
On the lush, sun‑dappled island of Tilafeaa, two inseparable young men—Tauti and Uliware—share a bond forged by countless days of fishing, trading, and quiet generosity. Their lives revolve around the bustling harbor, the glow of torches on the reef, and the rhythm of island customs that tie them to their community and each other. The narrative paints a vivid portrait of island life, where friendship feels as solid as the ancient mountains that loom over the village.
When Tauti stumbles upon Kinei, the bright‑hearted daughter of a basket‑maker, his world tilts on a new axis. The sudden, tender spark of love draws him away from the familiar, and the once‑steady friendship faces an unexpected test. As both men grapple with their feelings, the story explores how love can both uplift and unsettle, revealing the delicate balance between loyalty and desire in a place where the sea and the heart move in tandem.
Language
en
Duration
~26 minutes (25K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: Street & Smith Corporation, 1920.
Credits
Roger Frank and Sue Clark
Release date
2024-03-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1863–1951
Best known for the hugely popular island romance The Blue Lagoon, this Irish-born writer mixed adventure, exotic settings, and a doctor's eye for detail. His life at sea and in medicine helped shape dozens of novels that carried readers far beyond Edwardian drawing rooms.
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