The Call of the East: A Romance of Far Formosa

"The Call of the East: A Romance of Far Formosa" by Thurlow Fraser is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Franco-Chinese War of 1884-85, the story explores the interactions between Western and Eastern cultures through its characters. The plot appears to center around Dr. Sinclair, a Canadian medical doctor, and Miss MacAllister, a spirited woman traveling with her family as they navigate their evolving relationship amid the tensions of war. At the start of the narrative, the scene is set aboard the ship "Hailoong", where an irritable Miss MacAllister encounters the ever-composed Dr. Sinclair, who offers her assistance as she struggles with sea-sickness. Their initial interaction is marked by sharp repartee that hints at tension and attraction between them. The ensuing chapters introduce various characters, including Captain Whiteley and Dr. MacKay, as the ship braces for an approaching typhoon, further bringing together themes of nature's fury and inter-personal dynamics. The stage is set for a rich exploration of character development, romance, and the cultural clash inherent in the east-west contact during a tumultuous historical period.