Omoo

Omoo is a novel by Herman Melville, published in 1847. It is the second of Melville's South Seas novels, following Typee. The story continues the adventures of the narrator, Tom, who, along with his companion Toby, escapes from the cannibalistic Typee natives.

Omoo chronicles Tom and Toby's subsequent journey through the islands of the Marquesas. They find themselves on board a whaling ship, but their experiences are far from idyllic. The ship is poorly managed, and conditions are harsh, leading to a mutiny. Tom and Toby eventually desert the ship, finding refuge among the natives of Tahiti.

The novel offers a detailed, often critical, portrayal of the Marquesan culture and the impact of European missionaries and traders on the indigenous populations. Melville's descriptions are rich in ethnographic detail, though the historical accuracy of some accounts has been debated by scholars. Omoo is characterized by its satirical tone and its exploration of themes such as freedom, captivity, and the clash of civilizations. While less focused on extreme survival than Typee, it continues Melville's examination of cultural encounters in the Pacific. It was met with a mixed reception upon its release but is now considered an important work in Melville's early career.