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Metafet's life was not going as he wanted. As the king of Samoa, he felt his days should be peaceful and stress-free, yet there were constant problems that caused his insides to churn. Much of the anxiety was caused by the power struggle among the American, British, and German foreigners vying for more and more influence on his islands. Metafet found himself engaged in a balancing act of trying to maintain the old traditions while acknowledging the reality of having such dangerous "allies" as residents in his realm. After British and American warships quickly crushed a local uprising by demolishing the shoreline where the rebels had made their stand, the king's confidence in his ability to maintain his rule and protect his people was badly shaken. Perhaps that is why he agreed to send his oldest son and heir, Mel, away to Australia along with other young men for a year. Unfortunately, he didn't see through the lies of the man offering this "opportunity," because in trying to keep the youths safe he was unwittingly selling them into slavery.
In her short, historical novel, Foster explores the life of a young prince who not only survives but thrives after falling victim to the practice of blackbirding in the South Pacific. Much of the charm of the book is due to its believable characters. For example, Mel is an engaging protagonist who shows tremendous courage, self-control, and personal integrity despite circumstances that would have destroyed weaker men. Joe, an Aborigine, is the perfect friend for the young Samoan, while John, a ghost, gives the book both a touch of humor and a supernatural twist. Foster's tale offers intriguing glimpses into Samoan and Australian history in an entertaining format. Well-written and fast-paced, it is a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review