Synopses & Reviews
Capus takes us on an exploratory journey via the loss of a Spanish vessel laden with gold and jewels in the South Seas, the burial of treasure, an ancient map, and a long and dangerous voyage across the Pacific, to prove that Robert Louis Stevenson's "treasure island" actually exists; and that it exists in a place quite different from where hordes of treasure-hunters have been seeking it for generations. In fact, he posits, it was for this reason alone that Stevenson spent the last five years of his life in Samoa. On a long trip round the Pacific islands with the idea of writing articles for American periodicals, Stevenson, travelling with his beloved wife, Fanny, and stepson Lloyd Osbourne, had no notion of stopping at Samoa when their ship made landfall in December 1889. Yet, only six weeks later, at the age of 39, he would invest all his available assets in a patch of impenetrable jungle and spend the rest of his life there. This book traces what led Stevenson to Samoa and the origins of his famous story. For facing him from this unlikely spot was another island - a conical isle, Tafahi, where legends abound, and it was, Capus suggests, this isle that would cause him to change the course of his life.
Synopsis
Stevenson ended his days living on the island of Samoa in luxury, but from where did his riches originate?
Synopsis
When Robert Louis Stevenson arrived in Samoa in 1889 he planned to stay no more than a few days. But before long he set about building an opulent villa and lived out the rest of his days on the island in splendor. What had happened? Had Stevenson not only written the world-famous Treasure Island but found the treasure himself?
About the Author
Alex Capus: Alex Capus (born France, 1961) is a French-Swiss novelist who writes in German. He studied History, Philosopy and Anthropology at Basel University before embarking on a career in journalism. He published his first novel Munzinger Pascha in 1997, and is the author of ten further works of fiction. His novel Leon and Louise was published by Haus in 2012.