Two exotic page turners from the South Seas mists of yesteryear. While Stevenson is remembered for other works, these two novellas are great examples of stories from an era when mass-market entertainment didn’t shy away from weighty themes. Colonialism, economic exploitation and free will intertwine with love and longing and criminal intrigues. These are meaty, nourishing reads that remain relevant despite the passage of time. They’re also kick-ass escapes. Reviewed on Feb. 25, 2021