Life Under The Palms

Living under palm trees is not without its consequences . . . J. G. von Goethe, Jacob Gotfried Haafner (1754-1809) was a Dutch citizen who spent more than twenty years of his early life living outside of Europe, in India, Ceylon, Mauritius, Java, and South Africa. On his return to Europe he transformed himself into one of the most popular Dutch writers of the early nineteenth century, for his travel writing in the Romantic mode. Books like his popular Travels in a Palanquin were translated into the major European languages, and his essays against the work of Christian missionaries in Asia stirred up great controversy. Haafner worked to spread understanding of the cultures he'd come to know in his journeys, promoting European understanding of Indian literature, myth, and religion, translating the Ramayana into Dutch. With the help of generous excerpts from Haafner's own writings, including material newly translated into English, Paul van der Velde tells an affecting story of a young man who made a world for himself along the Coromandel Coast, in Ceylon and Calcutta, but who returned to Europe to live the last years of his life in Amsterdam, suffering an acute nostalgia for Asia. This will be compelling reading for anyone interested in European response to the cultures of Asia.

"The Moving Picture Girls Under the Palms" by Laura Lee Hope follows the thrilling adventures of Ruth and Alice DeVere, two talented sisters making a name for themselves in the world of silent films. In this installment, the DeVere sisters find themselves on a tropical paradise as they embark on a new film project. The allure of palm trees, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters sets the perfect stage for their latest motion picture. With the warm sun shining down on them, Ruth and Alice are excited to immerse themselves in their roles and bring the beauty of the exotic location to the silver screen. As the cameras start rolling, the girls work diligently with the film's cast and crew to capture the essence of the tropical setting. They encounter challenges unique to the environment, such as unpredictable weather, wildlife encounters, and logistical issues. However, their determination and passion for their craft drive them to overcome each obstacle with creativity and ingenuity. Amidst their professional endeavors, Ruth and Alice also find time for leisure and exploration. They embrace the local culture, savoring the delicious cuisine, learning about the customs of the island's inhabitants, and engaging in thrilling adventures like snorkeling and exploring hidden caves. As the days pass, the DeVere sisters forge new friendships and become deeply connected to the island and its people. Through these friendships, they gain insights into the lives and dreams of the locals, adding depth and authenticity to their film project. However, their island paradise adventure takes an unexpected turn when a powerful storm looms on the horizon. With their film equipment and set at risk, Ruth and Alice must once again summon their resourcefulness and determination to protect their work and ensure the safety of everyone involved. "The Moving Picture Girls Under the Palms" is a captivating tale of creativity, adventure, and the magic of filmmaking set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise. Laura Lee Hope masterfully weaves a story that celebrates the beauty of nature, the richness of diverse cultures, and the thrill of pursuing one's passion in an enchanting setting. Readers will be transported to the mesmerizing world of filmmaking and the allure of an exotic island as they join Ruth and Alice on their unforgettable journey. This delightful book captures the spirit of exploration, the joy of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of challenges.

Among the senior citizens of Palm Beach, legendary Oscar-winning actress Charlotte Graham finds love, murder, and a delightful cozy mystery After fifty years on stage and screen, Hollywood icon Charlotte Graham has gone south for the winter. In the glamorous confines of Palm Beach, Charlotte sips rum cocktails, reunites with friends, and rekindles the flame with a former lover. Eddie Norwood was a legendary conductor of the big-band era, and the man who stole Charlotte’s heart aboard the SS Normandie, a fabulously opulent ocean liner that was sabotaged in 1942. Charlotte and Eddie reconnect at a party to honor the memory of the Normandie, and the old sparks are just beginning to fly when their reunion is interrupted by murder. A jewelry designer has been found dead on the beach, and only Charlotte has the poise, wit, and old Hollywood charm necessary to find the killer—and perhaps a little love along the way. Fans of Conrad Allen’s nautical mysteries will be enchanted by Stefanie Matteson’s ability to recreate the glory days of the old ocean liners. Whether sipping champagne or investigating a murder, Charlotte Graham proves that true glamour stands the test of time. Murder Under the Palms is the 8th book in the Charlotte Graham Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.

Sophie Chao examines the multispecies entanglements of oil palm plantations in West Papua, Indonesia, showing how Indigenous Marind communities understand and navigate the social, political, and environmental demands of the oil palm plant.