The Pagan Madonna

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27339

Title

The Pagan Madonna

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In a world governed by chance, a mysterious stranger with a limp and a boyish face arrives in Shanghai, dragging a body into a merchant's shop. What follows is a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse involving piracy, stolen pearls, and a daring escape across the Pacific. Harold MacGrath weaves a tale of adventure, suspense, and the thin line between crime and redemption.

Summary up to 500 words

Harold MacGrath's *The Pagan Madonna* opens in the chaotic atmosphere of Shanghai, where merchant Ling Foo witnesses a violent assault and the disappearance of a white man named Dick Cunningham. Cunningham, a charismatic rogue with a distinctive sluing gait and a boyish face, has orchestrated a daring heist involving the stolen yacht *Wanderer*. He has kidnapped Dennison Cleigh, his father Anthony, and Dennison's daughter, Jane, sailing them toward the remote Catwick Island. Ostensibly a treasure hunt for lost pearls, the voyage is actually a grand, high-stakes game designed by Cunningham to provide a thrilling adventure for his captives. The narrative explores the unpredictable nature of fate, a concept MacGrath illustrates through the character of the "Blind Madonna." As the yacht navigates treacherous waters, the tension mounts between the Cleighs and their captors. Dennison Cleigh harbors deep resentment toward his father, Anthony, stemming from a past grudge, yet the forced proximity of the voyage challenges their estrangement. Jane, the spirited daughter, becomes the emotional anchor, observing the shifting dynamics and hoping for reconciliation. Cunningham's plan involves significant risks, including piracy and a confrontation with a rival named Flint. However, the climax reveals that the coveted pearls were forgeries, a twist orchestrated by a double-crossing associate named Morrissy. Despite the financial loss, Cunningham's true goal was fulfilled: he successfully staged a life-or-death drama that tested the resolve and character of his captives. The story concludes with the resolution of the pirates' fate and the eventual reconciliation of the Cleigh family. Through this web of deceit, hidden treasures, and near-disasters, MacGrath delivers a tale celebrating the unpredictable nature of life and the capacity for heroism to emerge even from a rogue's heart.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg27339.epub

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2026-07-05 23:19 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Travel
• Mystery