Vārua Tupu: New Writing from French Polynesia

Mānoa: A Pacific Journal of International Writing

by Frank Stewart (Editor), Henri Hiro (Contributor)

Varua Tupu: New Writing and Art from French Polynesia strengthens the ancient ties between Hawai'i and the islands of French Polynesia by translating the voices of an emerging Ma'ohi (Polynesian) literary community into English and showcasing the cultural arts of the region in general. This volume features translations of a variety of locally celebrated genres, including poetry, memoir, and fiction. Though this work is focussed on the current moment, it includes fresh translations of poet Henri Hiro, who served as a spark to the tinder of the Tahitian cultural renaissance in the 1960s and 1970s and who continues to inspire the current generation of literary activists. Since the eighteenth century, a mythic and misleading image of Tahiti has become familiar to the world at large. Varua Tupu represents the first opportunity for the international community to experience the many islands of Te Ao Ma'ohi through their own voices and visual arts.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2006

Reviews

[Rebecca Russavage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[D. Keali'i MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of writing from French Polynesia. This is one of the few translated works from that region. Contains the phenomenal paintings of Bobby Holcombe and shows a wide range of work including poetry, short story and essay. This isn't Gauguin this is the real thing.

[Annie Matthys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional collection of works from Polynesian writers, artists, photographers, etc. I really enjoyed being able to sample the work of several individuals, which has introduced me to a few authors whose novels I will now pursue.

Overall just a beautiful book to own and flip through even after reading.