Curious about contemporary Pacific writers? Here is a mix of “classic” and newer books by Oceanic writers. For my purpose here, Pasifika encompasses what has been previously termed Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
This is the best and only novel about a zombie apocalypse in Samoa.
Mata Oti: Eyes of Death
Wendt's best work about colonialism in Samoa. Settle in. Its a long read but worth it.
Leaves of the Banyan Tree (Talanoa: Pacific Lit 5)
One of the best novels about a Samoan chief navigating the old ways and the new.
Pouliuli (Pacific Classics)
A Maori community in a fight for their lives, their identity and their agency.
Potiki
Great collection of Grace's short stories. Several have been anthologized.
Small Holes in the Silence
Powerful blend of poetry and memoir from an up and coming Chamorro writer.
NO COUNTRY FOR EIGHT-SPOT BUTTERFLIES
Oldie but goodie about a girl with the mana and genealogy to be a leader.
The Whale Rider: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
Powerful novel about indigenous pasts, presents and futures.
Baby No-Eyes (Talanoa: Contemporary Pacific Lit)
The stories of three women and how their paths converged then diverged. Or watch the Netflix movie based on the novel.
Cousins (Talanoa: Contemporary Pacific Lit, 2)
Powerful volume of poetry that inverts the standard practice of italicizing non-English words.
Always Italicise: how to write while colonised
A YA novel that blends contemporary Hawaiian experience with traditional practices and beliefs.
One Boy, No Water (Niuhi Shark Saga)
Want a front seat to the theft of a kingdom? Read Queen Liliuokalani's memoir here for free.
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen.
An example of Pacific indigneous futurism and Pasifika adaptation.
Huia Publishers Na Viro.
A collection of short stories and poetry. Lots of representation here.
Vā: Stories by Women of the Moana
Read the first book in the Telesa elemental romance series.
Telesa: The Covenant Keeper (The Telesa)
Another example of indigenous futurism. Fun caper plot.
