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Fijian Society and People

People & Society

On Fiji Islands (Penguin Books, 1987), by Ronald Wright, captures the spirit of Fiji in a way I've not encountered in any other book. Mr Wright, a polished writer with a background in anthropology, does not miss a nuance. His book is a distillation of a sojourn to Fiji which took in everything from the cane fields to the cocktail bars. His real gift is providing insight by weaving a modern chronicle of Fiji in with its history and culture. Wright's anecdotes, which recreate conversations with Fijians of every stripe, are true to life and often very amusing. If you were to purchase one book as a supplement to this guide, I would recommend this one.

Tin Roofs & Palm Trees - A Report on the New South Seas (University of Washington Press, Seattle, 1977) by Robert Trumbull, is a serious socioeconomic/historical overview of the South Pacific nations with a particular emphasis on their emergence into the 20th century. Trumbull, a former New York Times correspondent, has distilled a great deal of useful background information into his Fiji chapter.

Under the Ivi Tree (University of California Press, Berkeley & Los Angeles, 1964; Routledge & Kegan Paul, London, 1964), by Cyril S Belshaw, is an exhaustive socioeconomic study of the Fijian people drawn from the author's obviously considerable personal experience in the islands.

Although put together in the late '50s and early '60s, this look at the interplay of individuals and the society that surrounds them is still right on target in discussing the limitations of economic growth faced in Fiji, particularly with regards to the indigenous population. Belshaw, a former colonial administrator and professor of anthropology at the University of British Columbia, demonstrates great sensitivity for the Fijian people and their culture. Though much of the book deals with economic models and village structure, there are many very practical gems of insight for the average reader if you are willing to wade through the verbiage. The book is highly recommended for the serious student of Fiji.

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