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Robert Louis Stevenson In Samoa: A Journey to Paradise

Fredrick Cox

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Robert Louis Stevenson was one of the most popular and successful authors of the Victorian era. His novels and short stories are still widely read today, and his characters have become icons of popular culture. But few people know that Stevenson spent the last four years of his life in Samoa, a small island nation in the South Pacific.

Stevenson first arrived in Samoa in 1889, seeking a cure for his tuberculosis. He was immediately captivated by the island's beauty and the warmth of its people. He bought a large estate on the island of Upolu, which he named Vailima. Vailima became Stevenson's home for the rest of his life, and it was here that he wrote some of his most famous works.

Robert Louis Stevenson in Samoa

by Joseph Farrell

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Language	:	English
File size	:	10437 KB
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Print length	:	336 pages

Stevenson's time in Samoa was not without its challenges. He struggled with his health, and he often clashed with the colonial authorities. But he also found great joy and inspiration in his new home. He loved the Samoan people, and he was deeply involved in their culture. He learned to speak the Samoan language, and he even wrote a book about Samoan history and customs.

Stevenson's writing was profoundly influenced by his time in Samoa. His stories became more adventurous and exotic, and he developed a new appreciation for the power of nature. He also became more interested in social justice, and he wrote several essays and articles on the plight of the Samoan people.

One of Stevenson's most famous works, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was written in Samoa. The story is set in London, but it is clear that Stevenson was drawing on his experiences in Samoa when he wrote it. The novel explores the duality of human nature, and it shows how even the most civilized person can be capable of great evil.

Stevenson died in Samoa in 1894, at the age of 44. He was buried on Mount Vaea, overlooking the island of Upolu. His grave is a popular tourist destination, and it is a reminder of the great writer who spent his last days in this beautiful and peaceful place.

Robert Louis Stevenson's time in Samoa was a transformative experience for him. He found a new home, a new sense of purpose, and a new inspiration for his writing. His work in Samoa is a testament to the power of travel and adventure, and it is a reminder that even the most difficult of journeys can lead to great rewards.