The Trader's Wife is a novel by Louis Becke, first published in 1895. It tells the story of a young Australian trader, John Gaunt, who marries a native girl, Mere, from the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands. John and Mere move to Sydney, Australia, where they face many challenges as they try to make a life for themselves. John struggles to make a living as a trader, while Mere is ostracized by the white community for her race and culture. Despite the difficulties, John and Mere remain devoted to each other and eventually find success. The novel is set in the late 19th century and is a vivid portrait of the colonial experience in the South Pacific. It is a story of love, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
By Louis Becke · First published 1901 · Genre: Adventure Fiction, Romance Fiction, Historical Fiction · 4 chapters