What are you reading? 2019

See!!! Books are still readable when there isn't internet - or electricity

 

Mentioning islands:-

A Pattern of Islands by Arthur Grimble,

A book that I first read when it was published in 1952 is worth a read. It's certainly dated in its presentation but is a fascinating read of life in the South Pacific. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the Gilbert and Ellice Islands (now Kiribati and Tuvalu) and my visit, many years after having read the book, was prompted by the book.

some quotes from other readers:-

"The funny, charming, and self-deprecating adventure story of a young man in the Pacific. Living for thirty years in the Gilbert & Ellis Islands, 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."

"I clearly remember the story of octopus fishing with human bait from my English classes in school some 30+ years ago and decided the pleasant memory was not in too much danger from revisiting the "autobiography".
How glad I am that I did reread it.
This is an end of empire story that is in serious danger of giving colonialism a good name. The protagonist, Authur Grimble, tells us of a lost time in the South Pacific and leaves me at least, craving for a time machine and a posting with the UK coloni I clearly remember the story of octopus fishing with human bait from my English classes in school some 30+ years ago and decided the pleasant memory was not in too much danger from revisiting the "autobiography".
How glad I am that I did reread it.
This is an end of empire story that is in serious danger of giving colonialism a good name. The protagonist, Authur Grimble, tells us of a lost time in the South Pacific and leaves me at least, craving for a time machine and a posting with the UK colonial office.
Don't read this book if you wish to preserve a belief in pitiless colonial oppression"