Review - Vā: Stories by Women of the Moana (and meet one of the authors!)

Vā: Stories by women of the moana - Sisilia Etauati and Lani Young (Eds) 

Vā: Stories by women of the moana is an absolutely stunning anthology of stories and poems. It’s the first book published by newly-established Tatou Publishing, and if it’s anything to go by, I will be devouring everything they publish.

The founders of Tatou Publishing (and editors of Vā), Eteuati and Young, knew that Pasifika stories were often overlooked by traditional (Western) publishers and that “there was a better way, a Samoan way, a Moana way.” With an emphasis on collaboration and valuing the writers and the stories over profits, it’s a beautiful and welcome disruption to the publishing industry.

Vā contains over 70 pieces of writing from 38 women with connection to the Moana – the Pacific Ocean. It’s nearly 350 pages of stunning imagery and heartfelt stories. They’re about growing up, dancing, covid, death, violence, celebration, family... there’s realism, fantasy, memoir, song… it’s everything. Everything! So many voices, so many lives. It’s the perfect book to dip in and out of – waiting for an appointment, five minutes between meetings, over lunch (my copy already has food stains – I have no regrets). The stories invite re-reading, spending time with. I can already tell this will be one of those books that’s rarely actually on my shelf.

On Wednesday 23^rd November, the Wine Books & More Book Lovers Night is being held at Havelock North Library. It’s a relaxed evening presentation of new and upcoming books and a talanoa (discussion) with one of the contributing authors – local poet Nafanua Kersel (published as Nafanua PK). Come and enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments, meet other book lovers and start building your to-read list for 2023.

Tickets are available at the library for just $5.00. Door sales may be available on the night, but pre-purchase to ensure your spot. For further details, see our website.

18 November 2022

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