The Ebb-tide
A Trio and Quartette
📖 Summary
The Ebb-tide, co-authored by Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1937, is a gripping and atmospheric tale of desperation, moral decay, and survival set against the backdrop of the South Seas. The narrative centers on a trio of destitute outcasts stranded in Tahiti, each harboring a ruined past and desperate for a way out. Robert Herrick, a former university man fallen on hard times; Huish, a petty, venomous clerk with a grudge against the world; and Captain Davis, a disgraced shipmaster with a weakness for alcohol, find themselves scraping the bottom of society. Their fortunes seemingly change when they are offered command of a derelict schooner, the Farallon, which carries a mysterious and valuable cargo of champagne. What begins as an unexpected chance at redemption and wealth quickly transforms into a psychological nightmare as the true nature of the voyage is revealed. As the schooner drifts across the vast and indifferent ocean, tensions mount among the mismatched crew. The corrupt nature of their mission and the heavy burden of their past misdeeds weigh heavily on their minds, leading to paranoia, betrayal, and a desperate confrontation with morality. Stevenson masterfully explores the darkest corners of the human psyche, examining how isolation and greed strip away the thin veneer of civilization. The tropical setting, often romanticized in literature, is instead painted as a crucible that exposes the rot within the characters' souls. The dynamic between Herrick, Huish, and Davis shifts constantly as alliances fracture under the pressure of scarce resources and impending doom. When the schooner eventually reaches an isolated atoll ruled by a charismatic yet deeply disturbed English hermit, the narrative reaches a philosophical climax. Here, the characters are forced to confront the consequences of their choices and the ultimate futility of their earthly ambitions. The Ebb-tide stands as a powerful psychological exploration of human weakness, redemption, and the inescapable pull of fate, offering readers a richly textured and haunting adventure that lingers long after the final page.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Masterful atmospheric descriptions of the South Seas
Deeply psychological character studies of flawed individuals
Tense, unpredictable plot progression
Profound exploration of moral themes
⚠️ Cons
Bleak and cynical tone may not appeal to all readers
Pacing in the middle sections can feel slow
✍️ About the Author
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish author known for adventure classics including 'Treasure Island' and 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who wrote The Ebb-tide? +
The book was written by Robert Louis Stevenson.
When was this edition published? +
This particular edition was published in 1937.
How many pages does the book have? +
The book spans 271 pages.
What is the primary setting of the story? +
The story is set in Tahiti and aboard a ship drifting across the South Seas.
What genres is the book associated with? +
It is associated with classic adventure fiction and the 1937 motion picture adaptation era.
