Never the Twain Shall Meet

A novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Gaston Larrieau, a trading captain of a schooner, and his daughter Tamea, the Queen of Riva, a Polynesian island. Upon arriving in San Francisco, the plot thickens as they face challenges associated with their identities and cultural heritage, particularly after Gaston is diagnosed with leprosy. The narrative promises themes of cultural clash, love, loss, and the quest for belonging. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Tamea singing a melancholic song that reveals her longing for home and her happiness in her new journey. Gaston, who appears jovial despite his illness, engages playfully with Tamea during their time at sea. His life takes a dramatic turn when he learns of his health condition, leading him to worry about his daughter's future and legacy. After a poignant farewell, Gaston takes matters into his own hands to secure Tamea's well-being by appointing Dan Pritchard as her guardian. With Gaston's death, Tamea finds herself navigating a foreign world, at once filled with opportunities and challenges, as she seeks to embrace her identity in this new land.