Point Venus

Point Venus, washed by the ocean and the soft winds of Tahiti, was to Marianna Moore part of the landscape of her heart. Marianna, the missionary's daughter, had lived within sight of Point Venus all her life. She was a prim English miss -- who could swim the flashing streams like a native, and convey in musical Island speech some quite un-English feelings.That was the time when the English and the French were competing for possession of Tahiti. Marianna's life was ripped from its quiet anchorage by two things -- a battle in which the natives fought with spears against a French warship, and Jonas. Jonas put Marianna's life to the severest test. An American sailor of mysterious past, his part in the life that rushed forward past Point Venus brought Marianna to tragedy, to love, and finally to a sure hold on life's goodness.Just as in the stories of Somerset Maugham, you will meet here a group of fascinating people -- the native Queen Pomare, full of pride and courage; the beautiful Lily, a planter's wife; the young officers from the French ship; old Doctor Ferguson; and others. And as in the landscapes of the famous painters who were enchanted by its beauty, you will feel the sunshine, the charm, the tropical sweetness of Tahiti.