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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Farewell Rabaul: A Town that Tempted Fate by Alan B. Pierce is a historical novel set in Papua New Guinea during its transformative years leading to independence. The story centers on Lester Chettle, a Crown Prosecutor, whose professional and personal life unfolds during the political and cultural upheaval of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Through Lester’s experiences, the novel paints a vivid picture of Rabaul, a town marked by its natural beauty, political unrest, and eventual destruction by volcanic eruption. Pierce intertwines historical events with fictionalized characters, creating a narrative that explores the complexities of colonial administration, the rise of Indigenous movements like the Mataungan Association, and the challenges of transitioning to self-governance.
Alan B. Pierce’s vivid descriptions bring Rabaul to life, capturing its lush landscapes and the devastation caused by Tavurvur’s eruption. The imagery of ash-covered streets and abandoned buildings is a reminder of the impermanence of human endeavors. The author’s attention to detail, whether in the courtroom or the jungle, creates a strong sense of place and time. The epilogue, set years after the main events, provides a reflective closure as Lester revisits the ruins of Rabaul. This final chapter underscores the inevitability of change and the enduring impact of the past on the present. Farewell Rabaul is a thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in Papua New Guinea’s history. Pierce’s writing captures the complexities of a world in transition. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with rich cultural settings, complex characters, and themes of political and cultural upheaval will find this novel deeply engaging. It will particularly appeal to those interested in the history of Papua New Guinea, colonial legacies, identity, and the human stories behind significant historical events.
