Castaway

Incredible tale of a 14-year-old French cabin boy, abandoned by his captain and crew following the floundering of the Saint Paul barque in fog during his watch, on the far north coast of Queensland in 1858. Discovered by Aboriginals from the Uutaalnganu Night Island clan, Narcisse Pelletier is renamed Amglo and over 17 years becomes fluent in tribal language, fathers a son, Markuntha, then later marries another girl, Mitha, and fathers a daughter, Chachi. Fascinating detail abounds – hunting with best friend and mentor Sassy, campfire dinners of roasted wallaby, duck and goose, and initiation into manhood, with tribal cuts on his body – although he refuses the removal of a front tooth. But when he is “rescued” – captured – and returned to France after 17 years, the 31-year-old cannot readjust. His family tries a debilitating exorcism to cease his visions, but the lighthouse keeper now even hates his beloved sea. He will marry, but have no more children, constantly mourning his own. He dies in 1894, showing all symptoms of anxiety. The lonely, disconsolate castaway shines in Macklin’s masterful portrayal of him as tribal warrior, fighting spirit, loyal clan member and utterly devoted father.