'Do Ilook strange?' fa'afafine ('in themanner of a woman'), and thespirit of Stevenson's servant boy, Sosimo. Set in an evocative tropical landscape haunted by the livesand spirits which drift across it, The Pacific Room
Thesewere his last recorded words. That night Sosimo kissed his hands and laid themacross his breast, knitting his fingers together like flowers. The next morningthe household watched his coffin, held aloft by a dozen brown hands, disappearinto an ocean of leaves. Every now and then, at a turn of the mountain, itwould emerge from the trees, bobbing higher and higher, floating free.
Thisremarkable debut novel tells of the last days of Tusitala, 'the teller oftales', as Robert Louis Stevenson became known in Samoa where he chose to die.In 1892 Girolamo Nerli travels from Sydney by steamer to Apia, with theintention of capturing something of Jekyll and Hyde in his portrait of thefamous author. Nerli's presence sets in train a disturbing sequence of events. Morethan a century later, art historian Lewis Wakefield comes to Samoa to researchthe painting of Tusitala's portrait by the long-forgotten Italian artist. Onhiatus from his bipolar medication, Lewis is freed to confront the powerfulreality of all the desires and demons that R. L. Stevenson couldn't control.Lewis's personal journey is shadowed by the story of the lovable Teuila, aso-called fa'afafine ('in the manner of a woman'), and thespirit of Stevenson's servant boy, Sosimo. Set in an evocative tropical landscape haunted by the livesand spirits which drift across it, The Pacific Room is both a loveletter to Samoa and a lush and tender exploration of artistic creation, ofsecret passions and merging dualities.
'A wonderfully stylistic novel, dream-like and mesmeric. It moves with ekphrastic cadences, from painting to writing and back again, between the present and the past, both muted and full of nuance, like a water-colour of archived time. Fitzgerald skilfully employs a controlled language of concealment and careful observation through which character is translated. All the while, there are subliminal disturbances below, indicating fatal and fateful meetings between culture and history.' - Brian Castro, Winner of the Patrick White Award for Literature
Thesewere his last recorded words. That night Sosimo kissed his hands and laid themacross his breast, knitting his fingers together like flowers. The next morningthe household watched his coffin, held aloft by a dozen brown hands, disappearinto an ocean of leaves. Every now and then, at a turn of the mountain, itwould emerge from the trees, bobbing higher and higher, floating free.
Thisremarkable debut novel tells of the last days of Tusitala, 'the teller oftales', as Robert Louis Stevenson became known in Samoa where he chose to die.In 1892 Girolamo Nerli travels from Sydney by steamer to Apia, with theintention of capturing something of Jekyll and Hyde in his portrait of thefamous author. Nerli's presence sets in train a disturbing sequence of events. Morethan a century later, art historian Lewis Wakefield comes to Samoa to researchthe painting of Tusitala's portrait by the long-forgotten Italian artist. Onhiatus from his bipolar medication, Lewis is freed to confront the powerfulreality of all the desires and demons that R. L. Stevenson couldn't control.Lewis's personal journey is shadowed by the story of the lovable Teuila, aso-called fa'afafine ('in the manner of a woman'), and thespirit of Stevenson's servant boy, Sosimo. Set in an evocative tropical landscape haunted by the livesand spirits which drift across it, The Pacific Room is both a loveletter to Samoa and a lush and tender exploration of artistic creation, ofsecret passions and merging dualities.
'A wonderfully stylistic novel, dream-like and mesmeric. It moves with ekphrastic cadences, from painting to writing and back again, between the present and the past, both muted and full of nuance, like a water-colour of archived time. Fitzgerald skilfully employs a controlled language of concealment and careful observation through which character is translated. All the while, there are subliminal disturbances below, indicating fatal and fateful meetings between culture and history.' - Brian Castro, Winner of the Patrick White Award for Literature
A seminal work of science fiction- an unnerving vision of the consequences of unchecked overpopulationThe planet's population has exploded. The 35 million inhabitants of New York City run their TVs...
BookLoop is your trusted local Australian destination for books, games, toys, puzzles, tarot cards, stationery, and thoughtful gifts, offering a huge range of carefully curated products for curious minds of all ages. As a proudly Australian-owned bookstore, we are passionate about connecting our community with inspiring reads, creative play, and unique finds that bring joy, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether you're shopping for bestselling fiction, children’s picture books, educational resources, or non-fiction titles that encourage mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth, our ever-expanding book collection has something for everyone—including titles from local Australian authors that celebrate homegrown talent and storytelling. But we’re more than just a bookstore—our diverse range includes engaging puzzles for solo or family fun, educational and screen-free toys designed to develop skills and creativity, and family-friendly board games that bring people together. If you're looking for something with a little extra meaning, our beautifully illustrated tarot cards and oracle decks are perfect for beginners and seasoned readers alike, with options chosen for their artistry, symbolism, and accessibility. We also carry a range of gifts and stationery, from handcrafted journals and high-quality pens to bookmarks, greeting cards, candles, and calming tools, making it easy to find the perfect present for birthdays, celebrations, or simply because. Every product on our shelves is selected with care, quality, and purpose, making BookLoop a one-stop shop for thoughtful, meaningful shopping that supports creativity and wellbeing. We believe in the value of small business and community connection, which is why we’re committed to sourcing products that reflect our values and offering the kind of friendly, personalised service that big retailers can’t match. When you shop with us, you’re not only choosing beautifully curated items—you’re supporting a local Australian business that genuinely cares. We ship Australia-wide with a flat rate to keep things simple and affordable, and every order is carefully packed and quickly dispatched by our small, dedicated team. Our online shopping experience is safe, easy, and user-friendly, making it convenient to explore our wide range of books, gifts, and games from the comfort of home. We’ve seen a growing demand for titles and toys that support mental health, especially in children and teens, and we’re proud to stock a growing number of books on ADHD, emotional regulation, positive thinking, and self-esteem, as well as calming puzzles and sensory-friendly gifts that are both fun and supportive. Whether you're looking to inspire a young reader, encourage imaginative play, find your next favourite novel, or gift someone something truly special, BookLoop has you covered. Thank you for choosing to shop local and support a business that believes in the power of stories, creativity, and connection—explore our full collection today and experience the difference of thoughtful, heart-led retail with BookLoop.
Sign In
your cart
Your cart is empty
Menu
Search
PRE-SALES
If you have any questions before making a purchase chat with our online operators to get more information.
