The Tapu of Banderah 1901

"The Tapu of Banderah" by Louis Becke is a story unfolding among the islands of Melanesia, painting a vivid picture of early 20th-century cultural clashes. It explores the complicated relationship between European traders and the native populations, highlighting issues of trust and treachery. When the yacht "Starlight" appears in Mayou, old wounds reopen, particularly between Chief Banderah and the deceitful Captain Bilker. As tensions rise, a plan for revenge takes shape, aiming to punish wrongdoers from both the white and native communities. Amidst colonial exploitation and savage retribution. A trader, a missionary, and his wife find themselves entangled in a battle for survival, facing difficult moral decisions that test their values, which builds to an intense conclusion that uncovers the delicate nature of peace when faced with human nature.