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The Island of Captain Sparrow (S. Fowler Wright)
Literary Thoughts edition
presents
The Island of Captain Sparrow
by S. (Sydney) Fowler Wright
------
"The Island of Captain Sparrow" by author S. (Sydney) Fowler Wright (1874–1965) is a mystery novel from 1928: An island in the Pacific Ocean has some mysterious inhabitants. Could they have anything to do with the legendary pirate Captain Andrew Sparrow of the Fighting Sue?.
All books of the Literary Thoughts edition have been transscribed from original prints and edited for better reading experience.
Please visit our homepage literarythoughts.com to see our other publications.
presents
The Island of Captain Sparrow
by S. (Sydney) Fowler Wright
------
"The Island of Captain Sparrow" by author S. (Sydney) Fowler Wright (1874–1965) is a mystery novel from 1928: An island in the Pacific Ocean has some mysterious inhabitants. Could they have anything to do with the legendary pirate Captain Andrew Sparrow of the Fighting Sue?.
All books of the Literary Thoughts edition have been transscribed from original prints and edited for better reading experience.
Please visit our homepage literarythoughts.com to see our other publications.
- GenresFantasy
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1928
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
S. Fowler Wright
104 books11 followersSydney Fowler Wright (January 6, 1874 – February 25, 1965) was a prolific British editor, poet, science fiction author, writer of screenplays, mystery fiction and works in other genres. Most of his work is published as by "S. Fowler Wright", and he also wrote as Sydney Fowler and Anthony Wingrave.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 7, 2012
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.
During his profitable pirating career, Captain Sparrow discovered an unknown South Pacific island that appeared to consist entirely of rocky cliffs but contained a lushly fertile inland landscape. It could only be accessed at high tide from a small hidden recess high in the cliffs. Sparrow and his crew, who were wanted all over the world for their crimes, made the island a hideout where they stowed heaps of gold bars and lots of guns and ammunition. Before his last voyage, Sparrow left some of his crew, several Chilean women, and his young son on the island. But Sparrow had tempted fate one time too many; he and his remaining crew were caught and hanged. Not knowing what happened to their leader and the rest of his men, the pirates and women left on the island degenerated into illiteracy and lawlessness.
A couple of generations later, Charlton Foyle, drifting alone in a lifeboat, happens upon the island’s hidden recess. After gaining access to the interior of the island, he discovers several oddities: huge flesh-eating birds, satyrs and, most interesting of all, a pretty young French woman named Marcelle who was marooned two years earlier and has been hiding from the pirates in the forest. Marcelle is excited to have a civilized companion but can’t show herself because she’s naked. When she tries to steal clothing to cover her indecency, she’s caught by the pirates and is about to be forced to marry their brutish leader, the grandson of Captain Sparrow. Will Charlton, the refined Englishman, come and save her?
The Island of Captain Sparrow, published in 1928, is a classic lost world fantasy which contains many of the themes found in similar stories written in the early 1900s. Charlton Foyle’s adventure is thrilling and the world he discovers is both beautiful and horrible. Because of S. Fowler Wright’s lovely descriptive prose, I felt like I was drifting in the boat, exploring the caves, and peeking through the trees with Charlton. I was truly anxious during the scenes in which Marcelle and Charlton encountered the degenerate pirates. It’s too bad that the plot gradually fizzled after the climax; I wish it had ended more strongly.
One noticeable annoyance with Wright’s story, and this is surely due to the time period during which it was written, is the glaring racism and classism. There are several reminders from the narrator that the islanders were brutes because they were descended from 1. Europeans of the lowest class, and 2. Chileans:
It is doubtless true that the men and women that Captain Sparrow had landed upon the island had been subnormal both in intellect and in moral stability. That is a reasonable supposition considering their occupation and antecedents.
The physical features of the islanders are often described as offensive and contrasted with the attractive features of Charlton and Marcelle who are upper-class Europeans. At one point, Charlton notices that Marcelle, who had been running around the island naked before he arrived, has a suntan. But he quickly assures us that she is tanned “only lightly” for which he thanks the shady forest. Fortunately, “only the soles of her dust-stained feet were very dark.” Another time, Charlton uses a metaphor to suggest that he and Marcelle are like the mighty trees that struggle to push through the “strife” and “parasites” of the forest canopy to rise above the rest of the “savage” jungle. This Eurocentrism is ugly, but perhaps not surprising since S. Fowler Wright, an Englishman, lived from 1874 to 1965.
The audio production I listened to was performed by Napoleon Ryan, a British comedy screen actor. As far as I can tell, this is his first audiobook performance. His presentation was genuine and he has a terrific voice — even his voice for Marcelle was completely convincing. I hope Mr. Ryan will continue narrating audiobooks.
The Island of Captain Sparrow is a relatively short book (only 7 hours) which is fast-paced and exciting. If you you can look past the Eurocentrism, it’s an entertaining example of an old lost world fantasy.
During his profitable pirating career, Captain Sparrow discovered an unknown South Pacific island that appeared to consist entirely of rocky cliffs but contained a lushly fertile inland landscape. It could only be accessed at high tide from a small hidden recess high in the cliffs. Sparrow and his crew, who were wanted all over the world for their crimes, made the island a hideout where they stowed heaps of gold bars and lots of guns and ammunition. Before his last voyage, Sparrow left some of his crew, several Chilean women, and his young son on the island. But Sparrow had tempted fate one time too many; he and his remaining crew were caught and hanged. Not knowing what happened to their leader and the rest of his men, the pirates and women left on the island degenerated into illiteracy and lawlessness.
A couple of generations later, Charlton Foyle, drifting alone in a lifeboat, happens upon the island’s hidden recess. After gaining access to the interior of the island, he discovers several oddities: huge flesh-eating birds, satyrs and, most interesting of all, a pretty young French woman named Marcelle who was marooned two years earlier and has been hiding from the pirates in the forest. Marcelle is excited to have a civilized companion but can’t show herself because she’s naked. When she tries to steal clothing to cover her indecency, she’s caught by the pirates and is about to be forced to marry their brutish leader, the grandson of Captain Sparrow. Will Charlton, the refined Englishman, come and save her?
The Island of Captain Sparrow, published in 1928, is a classic lost world fantasy which contains many of the themes found in similar stories written in the early 1900s. Charlton Foyle’s adventure is thrilling and the world he discovers is both beautiful and horrible. Because of S. Fowler Wright’s lovely descriptive prose, I felt like I was drifting in the boat, exploring the caves, and peeking through the trees with Charlton. I was truly anxious during the scenes in which Marcelle and Charlton encountered the degenerate pirates. It’s too bad that the plot gradually fizzled after the climax; I wish it had ended more strongly.
One noticeable annoyance with Wright’s story, and this is surely due to the time period during which it was written, is the glaring racism and classism. There are several reminders from the narrator that the islanders were brutes because they were descended from 1. Europeans of the lowest class, and 2. Chileans:
It is doubtless true that the men and women that Captain Sparrow had landed upon the island had been subnormal both in intellect and in moral stability. That is a reasonable supposition considering their occupation and antecedents.
The physical features of the islanders are often described as offensive and contrasted with the attractive features of Charlton and Marcelle who are upper-class Europeans. At one point, Charlton notices that Marcelle, who had been running around the island naked before he arrived, has a suntan. But he quickly assures us that she is tanned “only lightly” for which he thanks the shady forest. Fortunately, “only the soles of her dust-stained feet were very dark.” Another time, Charlton uses a metaphor to suggest that he and Marcelle are like the mighty trees that struggle to push through the “strife” and “parasites” of the forest canopy to rise above the rest of the “savage” jungle. This Eurocentrism is ugly, but perhaps not surprising since S. Fowler Wright, an Englishman, lived from 1874 to 1965.
The audio production I listened to was performed by Napoleon Ryan, a British comedy screen actor. As far as I can tell, this is his first audiobook performance. His presentation was genuine and he has a terrific voice — even his voice for Marcelle was completely convincing. I hope Mr. Ryan will continue narrating audiobooks.
The Island of Captain Sparrow is a relatively short book (only 7 hours) which is fast-paced and exciting. If you you can look past the Eurocentrism, it’s an entertaining example of an old lost world fantasy.
August 16, 2019
"N'oserez-vous?"
Though not his first published book, this novel is an early effort from S. Fowler Wright, and it shows. It's just hard to believe that this came after "The Amphibians," which was a work of genius. I can't help but wonder if this was published from an earlier manuscript from when the author was much younger and still enamored with H.G. Wells.
Let's get the negative aspects out of the way. It's disjointed and feels unfinished. There are four groups of character arc introduced: the shipwrecked protagonist Charlton, the heroine Marcelle, the ancestors of Captain Sparrow and his pirate crew, and the native inhabitants of the island. There are tasty morsels of interesting backstory for each group that are never fully fleshed out and ultimately hold little relevance to the plot. As a result, their ultimate clash at the climax feels less epic and impactful as it could have been with even just a little more work to get the reader invested in all parties involved.
For example, Charlton is originally on a voyage as part of a kind of bucket list, because he thinks he is sick and dying. It is never explained fully why he came to this conclusion, and it is not mentioned again until a wayward sentence inserted in the middle of the action that implies that even the author was surprised this character was still alive and so vibrant when he was supposed to be terminally ill. It would have been cool to show how his adventures on the island changed him. Was he just depressed and neurotic, and now his experiences have toughened him, helped him have motivation to live? What was his internal psychological journey? We don't know, as he is the most clueless and wooden character of all. In fact, he is barely a "character" at all, but more of a catalyst to move the plot forward.
Similarly, the main antagonists, Jacob Sparrow and his atavistic son, Demers, are just stereotypes or memes. But the biggest missed opportunity is the link between the fate of the Sparrow colony with their treatment of these satyr creatures that inhabit the island. It seems Fowler, who was an avid vegetarian, was making a statement about the horrors of eating meat, since it can be implied that since the pirates chose to eat the goat-men that this has something to do with their de-evolution. Demers is mentioned once to have a small horn growing out of one side of his head. Are the pirates turning into goat-people? Were the satyrs once human too? But it is never explained, and so the novel suffers from another pointless plot insertion, since the satyr people are simply superfluous as written.
On the positive side, Fowler's writing paints vivid pictures of the scenes and action, while also feeling modern in its facility and readability without being pedestrian. During his era of publishing, Fowler's contemporaries were still writing sentences that lasted for several pages until the reader forgot the point. Fowler was one of the first of his generation who knew how to pace a good adventure or thriller without his work feeling like pulp or children's literature. Equally as modern is his incorporation of horror elements in his novels. One can always count on a gruesome and torturous death scene at least once in his adventures, even if the description of the gore is not so explicit, and this novel does not disappoint.
A quick and dirty little island-based lost-tribe scifi adventure for a beach read or brainless entertainment, but flawed and not overly inspired. S. Fowler Wright is one of my favorite authors, but this one is one of his more amateurish efforts.
Though not his first published book, this novel is an early effort from S. Fowler Wright, and it shows. It's just hard to believe that this came after "The Amphibians," which was a work of genius. I can't help but wonder if this was published from an earlier manuscript from when the author was much younger and still enamored with H.G. Wells.
Let's get the negative aspects out of the way. It's disjointed and feels unfinished. There are four groups of character arc introduced: the shipwrecked protagonist Charlton, the heroine Marcelle, the ancestors of Captain Sparrow and his pirate crew, and the native inhabitants of the island. There are tasty morsels of interesting backstory for each group that are never fully fleshed out and ultimately hold little relevance to the plot. As a result, their ultimate clash at the climax feels less epic and impactful as it could have been with even just a little more work to get the reader invested in all parties involved.
For example, Charlton is originally on a voyage as part of a kind of bucket list, because he thinks he is sick and dying. It is never explained fully why he came to this conclusion, and it is not mentioned again until a wayward sentence inserted in the middle of the action that implies that even the author was surprised this character was still alive and so vibrant when he was supposed to be terminally ill. It would have been cool to show how his adventures on the island changed him. Was he just depressed and neurotic, and now his experiences have toughened him, helped him have motivation to live? What was his internal psychological journey? We don't know, as he is the most clueless and wooden character of all. In fact, he is barely a "character" at all, but more of a catalyst to move the plot forward.
Similarly, the main antagonists, Jacob Sparrow and his atavistic son, Demers, are just stereotypes or memes. But the biggest missed opportunity is the link between the fate of the Sparrow colony with their treatment of these satyr creatures that inhabit the island. It seems Fowler, who was an avid vegetarian, was making a statement about the horrors of eating meat, since it can be implied that since the pirates chose to eat the goat-men that this has something to do with their de-evolution. Demers is mentioned once to have a small horn growing out of one side of his head. Are the pirates turning into goat-people? Were the satyrs once human too? But it is never explained, and so the novel suffers from another pointless plot insertion, since the satyr people are simply superfluous as written.
On the positive side, Fowler's writing paints vivid pictures of the scenes and action, while also feeling modern in its facility and readability without being pedestrian. During his era of publishing, Fowler's contemporaries were still writing sentences that lasted for several pages until the reader forgot the point. Fowler was one of the first of his generation who knew how to pace a good adventure or thriller without his work feeling like pulp or children's literature. Equally as modern is his incorporation of horror elements in his novels. One can always count on a gruesome and torturous death scene at least once in his adventures, even if the description of the gore is not so explicit, and this novel does not disappoint.
A quick and dirty little island-based lost-tribe scifi adventure for a beach read or brainless entertainment, but flawed and not overly inspired. S. Fowler Wright is one of my favorite authors, but this one is one of his more amateurish efforts.
July 11, 2018
“Voices in the Night”
Shipwrecked through an odd tidal tunnel inside a cliff-enclosed island in the remote Pacific, Charlton cares little about his own life or even for the tropical beauty. But the invalid protagonist soon discovers that this landfall proves no forest idyll, for it hosts three diverse populations: an enigmatic people who predate the pyramids with their unique mirror which sees into the future; a race of verbal and social satyrs; and a bestial hybrid of humans. These are the descendants of the pirate crew of Captain Sparrow, his son and various derelict victims brought into his private menagerie. Add to this jungle mix the spice of three French castaways—one of whom is a comely maiden—and we have the ingredients for a delicious menu of drama and adventure--scenarios with conflict a la Dr. Moreau.
This novel proves a ripping good fantasy yarn with its exotic setting, major cultural clashes and the usual exciting plotlines: greed, ambition, and lust for sex and power. The author even indulges in brief asides to comment on male or female attributes, or on the essence of humanity itself, but never in such way as to cripple the exciting pace. THE ISLAND OF CAPTAIN SPARROW offers swift reading, with refreshing alternation between both narration and reflection. Can two Europeans create a true Utopia in this almost untouched world of fantasy and bestiality? While emotions surge in fragrant, nocturnal jungle Charlton and Marcelle are recast as a primeval Adam and Eve in a unique milieu. Will frail Charlton prove the catalyst for the destruction—or the salvation—of this oddly-juxtaposed world which time seems to have forgotten?
(October 28, 2017. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Shipwrecked through an odd tidal tunnel inside a cliff-enclosed island in the remote Pacific, Charlton cares little about his own life or even for the tropical beauty. But the invalid protagonist soon discovers that this landfall proves no forest idyll, for it hosts three diverse populations: an enigmatic people who predate the pyramids with their unique mirror which sees into the future; a race of verbal and social satyrs; and a bestial hybrid of humans. These are the descendants of the pirate crew of Captain Sparrow, his son and various derelict victims brought into his private menagerie. Add to this jungle mix the spice of three French castaways—one of whom is a comely maiden—and we have the ingredients for a delicious menu of drama and adventure--scenarios with conflict a la Dr. Moreau.
This novel proves a ripping good fantasy yarn with its exotic setting, major cultural clashes and the usual exciting plotlines: greed, ambition, and lust for sex and power. The author even indulges in brief asides to comment on male or female attributes, or on the essence of humanity itself, but never in such way as to cripple the exciting pace. THE ISLAND OF CAPTAIN SPARROW offers swift reading, with refreshing alternation between both narration and reflection. Can two Europeans create a true Utopia in this almost untouched world of fantasy and bestiality? While emotions surge in fragrant, nocturnal jungle Charlton and Marcelle are recast as a primeval Adam and Eve in a unique milieu. Will frail Charlton prove the catalyst for the destruction—or the salvation—of this oddly-juxtaposed world which time seems to have forgotten?
(October 28, 2017. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
November 22, 2017
Not really my cuppa, and very, very weird. Lots of interesting elements: pirates, ancient Egyptians, weird beasts, and a lost world. But really disjointed: the pirates don't know much about the Egyptians; the stalwart hero has no idea that the maiden fair is in trouble; the hero has no idea at all what's going on; nothing in the book really comes together. And, oh, is it so very racist and classist, with each generation among the pirates becoming more brutish and knuckle-dragging, though that doesn't happen among the educated Egyptians.
Wright describes everything carefully, and this works some places (Charleton on the boat; the strange island) and slows things to a crawl in others (the action scenes). There's a lot of summary, with no character saying anything until chapter 3.
The heroine is more interesting than the hero, who has little personality, but is admirably careful: charleton doesn't rush into unknown situations and rarely makes a stupid move. Marcella is surprisingly tough, hiding from the pirates for two years and ready to physically defend herself against anyone who threatens her.
An interesting example of the lost world genre, but not one I'm likely to cherish.
Wright describes everything carefully, and this works some places (Charleton on the boat; the strange island) and slows things to a crawl in others (the action scenes). There's a lot of summary, with no character saying anything until chapter 3.
The heroine is more interesting than the hero, who has little personality, but is admirably careful: charleton doesn't rush into unknown situations and rarely makes a stupid move. Marcella is surprisingly tough, hiding from the pirates for two years and ready to physically defend herself against anyone who threatens her.
An interesting example of the lost world genre, but not one I'm likely to cherish.
January 5, 2018
Arrgh! my computer crashed in the middle of writing this, sigh! Start again.
So short version. An odd mix of fantasy and high seas adventure. The plot of a pulp but much better and more thoughtful writing style.
With its mix of perspectives to tell the story and the history of this mysterious island it reminded me of the series 'Lost' and not unlike that show the build up meant i was somewhat disappointed by the end.
But its still really quite good, pretty decent romance and adventure i thought, some racism but mostly in the subtext so many may not even notice it.
Its mysteries while not explored to the extent you would want will mean i won't be forgetting it anytime soon. In the end really good and the 3 stars are mostly due to the high expectations it gave me from its early chapters and never quite fulfilled.
So short version. An odd mix of fantasy and high seas adventure. The plot of a pulp but much better and more thoughtful writing style.
With its mix of perspectives to tell the story and the history of this mysterious island it reminded me of the series 'Lost' and not unlike that show the build up meant i was somewhat disappointed by the end.
But its still really quite good, pretty decent romance and adventure i thought, some racism but mostly in the subtext so many may not even notice it.
Its mysteries while not explored to the extent you would want will mean i won't be forgetting it anytime soon. In the end really good and the 3 stars are mostly due to the high expectations it gave me from its early chapters and never quite fulfilled.
January 5, 2012
Weird. Interesting. Awkward.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews