A pattern of islands
by Arthur Francis Grimble
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Book Summary Information
Author: Arthur Francis GrimbleEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1956
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 255
Publisher: J. Murray
Book Reviews of A pattern of islands
Book Review: Intriguing pattern
Summary: 5 Stars
Arthur Grimble's account of his years as a District Officer in the Gilbert and Ellis Islands (now Tuvalu)in the 1920s is absolutely fascinating. He describes the islands and their inhabitants in a way that makes you long to see them.
It is not a romantacised account, the inconveniences and hardships of island life are not glossed over, but Arthur Grimble clearly loved the islands and their people. He had some astonishing experiences which are described in vivid detail, like witnessing the magical summoning of the porpoises,and his hair-raising encounter with sharks. His surprising account of delivering a baby is quite remarkable. And the description of how he had his arms tattooed in the traditional island manner is not for the squeamish.
When he returns to England and tries to describe to the people at the Colonial Office some of the difficulties to be encountered in the islands, the young man in the personnel office exclaimes: "But - my dear fellow! I mean to say, good heavens! If we told our applicants even a quarter of these facts in advance, we'd never get a bally recruit!"
Perhaps not, but reading this book you get the impression that Arthur Grimble wouldn't have missed his years there for the world. An unforgettable book.
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