Cumner's Son and other South Sea Folk, Volume 5

Name: Cumner's Son and other South Sea Folk, Volume 5
Author: Gilbert Parker

The fifth volume of Cumner's Son and other South Sea Folk by Gilbert Parker contains a collection of short stories set in the Pacific Islands during the late nineteenth century. The book explores themes of colonialism, cultural clashes, and the impact of Western civilization on indigenous societies.

By Gilbert Parker · First published 1904 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama · 12,983 words

First lines

When Blake Shorland stepped from the steamer Belle Sauvage upon the quay at Noumea, he proceeded, with the alertness of the trained newspaper correspondent, to take his bearings. So this was New Caledonia, the home of outcast, criminal France, the recent refuge of Communist exiles, of Rochefort, Louise Michel, Felix Rastoul, and the rest! Over there to the left was Ile Nou, the convict prison; on the hill was the Governor's residence; below, the Government establishments with their red-tiled roofs; and hidden away in a luxuriance of tropical vegetation lay the houses of the citizens. He stroked his black moustache thoughtfully for a moment, and put his hand to his pocket to see that his letters of introduction from the French Consul at Sydney to Governor Rapont and his journalistic credentials were there. Then he remembered the advice of the captain of the Belle Sauvage as to the best hotel, and started towards it. He had not been shown the way, but his instincts directed him. He knew where it ought to be, according to the outlines of the place.

What this Textopian page supports

Cumner's Son and other South Sea Folk, Volume 5 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Gilbert Parker, dated 1904 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Gilbert Parker
Date: 1904 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Drama, Thriller, Romance
Length: 12,983 words
Structure: 1 section, 135 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Cumner's Son and other South Sea Folk, Volume 5 by Gilbert Parker
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Cumner's Son and other South Sea Folk, Volume 5?
How does this novel by Gilbert Parker fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The narrative follows a protagonist navigating dangerous and exotic locales, facing physical and moral challenges.
Historical Fiction — The story is set against the backdrop of historical events and locations, such as New Caledonia and the French penal colony system.
Drama — The plot is driven by intense personal conflicts, emotional struggles, and complex character relationships.
Thriller — The story includes elements of suspense and tension, with the protagonist facing life-threatening situations and espionage accusations.