Transit of Venus

by Rowan Metcalfe

Countless writers and film-makers have been drawn to the story of the mutiny on the Bounty, when led by Fletcher Christian, the mutineers set Captain William Bligh and others adrift in a ship's boat. The mutineers returned to Tahiti before making their way to isolated and uninhabited Pitcairn Island. This novel tells the story from a new and unexpected perspective, that of the Tahitian women who joined the Bounty mutineers and sailed away with them to make new lives. Mauatua and her friends and relatives relate the strange journey, away from their home-land and into the feverish intensity of drunkenness, betrayal, and murder that mark the early years on Pitcairn. Along the way, the reader learns of the Tahitians' fascination with Cook and his expedition to observe the transit of Venus across the southern skies, of Tahitian traditions and customs.

290 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Zelda Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew the author personally as a friend. I gained the rights to adapt it into a screenplay, which I have. The book is as beautiful as she was. A poignant, enchanting voice.

[Cazza P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book around 2017 when I found it in New Zealand. I usually read non-fiction but really enjoyed this historical fiction book. It was fun to read on sunny days on New Zealand beaches. I actually have looked for this book in the years since but it was hard to track down as there seems to be a more well-known book with the same name.

The author had a clear attachment and love for her characters and story, as it is based on one of her own ancestors who joined the mutineers on The Bounty after their time in Tahiti. I am sad to learn today that this book was published posthumously. I hope it will find its way to more readers.