Albert Wendt's Short Stories (The Best of)
Wendt, Albert"For Wendt, the past is a pulsating present" (NZ Listener, 1999). Twenty-nine selected short stories from one of the Pacific's major writers with themes of Samoan family and social histories. NZ Interest.
This title is also offered as part of the Narrative Muse Book Club.
Comments from Groups
We enjoyed the strong sense of community and family, and an impression of a very strong love of living which came through in the stories...We all recognised strong themes of colonisation and its influences, mainly negative. Also huge church influence. Pukekohe 001 The group found this book hard to get into. Some stories we enjoyed but left us wanting to know what happened. Auckland 185 Very mixed comments about this book. Should have a glossary. Whakatane 008 Interesting. All enjoyed last story which we read aloud. Early stories quite dark and depressing. Christchurch 145 This book started some heated discussions about cultural differences. Best night for awhile. Owaka 001
Pages
390
390
Year
1999
1999
Reviews
22-11-2020
The book generated much lively discussion and we felt that it gave a good insight into past and present Samoan culture and way of life. Only one of our members disliked the book. We agreed that a glossary of Samoan terms would add to the appreciation of the stories.
06-04-2020
One person finished all the stories and recognised characters from previous stories so found it quite interesting. Most of us dipped in and out , some found it dark and quite repetitive with the language being difficult going. We all like his other writing - maybe too much all together like this
06-04-2020
Some felt a glossary to help with the Samoan language would have helped. Too many short stories in the book. it was helpful having a history teacher in the group, and she helped lead the discussion. The stories were very well-written and gave an understanding of Samoan life. Some of the stories were written a number of years ago, so there would have been many changes since they were written.
06-04-2020
We all liked these, and they gave rise to much discussion - one of our members had spent time in Samoa.
06-04-2020
Great! Very positive overall.
06-04-2020
We all felt it was hard going and only one member finished the whole book. It got easier as the book progressed, and it certainly stimulated discussion.
06-04-2020
Many felt there were too many short stories to get through.