South Sea Tales

By: Jack London

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

Most readers are familiar with Jack London's stories of the frozen northland, such as White Fang and To Light a Fire, but many critics feel he should be equally acknowledged for his fascinating stories of the South Pacific. Here is another remote corner of the world, a background for his magnificently colorful and entertaining Tales of the South Pacific. London is able to pierce the stereotype of his era concerning the "Noble Savage" and present the people who lived on these exotic islands as individuals who had to deal with the white man's intrusions, the racism, foreign diseases, biased legal systems, and brutality. These stories are based on the themes Jack London considered most important: race, culture, justice, and heroism.

©1909

Exceptional Storytelling

Jack London's "South Sea Tales" hit my sweet spot of masterful storytelling, well-crafted writing, thrilling adventure, and dark humor. Usually I wait until after I finish an audiobook to review it, but after I saw several negative reviews I am going to review it now after listening to the first two stories, and urge you not to listen to those other reviewers. Listen to the book yourself. Without question, Jack London is one of the finest writers of short stories. In these tales he not only gives free reign of his creativity, but delves into his deep knowledge of the South Pacific, having sailed there himself. I would listen to the first story "The House of Mapuhi" again just to hear this tale of a precious pearl and a murderous hurricane. If you are into cannibals, you got to listen to "The Whale Tooth." I dare you to put the audiobook down when you are half way through with this story. You will want to finish this story and go on to the next one. London knows how to hook a reader or listener whom he keeps engaged, surprised, entertained, and thrilled until the very end. The narration is also superb. Buy this audiobook.

Awesome

One of the best from Jack London - 5 Stars ! Great reading by Lloyd James too !!!

The South Seas; Alive and Kicking

Jack London resurrected. The book is a masterpiece; tales of a hurricane so strong you cannot breathe, of battles between slave traders and the villagers they hunted and who hunted them, of the odessy of the most beautiful pearl ever found, of the treacherous shoals and currents conspiring to sink a ship in distress and the Pitcarin Islander who left his home in order to navigate the hapless crew to a safe harbor hundreds of miles away. Written with London's deep understanding of Man, an artist's insight into his surroundings, and a great writer's ability to weave a sumptuous tale right before your eyes.

Great Stories Poor Chapter Separation

Chapters had little to no pause and no Chapter or new story announcement. Diminishes the experience slightly.

always a good story from Jack London,

really enjoyed the perspective of the story a little dated in terms of language but still a great collection of stories

Bloody riot lol! Brilliant!

Mr. London is well known for his stories of the frigid north but I tell you no one can spin a sailor’s yarn like Jack London! I enjoyed these stories immensely, the narration is absolutely brilliant, spot on, five enthusiastic stars!

The stories got a bit repetitive after a while

I enjoyed the book but I was also happy when it ended. The stories all blended together by the end.

Utterly disgusting.

How heartbreaking. I’m horrified by the fact that such a celebrated writer penned this collection of appalling stories.

Masterful Tales of a time gone by

Better known, obviously, for his tales set in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, I’ve found South Sea Tales to be a masterful work.

Jack London has made me feel like I’ve ridden out a hurricane, hunted pearls, encountered cannibals, and paddled a dugout across the trade winds from Palau to the Solomon Islands.

sweeping visions

loved it! expressive, imaginative, lyrical, strong, calm, refreshing and new. I will read more.

True adventure stories

Loved it, enjoyed every minute off it! Specially the story off two friends and changing names.

Most will find the language offensive

Despite the fact this book is set in a different era, most will struggle to accept the racist language. Probably best avoided.
The book lacks any plot and is a collection of random seafaring diary type ramblings. Not the best!