In the Wrong Paradise, and Other Stories

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"In the Wrong Paradise and Other Stories" by Andrew Lang is a collection of short stories likely written during the late 19th century. The opening tale, "The End of Phaeacia," introduces the character of the Rev. Thomas Gowles, a missionary who becomes embroiled in bizarre and perilous events while serving in a fictional Pacific island setting. The book explores themes of cultural clash and the absurdities of colonial perceptions, as seen through the eyes of Gowles, who navigates the strange customs and beliefs of the natives. The opening of this story describes the background of the Rev. Thomas Gowles, detailing his fierce conviction in his beliefs and his arrival in the mysterious land after a shipwreck. As he awakens on the island, he observes the peculiar behaviors of the natives, including a human sacrifice. Conflicted by the violent practices of the islanders, he becomes determined to maintain his missionary purpose despite his fears of being mistaken for a deity. The narrative follows his struggles and encounters with both the harsh realities of the indigenous culture and his own shortcomings, laying the groundwork for a blend of satire and adventure in Lang’s storytelling.