Tales of the Tikongs (Talanoa : Contemporary Pacific Literature)

Rating:
Summary: Island Life - as seen by a Pacific Islander
Review: A fabulous collection of short stories that more or less piece together to create a fully formed humorous novella. The author spares no-one with his cruel wit and sharp eye for the details of some of the more outrageous aspects of colonialism in the troubled paradise that is the Pacific. The finger of fun is pointed at locals and expatriates alike but what is especially refreshing is that this time it is a Pacific islander that is doing the pointing and not some foppish Englishman (Somerset Maughan) or frazzled American (Paul Theroux). For too long it has been the expats writing about the locals and this book is a great step forward and should be an inspiration for local writers wherever they may be. And best of all, you suspect that most of what he writes about isn't that far from reality.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Satire of Life in Paradise
Review: As a former expatriate in Polynesia, I recognized much in and enjoyed all of this collection of short stories. Hau'ofa spares no one--he skews expats, aid workers and his fellow Polynesians with equal glee. If you live in or have ever lived in the islands, you'll love this. If you want to learn what Polynesia is really like, this book is for you as well.

Rating:
Summary: So Funny
Review: so accurate so funny, looks at development in Tonga but could also be used to describe much of the pacific island region. Warm but critical.