Long Way Place

Cannibal Country #1

by Andrew Wareham

In the early 1900s gutter rat, Ned Hawkins aims to rise from the grinding poverty of an English slum, but is forced to flee the country and ends up in Papua. It is a dangerous place where cannibalism and cannibals are never far away. Despite this menacing backdrop, he prospers and almost by accident, finds love. However, there are ominous stirrings in the land that bode ill for the future...

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2015

Reviews

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a great effort by Wareham. There's a lot of research that went into this and as a sort of reference text to early 20th century West Pacific economy, it is passable. But as a story its not very interesting and the main character has virtually no personality beyond hatred of Christians. And every single Christian in the book is not just stupid but excessively horrible. Every single ill is laid at the feet of missionaries, who do nothing but wrong and everyone despises them. One molests a little girl right in front of the police inspector main character at a dinner party.

I don't know why Wareham hates Christians so badly but he spares no chance to attack them while treating pretty much every other religion encountered as curious and perhaps a bit silly -- even the cannibals.

Between that and the rather dull storyline, despite having lots of opportunities for drama, made for a dull read. I'd skip this one.

[Lawrence Duffield]

Another street urchin climbs to prosperity through hard work and shrewd choices. This time in New Britain, the former German colony mandated to Great Britain (and pushed off on Australia) after WWI. As is classic Wareham, we learn a lot about the history and culture of the islands while immersing ourselves in the challenges and personality of our hero. I don't know how Andrew manages to turn out so many highly entertaining books in such a short period, but "Good on ya, Mate!"

A real page turner/

[LEROY TROWER · Rating 3 out of 5]

This kept me busy during a couple of mornings where we were on shelter at home. I like the time period of the book, the main character, and where he travels in his search for success. Easy for me to read, put down and pick back up. Considering the second book at this time.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this enjoyable for several reasons: the story of the main character making his way in the world with little more than his own wits to aid him, the colonization of Australia and the surrounding area, and the culture of the natives all blended together to make one narrative. Nicely done!

[Ted Mattson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it

Always had me ready for bed . It brought me to another day and helped me began another. As a combat veteran of the war in Baghdad I felt this book as a psychological treatment that took me out of my horrible memories.