The Return of Lono: A Novel of Captain Cook's Last Voyage

I really enjoy reading historical fiction, in this case as far as I know it seems really accurate (as I looked up a few things). I am ashamed to admit that I didn't know that William Bligh was a crew member under the command of Capt. Cook. As many know Mr. Bligh would go on to be the Capt. of the HMS Bounty. The author uses a young English seaman to tell his tale. The interesting part of that is how he (as well as the other Englishmen) refer to Hawaiians as Indians, but I would think in their time anybody who was brown was an Indian. The story makes you appreciate how difficult communication could be between two groups who do not speak the same language. And if you read this (which you should) you'll find many other difficulties two diverse cultures coming together can present.

This novel paints a realistic and believable portrait of Cook, his protege Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame), and the events of Captain Cook's final voyage. It is an interesting and rivetting read, and kept me up for a few nights. The conflict between Cook, the practical-minded captain, and the religious Bligh, is at the heart of the book, and the author takes no sides in the argument, allowing the reader to draw his/her own conclusions from the tragedy that ensues. I heartily recommend this novel to all who are interested in well-researched historical fiction.