The Last Bookaneer by Matthew Pearl

In the waning days of the 19th century, as copyright laws threaten the very livelihood of literary pirates, the world’s last “bookaneers” race to steal one final prize: the unpublished manuscript of Robert Louis Stevenson, hidden away in the South Pacific.
Pen Davenport, a fading book thief with one last scheme in him, and his rival Belial, the most cunning of the illicit literary smugglers, face off on the shores of Samoa—where adventure, betrayal, and colonial politics collide. Told through the eyes of a young apprentice, The Last Bookaneer is a lush, thrilling tale of literary espionage, historical intrigue, and the value of stories themselves.
 
🏴‍☠️ Why You’ll Love It
A love letter to books, authors, and the golden age of publishing.
Combines historical fiction with literary theft and adventure.
Features real-life figures like Robert Louis Stevenson, adding authenticity and intrigue.
Perfect for fans of Matthew Pearl’s The Dante Club, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, or Erik Larson.
Appeals to readers who enjoy colonial settings, Victorian drama, and bookish mysteries.