Java Head

The story is set in Salem, Massachusetts, and it spans several generations of a wealthy shipping family named the Voydes. The novel explores themes of family legacy, societal changes, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The title "Java Head" refers to a figurehead of a woman with distinct Oriental features adorning one of the Voyde family's ships. The story revolves around the family's fortunes, their interactions, and the impact of changing times on their lives and relationships. Joseph Hergesheimer's writing style in "Java Head" is known for its detailed descriptions, vivid portrayal of settings, and in-depth characterizations, capturing the essence of the time period and the societal shifts occurring during the era in which the novel is set.