Overview

Nadamu Village in Fiji is the setting for this powerful collection of interconnected stories exploring the lives of its residents as they grapple with the tensions between tradition and modernity. At the heart of the narrative is young Droka, a twelve-year-old boy whose coming-of-age journey is shaped by the trauma and violence unfolding around him. The story begins with a shocking incident - a police raid searching for three teenage boys who escaped prison after being charged with the gang rape of their classmate Melisa. Droka witnesses the raid, haunted by the brutal details of the assault and its aftermath. The boys' parents, more concerned with church obligations than their sons' wellbeing, allow the boys to endure horrific abuse in pre-trial detention. When the boys finally escape, a violent confrontation with police leads to the death of one, shattering the community. In the aftermath, Droka grapples with the cyclical nature of violence in Nadamu, observing how stories loop back on themselves, trapping everyone in cycles of trauma and powerlessness. He sees this play out in the constant clashes between his village and a rival gang, culminating in a brutal fight that Droka is drawn into, unleashing his own pent-up rage. Droka's desperation for a better life leads him to attempt a perilous stowaway journey to America, only to be caught and face the consequences. The narrative expands to explore the broader cultural landscape of Fiji, from the national trauma of the 1991 Rugby World Cup defeat to the complex web of customs and rituals that govern village life. Droka's family relocates to the Solomon Islands, where his father's success as a boxing coach clashes with his insistence that his sons play tennis instead. Back in Fiji, the family navigates the introduction of television and the emergence of evangelical Christianity, which transforms the troublemaker uncle into a zealous convert. As Droka grows older, the stories shift to explore the experiences of other Nadamu residents, from a young man's struggle with bullies to a university student's culture shock in Japan. The collection delves into the nuances of Fijian identity, examining the historical roots of cultural practices and the ways they continue to shape the community. Moments of joy and connection are interwoven with the ever-present specter of violence, as characters navigate the complexities of love, family, and belonging. Ultimately, this rich tapestry of stories paints a vivid portrait of Nadamu Village, a microcosm of the Fijian experience where the forces of tradition and modernity collide. Through Droka's eyes and the perspectives of the diverse cast of characters, the collection explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. With its blend of realism, magical realism, and cultural insight, this work stands as a powerful exploration of the Fijian experience, offering readers a window into a vibrant and complex community.

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