Kiribati
Kiribati (pronounced Kirbase) is a small overpopulated island in the Central Pacific. The island of Kiribati is a collection of atolls (with the total size of Baltimore) spread over in an area as big as the continental United States. Southern Tarawa is the biggest atoll and the capital of Kiribati. The I-Kirbati, as the inhabitants are known, are Micronesians that descended from Samoan refugees who cannibalized the natives of the island. The are, however, not as gruesome sounding as their forefathers. The I-Kirbati are fatalistic, carefree, and, friendly people who make their living from the sea.
Although my Geographical knowledge is not too shabby, I have never heard of Kiribati until I read the book, "The Sex Lives of Cannibals". The book is a story of an I-Matang (white guy), Troost, who along with his wife lived on Tarawa for two years. The author talks about his experiences on the island and makes a good case for why one should not consider setting foot on the islandJ However, the author certainly inspired me to ponder over the possibility of taking a risk and exploring what some obscure corner of the world has to offer to me (and the vice versa). Perhaps in time, I will gather enough courage to venture out of my closed world and experience this fantasy. The book is brilliantly written, extremely funny, and, an easy read; I encourage everyone who is interested in anthropology and travel to read it.
Thanks L!... Great Gift!
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There really aren't any books written by I-Kiribati that are in English that I am aware of. However, if you like that travel writing genre, there is a very good, but old book written by a former British High Commissioner to the Gilberts (Kiribati). The book is titled 'A pattern of islands' by Sir Arthur Grimble. The book is mostly autobiographical with some embellishments to add appeal. It's a good book with a few laughs and some things even I struggle to believe. I-Kiribati owe alot to him actually, he was an amateur anthropologists who published a very important anthropolical study on Kiribati. The compiled work is titled 'Tungaru Traditions'. Tungaru is the old name for Kiribati before colonalization. I like Arthur Grimble because he encouraged Kiribati to keep their traditions and had contempt for the old Missionaries attempt to civilize the 'savages'. Anyway,...keep me and other readers informed about what you thought of the book/s. (Comment this)