets to know the lively people of the island, the story explores culture differences, individual values, and the hunt for purpose in a world filled with both beauty and unpleasantness. The story begins by introducing Bishop Heard, who is feeling sick on a boat ride to Nepenthe while thinking back to his experiences in Africa. He shows a mix of professionalism, longing, and understanding for the suffering of the local people. When he gets to the island the environment becomes bright and energetic, and he gets ready to experience the local culture. This then results in meetings with interesting individuals along with his developing views on his job and the people around him, and the story mixes funny parts and serious thoughts, bringing readers into a vividly drawn world created by its people and their shared experiences.