The Call of the East: A Romance of Far Formosa

Set in a small Far Eastern port during the Franco-Chinese War, the narrative follows Western expatriates—merchants, missionaries, soldiers and doctors—whose personal ambitions, romances, and moral choices collide with local unrest and military action. Central episodes trace a shipboard meeting between a young woman and a physician, growing attachments, rescue attempts, and engagements that test loyalties. The story juxtaposes intimate scenes of courtship and faith with violent confrontations, exploring themes of cultural encounter, duty, the costs of imperial presence, and the struggle to preserve personal honor amid political turmoil.