What do you think?
Rate this book
The Exotic
From the New York Times bestselling author of Ghost Soldiers, In the Kingdom of Ice, and On Desperate Ground, the story of the Polynesian man who became the toast of eighteenth-century English society and whose complicated fate foreshadowed the cultural and racial reckoning of today.
The story begins with a painting: A handsome young man with copper skin and regal posture gestures with a delicately tattooed hand. He is dressed in a turban and flowing robes and has the indisputable look of a prince from a foreign land. Painted in 1776 by Joshua Reynolds, the portrait is widely considered to be the artist’s masterpiece. But the man it depicts is a deception.
Since the 2001 release of his New York Times bestseller Ghost Soldiers, Hampton Sides has been celebrated for his ability to discover little-known stories that bring fresh perspective to momentous historical events. In the new Scribd Original The Exotic, Sides tells the story of a South Seas native who, in the 1770s, became the first Polynesian to set foot on British soil.
Having lost his home in an attack by invaders from Bora Bora, twenty-year-old Mai swore revenge. When Captain James Cook’s ships landed in Tahiti in 1774, during the renowned explorer’s second voyage, Mai saw his chance: He begged to be taken to England, where he hoped to amass the guns and ammunition with which he would return to Polynesia to destroy his enemies.
In England, Mai was feted as a “human pet”—an exotic creature from a wild place who provided high society with a source of entertainment and cultural study. But throughout his two years in England, he never lost sight of his goal: to return to his homeland and avenge his family. To that end, he agreeably played his part, living in pampered comfort and charming the British nobility, most notably King George III, who eventually agreed to fund Mai’s return voyage with a shipful of weaponry.
The Exotic follows Mai’s journey from Tahiti to England and back again, during which time he transformed into someone not quite Polynesian, not quite British. Mai represents the countless number of Indigenous people who lost their identities, if not their lives, as the result of their encounters with the Western world. His story raises questions with no easy answers: What is Mai’s legacy? How do we reinterpret the complicated role of an explorer-like Cook? How do people retain their heritage while also assimilating?
Both a cultural study and an entertaining historical yarn, The Exotic explores the ramifications of European exploration and colonialism that changed the world forever.
The story begins with a painting: A handsome young man with copper skin and regal posture gestures with a delicately tattooed hand. He is dressed in a turban and flowing robes and has the indisputable look of a prince from a foreign land. Painted in 1776 by Joshua Reynolds, the portrait is widely considered to be the artist’s masterpiece. But the man it depicts is a deception.
Since the 2001 release of his New York Times bestseller Ghost Soldiers, Hampton Sides has been celebrated for his ability to discover little-known stories that bring fresh perspective to momentous historical events. In the new Scribd Original The Exotic, Sides tells the story of a South Seas native who, in the 1770s, became the first Polynesian to set foot on British soil.
Having lost his home in an attack by invaders from Bora Bora, twenty-year-old Mai swore revenge. When Captain James Cook’s ships landed in Tahiti in 1774, during the renowned explorer’s second voyage, Mai saw his chance: He begged to be taken to England, where he hoped to amass the guns and ammunition with which he would return to Polynesia to destroy his enemies.
In England, Mai was feted as a “human pet”—an exotic creature from a wild place who provided high society with a source of entertainment and cultural study. But throughout his two years in England, he never lost sight of his goal: to return to his homeland and avenge his family. To that end, he agreeably played his part, living in pampered comfort and charming the British nobility, most notably King George III, who eventually agreed to fund Mai’s return voyage with a shipful of weaponry.
The Exotic follows Mai’s journey from Tahiti to England and back again, during which time he transformed into someone not quite Polynesian, not quite British. Mai represents the countless number of Indigenous people who lost their identities, if not their lives, as the result of their encounters with the Western world. His story raises questions with no easy answers: What is Mai’s legacy? How do we reinterpret the complicated role of an explorer-like Cook? How do people retain their heritage while also assimilating?
Both a cultural study and an entertaining historical yarn, The Exotic explores the ramifications of European exploration and colonialism that changed the world forever.
96 pages, ebook
Published September 15, 2021
4 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 29, 2021
Like Queen Victoria and her Abdul, Captain Cook had the experience of being intrigued by someone completely new and interesting. Mai. He was a presence and this tight little book tells the story of his real life. . .as told by those he was around when he was not in his home context . . . and out of context Mai was something.
It's interesting that one my take-aways is the desire to know more about Capt Cook. . . .that fellow who got crosswise, also out of context, with a people who said enough was enough. Throughout my life I've been content leaving that story there. But now, hearing how his last years and days were spent in the company of this mysterious Mai, I want to know more.
A good read, for something completely different.
It's interesting that one my take-aways is the desire to know more about Capt Cook. . . .that fellow who got crosswise, also out of context, with a people who said enough was enough. Throughout my life I've been content leaving that story there. But now, hearing how his last years and days were spent in the company of this mysterious Mai, I want to know more.
A good read, for something completely different.
December 12, 2021
If you want to read the background of Joshua reynolds "Portrait of Omai", then this is a good start. "Omai", or "mai"( being the correct name as the "o" was a prefix meaning "here is" misunderstood by his colonial keepers as part of his name) left his mark on history and literature in many imprints, but never in his own voice, which seems to have been lost in the many interpretations of his person. At twenty, depicted in Reynolds art as a princley figure in flowing robes, he was of a low caste on his native island. Swearing to one day revenge himself on the bora borans who had forced him from his Raiatea, from tahiti he chose to be taken to europe along with Cookes expidition. He became a tokenised figure, and found many friends among the london elite, including the reighning monarch King George. Not quite belonging anywhere, though he did come to love his english life, he eventually yearned for the home he remembered. One day he was returned, laden with the fruits of his journey, and with the protection of Cookes crew, to no welcome, but covetous gazes and suspicion. In this post colonial era, the question that we are left with at the end of his story is quite poignant and universal. Is it really possible to go back?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2021
With The Exotic, Sides seems to be out of his typical focus on Americana.
Set in the south seas and in England, Sides follows the life of Mai, a Polynesian who talked his away aboard Captain James Cook's ship in Tahiti and engaged London society during his one-year stay in the country.
Mai, a war refugee whose island had been invaded by Bora-Borans, was impressed by British firearms and probably sought an alliance with the British to retake his home island, cut quite a different figure as an "exotic" in England, where he was lauded as a prince, dressed for portraits in regal outfits that had little to do with his native culture, and showered with gifts from benefactors and admirers.
Sides seems to have done a lot of first-hand research on Tahiti and surrounding islands. A few times he adds his own perspective into the rather short history he relates. Still, it didn't seem to be a whole, complete work. It seems like the story of Mai will instead be a part of a larger book on Captain Cook to be published at a future time.
Bottom line: an interesting story, and some fascinating insights (the painting, Sides's visit to the south seas) but not a complete work of its own.
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the south seas and in England, Sides follows the life of Mai, a Polynesian who talked his away aboard Captain James Cook's ship in Tahiti and engaged London society during his one-year stay in the country.
Mai, a war refugee whose island had been invaded by Bora-Borans, was impressed by British firearms and probably sought an alliance with the British to retake his home island, cut quite a different figure as an "exotic" in England, where he was lauded as a prince, dressed for portraits in regal outfits that had little to do with his native culture, and showered with gifts from benefactors and admirers.
Sides seems to have done a lot of first-hand research on Tahiti and surrounding islands. A few times he adds his own perspective into the rather short history he relates. Still, it didn't seem to be a whole, complete work. It seems like the story of Mai will instead be a part of a larger book on Captain Cook to be published at a future time.
Bottom line: an interesting story, and some fascinating insights (the painting, Sides's visit to the south seas) but not a complete work of its own.
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2022
One of my favourite books is 'The age of wonder' by RIchard Holmes, about the increases in scientific discovery and advances in the 18th Century. The book's inside jacket is the painting of Omai (sic) with Joseph Banks. THis book chronicles Mai's life- a Polynesian who joined Captain James Cook's ship in Tahiti, hoping to make his fortune in the world, and get his revenge on the rival islanders who destroyed his family. More than a cliched clash of cultures, Sides' account is a moving, fascinating one about the early days of navigation, before new lands were considered resources to feed EMpire. While Mai was considered a curiosity by most in England, his aim was to return to Tahiti a wealthy man, and he played his part to make that happen. Having made his mark more or less successfully in England society, however, it wasn't very easy for him on his return, and his life is an interesting account of the difficulties of assimilation-at a time when these wouldn't even have been understood as mental health concerns.
January 9, 2022
My thanks to NetGalley and to Scribd for an advanced copy of this profile.
The Exotic by Hampton Sides follows the adventures of a young man Mai, who travels to England from the South Seas in the 1770's, the first Polynesian to set foot on British soil. Adapted from a larger planned work on the voyages of Captain James Cook, who arranged the trip, the book briefly describes the life of Mai, from his childhood, his voyage and stay in England, and his return.
The book is brief but entertaining, a good introduction to Mr. Sides larger tale, that this is excerpted from. Mr. Sides has done a lot of research on his subjects, traveling both to the South Seas and seeing first hand the setting for many stories, and shadowing Mai's travels through Europe. Mai, as the title shows, was treated more as a smarter toy or pet. While the trip was excused as a chance to make friends and learn from Mai, it was more of a chance to gawk at the poor native, and be amazed that he could anything about civilization.
Also touched on and sure to be expanded is the legacy of Cook's explorations among the indigenous people. Yes he might have been drawn more to discovery than exploitation, and he tried no to make too much of a mess, but one of the largest excuses for the annihilation of their traditional ways, and their own lives, was that some other explorer would have shown up, and that person might have been much worse. A subject that does not get much place in this book, but as this is more about Mai, it should not be.
Not much is known of the fate of Mai, or even what he thought of the year in England. His reasons for going are supposed that he hoped that the British would help him avenge his fathers death at the hands of the Bora Borans, one that forced him from his home island, and changed his life. Not even his fate is well known. A lot goes unmentioned, but that is history. No matter how much you search the past will never give up its mysteries. A brief, but very entertaining book.
The Exotic by Hampton Sides follows the adventures of a young man Mai, who travels to England from the South Seas in the 1770's, the first Polynesian to set foot on British soil. Adapted from a larger planned work on the voyages of Captain James Cook, who arranged the trip, the book briefly describes the life of Mai, from his childhood, his voyage and stay in England, and his return.
The book is brief but entertaining, a good introduction to Mr. Sides larger tale, that this is excerpted from. Mr. Sides has done a lot of research on his subjects, traveling both to the South Seas and seeing first hand the setting for many stories, and shadowing Mai's travels through Europe. Mai, as the title shows, was treated more as a smarter toy or pet. While the trip was excused as a chance to make friends and learn from Mai, it was more of a chance to gawk at the poor native, and be amazed that he could anything about civilization.
Also touched on and sure to be expanded is the legacy of Cook's explorations among the indigenous people. Yes he might have been drawn more to discovery than exploitation, and he tried no to make too much of a mess, but one of the largest excuses for the annihilation of their traditional ways, and their own lives, was that some other explorer would have shown up, and that person might have been much worse. A subject that does not get much place in this book, but as this is more about Mai, it should not be.
Not much is known of the fate of Mai, or even what he thought of the year in England. His reasons for going are supposed that he hoped that the British would help him avenge his fathers death at the hands of the Bora Borans, one that forced him from his home island, and changed his life. Not even his fate is well known. A lot goes unmentioned, but that is history. No matter how much you search the past will never give up its mysteries. A brief, but very entertaining book.
March 23, 2022
This is a well-researched, interesting story about the effects of transporting of a young Polynesian man to England by Captain Cook. We first meet Omai as the subject of Joshua Reynolds painting, Omai, one of his favourites. The painting is valued as 50 Million Pounds today. It is a good way to link the historical with the contemporary. Remember Hampton Sides is a member of the Society of American Historians. He is telling both story and history.
"The outstanding 18th-century Portrait of Omai by Sir Joshua Reynolds exemplifies the importance of the export bar process. This stunning painting is impressive for its scale, its attention to detail, and the valuable insights it provides into the society in which Reynolds painted it." (UK Gov) (Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay)
11 March 2022. Having thus, set the tone for this examination of the lives that circle around the first Polynesian to set foot in England, the story continues to tell of his experiences and motivation, and those of others. Omai is not a kidnapped trophy; he has a very specific agenda for coming to England. Yet all around him have their agendas also. This work is part historical yarn and part historical examination of the interactions between a man from another society and colonial England. Omai is a novelty in English society and is treated rather more like a pet, or a sideshow oddity. It is noted that he has an inherent charm; but any such positive view is hampered by the accompanying observation that this is amazing for a "savage". There is no starkly good or bad characters in this tale. It is an evenhanded account of the effects, both purposeful, and unintended, that this transplantation causes.
"The outstanding 18th-century Portrait of Omai by Sir Joshua Reynolds exemplifies the importance of the export bar process. This stunning painting is impressive for its scale, its attention to detail, and the valuable insights it provides into the society in which Reynolds painted it." (UK Gov) (Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay)
11 March 2022. Having thus, set the tone for this examination of the lives that circle around the first Polynesian to set foot in England, the story continues to tell of his experiences and motivation, and those of others. Omai is not a kidnapped trophy; he has a very specific agenda for coming to England. Yet all around him have their agendas also. This work is part historical yarn and part historical examination of the interactions between a man from another society and colonial England. Omai is a novelty in English society and is treated rather more like a pet, or a sideshow oddity. It is noted that he has an inherent charm; but any such positive view is hampered by the accompanying observation that this is amazing for a "savage". There is no starkly good or bad characters in this tale. It is an evenhanded account of the effects, both purposeful, and unintended, that this transplantation causes.
May 29, 2025
This short but insightful biography of the real man behind Joshua Reynolds iconic 1776 painting “Portrait of Omai” is both engaging and informative. It tells of how he was brought to England after being “discovered” by Captain James Cook in Tahiti in 1774, and how he became a celebrity who captivated the public imagination. Mai (Omai is a misunderstanding of the prefix “o”) was the first man from the South Seas to visit England and was presented to King George, taken around amongst the great and the good, but sadly didn’t fare so well when he returned to Polynesia. The author has done his research and gives the reader a thoughtful account of the whole episode. As well as a biography of Mai himself, the book is also a brief study of colonialism and European exploration, and attitudes to the “exotic”. Excellent illustrations accompany the text.
September 19, 2021
I really liked it! It’s a short volume, but the story is told very well. It is not bogged down by useless filler and lengthy digressions that are present in many other historical biographies.
If you want to do in depth study on Omai or the impact of British Colonialism in Polynesia, you will need to go far beyond this book. But Exotic certainly provides a fascinating and accessible starting point for these topics.
If you want to do in depth study on Omai or the impact of British Colonialism in Polynesia, you will need to go far beyond this book. But Exotic certainly provides a fascinating and accessible starting point for these topics.
May 23, 2025
I listened to this whole book believing it to be a very unconventional experimental work of fiction (despite it reading as exactly what it is ), and the choices made seemed very strange. Knowing now that Mai was a real man, who just happened to be swept-up in this torrent of colonialism and politics, I like it much better. And of course, lament that none of this could be told on his own words. Somehow, it still doesn’t feel real.
March 6, 2023
I picked this up on Scribd, because I loved the cover! It was a very short read, and felt very much like an assigned reading I might have in a college course. The storytelling style was close, and this definitely felt like a creative nonfiction piece in the way it examined Mai's headspace throughout his life. I was bored for most of the listening, and recall very little of the information even just a few days later.
October 5, 2021
Great read about colonialism and what else was going on in the world in the late 1700s (you usually just hear about the American Revolution). My only complaint is that it's too short—felt a bit clipped in a handful of places.
October 31, 2021
An interesting introduction to the first Polynesian, Mai, to touch British soil in the 1700s. Sides does a fantastic job highlighting the issues of colonialism and the romanticism of “natives. “
I am a huge fan of asides. Nice to read a short piece that is as interesting as his longer pieces
I am a huge fan of asides. Nice to read a short piece that is as interesting as his longer pieces
December 1, 2021
3.5
This is such a fascinating story. British Colonialism has long reaching arms that have ruined countries, but this is a solid glimpse into a life that it ruined. Ma'i really didn't have a chance, and it was hard to listen to him be treated like a pet.
This is such a fascinating story. British Colonialism has long reaching arms that have ruined countries, but this is a solid glimpse into a life that it ruined. Ma'i really didn't have a chance, and it was hard to listen to him be treated like a pet.
May 13, 2022
I read this via Scribd (UK)
Sign up to Scribd using my link and get 60 days free access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more! I also get an extra 30 days for every sign up. I use it daily so it would mean a lot ❤️
Link: scribd.com/gae/97wno1
Sign up to Scribd using my link and get 60 days free access to ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more! I also get an extra 30 days for every sign up. I use it daily so it would mean a lot ❤️
Link: scribd.com/gae/97wno1
Read
February 1, 2024A short read about a man with a long legacy. Researched on location as well as at the desk, Sides' peek into European exploitation of individuals and their societies offers readers a clear view into a place we pretend has slid into history.
February 16, 2025
(٣ ونصف- ٤)
قصة من أيام بريطانيا الاستعمارية عن شاب من جزر أفريقية يصبح صديق مقرب (أو أقرب ل حيوان أليف) لعليّة القوم آنذاك
القصة طبعًا من منظور خارجي (بريطاني أو أمريكي كما المؤلف) وودت الصراحة لو أسمع منه هو.. لكن التاريخ لا يروى إلا على لسان الجُناة.
قصة من أيام بريطانيا الاستعمارية عن شاب من جزر أفريقية يصبح صديق مقرب (أو أقرب ل حيوان أليف) لعليّة القوم آنذاك
القصة طبعًا من منظور خارجي (بريطاني أو أمريكي كما المؤلف) وودت الصراحة لو أسمع منه هو.. لكن التاريخ لا يروى إلا على لسان الجُناة.
September 16, 2021
short and interesting historical fiction story..
Great audio by Scribd 👍
Great audio by Scribd 👍
September 16, 2021
A fascinating snippet of history told merely competently.
September 27, 2021
Truth is way stranger than fiction!
November 11, 2021
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* not the first time ive read a similar book, interesting read
January 30, 2022
It took me a while to grasp the style, but it still felt a bit clinical and weirdly cold. Not sure if that is just me, but it didnt do quite what I thought it would.
February 17, 2022
Quick read. The story of one indigenous man who was brought to England as a trophy.
November 30, 2022
An essay, really, but interesting
December 26, 2022
Absolutely loved it! The style, the narration, it took me into a voyage in time.
December 31, 2022
I enjoyed this history about Mai, described as a Polynesian Candide. It’s amazing how through his travels he intersects with so many famous historical people across the globe.
May 29, 2023
A picture tells the story of a thousand words, but this painting had an entire story behind it.
June 22, 2023
Hampton is a great writer. This is a very interesting story, but it’s just a little short contextually speaking - would have been great to have a little more elaboration in a few areas.
December 10, 2023
An interesting forgotten history, poorly retold.
You learn nothing about the man, you learn nothing about how British society at large truly regarded him. All rather superficial and perfunctory.
You learn nothing about the man, you learn nothing about how British society at large truly regarded him. All rather superficial and perfunctory.
August 30, 2024
Interesting read
March 5, 2025
Well written. Interesting short dive into a historical figure with some environmental setting information described as well. Short, to the point, informative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews