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A Pattern of Islands
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Diane , Armchair Tour Guide
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rated it 4 stars
Jan 15, 2019 05:41PM
Start discussion here for A Pattern Of Islands by Arthur Grimble.
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Diane , Armchair Tour Guide
(last edited Jan 15, 2019 06:09PM)
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rated it 4 stars
About the Book (Goodreads description)The funny, charming, and self-deprecating adventure story of a young man in the Pacific. Living for thirty years in the Gilbert & Ellis Islands (in present day Kiribati), Grimble was ultimately initiated and tattooed according to local tradition, but not before he was severely tested, as when he was used as human bait for a giant octopus. Beyond the hilarious and frightening adventure stories, A Pattern of Islands is also a true testament to the life of these Pacific islanders. Grimble collected stories from the last generation who could remember the full glory of the old pagan ways. This is anthropology with its hair down.
About the Author (excerpted from Wikipedia)
Sir Arthur Francis Grimble was a British civil servant and writer born in Hong Kong in 1888. After joining the Colonial Office in 1914, he became a cadet administrative officer in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, of which he became resident commissioner in 1926. He was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George on 1 January 1930. A specialist in the myths and oral traditions of Kiribati people, he learned the Gilbertese language.
He remained there until 1933, after which he served as Governor of the Seychelles (1936–1942) and of the Windward Islands (1942–1948).
as uneasy as I am about reading about colonialism, I am finding this book and its sequel fascinating. Its great to hear about how things were in the early days.
I read this last year and while I agree with Ann that colonialism has a bad history, it seems that Arthur Gimble had a decent relationship with the native people in Kiribati. I'm sure his stewardship was not perfect, but I appreciate his attitude that the native people knew much more than him rather than the typical idea that he needed to educate them in all areas of civilized society. There were places that dragged a little for me, but overall it was a delightful story.
Really enjoying the writing of Grimble, especially the way in which is he able to reflect and explain his story and assignments in good humour. :-)
