World Elsewhere

The first novel of renowned Yale critic Brooks (The Novel of Worldliness, etc.), based on actual travelogues written by the historical characters he animates, is an explosion of the romantic potential in a European exploration of Tahiti. In 1766, Prince Charles of Nassau-Siegen jettisons a life of extravagance and decadence among Parisian nobility when his uncle packs him off on an exploratory voyage to the South Seas on a ship captained by Louis-Antoine de Bougainville. In Tahiti, the foreigners find the islanders open, friendly and even solicitous, as they are seduced one by one. The prince's romance with a native, Ite, makes his inevitable departure all the more wrenching, as Tahiti becomes a symbol of both virginal wilderness and a contentment unattainable in brief flings with French debutantes. Thrills abound here, such as the first frightening sighting of natives on land and the brief battles that follow when the visitors kill a Tahitian who has innocently borrowed some of their supplies. But more surprising, and less believable, is the prince's rapid transformation from an impetuous brat into a mature, reflective soul. Brooks's limber prose and articulate dialogue enliven his consideration of the hazards and benefits of imperialism. And yet the natives have only three facial expressions--a smile, a frown and a blank face--while the Europeans speak in platitudes about the cosmic import of their mission. All troubles aside, however, this is a very well-crafted first novel. (Feb.)