The Old Man's Dilemma: Love, Grief, Happiness & Rebellion: A Modern Day Novel From Papua New Guinea

by Daniel Kumbon

The Old Man’s Dilemma is a gloriously written novel that, in the Kumbon-style, is full of truth. Although a work of fiction, its underpinning reality is always present. It flows from the author’s eye for detail, his understanding of his own disparate people and the innate wisdom derived from traditional Melanesian values and Western ideals.The Old Man’s Dilemma is an enchanting tale of kindness, love, tragedy and the self-questioning that comes with grief. It is situated in that shadow world where traditional Melanesian and Western cultures coincide, sometimes overlapping with ease and sometimes clashing and delivering great uncertainty.Such conflicts compel The Old Man, Akali Wakane, a protagonist for whom the reader forms great compassion, to wrestle with himself about what constitutes The Right Way.Daniel Kumbon is one of less than a handful of contemporary Papua New Guinean writers who understand these underlying forces – and his resultant knowledge and sensitivity inform this book. The Old Man’s Dilemma is both a fascinating story in its own right and a fine insight into the challenges for the individual who has been forced to come to grips with a culture in conflict.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2021

Reviews

[Anna Ruth FL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about PNG from this book. I like the way the author used the translations of the local languages alongside the original text. I grew quite attached to the "old man" ...every country needs people like him.