archytas's review
4.0
This is a collection of reflections from Samoans, both resident and ex-pat, about their experiences of being queer. It is not, unlike many such compendiums, a series of authored writings. Rather McMullin and Kihara have interviewed many of the authors, and the book consequently has some of the feel of oral history. This is both tantalising and satisfying, in different parts, as the pieces wander into unexpected alleyways of focus, often defying narrative expectations. The book is written on the terms of the authors, which is always the best kind of anthology. There is a very helpful glossary provided to help the non-Samoan reader keep up, but otherwise - this is people telling their own stories for their own folks.
On show here are a strong range of experiences, both from those who identify as Fa'afafine, with or without reservations, and those who don't, with or without reservations. The worlds of Samoa - traditional, religious and modern aspects - and the US West Coast Soman communities, in particular, come to live, as do Hawaii's gay bars. There is a literary play, as well as conversational pieces. It should be too eclectic, but somehow, it really works as a volume.
On show here are a strong range of experiences, both from those who identify as Fa'afafine, with or without reservations, and those who don't, with or without reservations. The worlds of Samoa - traditional, religious and modern aspects - and the US West Coast Soman communities, in particular, come to live, as do Hawaii's gay bars. There is a literary play, as well as conversational pieces. It should be too eclectic, but somehow, it really works as a volume.
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