Java Head

"Java Head" by Joseph Hergesheimer is a narrative following a young girl named Laurel Ammidon as she grows up in a maritime family in Salem, Massachusetts. The story highlights Laurel's journey, starting with her eleventh birthday, and shows her childhood thoughts, like seeing her chairs as companions. Set against the backdrop of a maritime family and the expectations of society, the novel examines the challenges Laurel faces as she balances childish freedom with the pressures of adulthood. This contrast becomes clear as she interacts with her family, particularly her grandfather, revealing a world filled with maritime history while anticipating the return of her uncle on the "Nautilus," setting the stage for a story about growing up, family ties, and tradition.