“Tiare” by Célestine Hitiura Vaite (Tahiti)

Review

Most readers really enjoyed this book finding it an easy read with a light touch and a soft style. At times, they found it funny and at other moments they found the themes the author touched on quite serious. They loved the whole cast of characters especially the grandmothers and all the cousins. Readers liked how the author interspersed French and Tahitian words and phrases throughout the book, saying that it gave the story a conversation-like tone as well as a real sense of place. Those who had read the previous book in the Materena trilogy felt that the sequel was not as good. It lacked some of the intensity and depth of “Frangipani”, and one reader said she felt the second half of “Tiare” was too sugary sweet. The others agreed that Pito’s metamorphosis was a bit exaggerated although they did say it was nice to read a story with a happy ending! Overall, it averaged a 7.7 out of 10.

Synopsis

In the Tahitian town of Faa’a the daily routine is relaxed and pleasantly predictable. But there’s one thing you cannot escape and that’s the watchful eye of the family. News travels fast on the ‘coconut radio’ and before you know it every cousin, in-law and neighbour who’s been into the local store or bakery that day knows your business… Read more

Nicola’s Book Club reading list

Season 18 (Feb – Jun 2015)
“I Am A Japanese Writer” by Dany Laferrière (Haiti)
“Hour of the Star” by Clarice Lispector (Brazil)
“The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman” by Denis Thériault (Canada) *
“Tiare” by Célestine Hitiura Vaite (Tahiti)
“Apocalypse Next Tuesday” by David Safier (Germany) 

* The book club favourite
In italics, Nicola’s Coup de Cœur