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6 Books to Read Before, During & After Your Fiji Vacation

There is a simple pleasure in reading about a destination before, during or after your visit. The viewpoints of other visitors to Fiji give us insight into what we can expect. Perhaps more importantly, the experiences of others are a unique perspective on a very different culture. We can learn more about Fijian society, history, and culture than our own week or two could afford. Ready to take a narrative journey through Fiji, consider reading these six books before, during and after you Fiji vacation!

#1: On Fiji Islands

by Ronald Wright

It is an unusual object that sends Ronald Wright spiraling into the world of Fiji. A single museum object, an unusual looking fork, piques his interest in the islands. Under the fork is the placard, “fork used in eating Mr Baker.” And he’s off.

Ronald Wright then traces the colonization of the Fijian islands and the deep impact British rule, and contact with other colonizing nations, had on Fiji. His belief is that colonization created more change and problems on Fiji than anywhere else in the world, and gives readers a genuine look at Fijian society in the late 1980’s.

#2: Maya

by Jostein Gaarder

Maya is blissfully a recognizable story taking place in an unfamiliar location, unless you are already in Fiji! The story starts with the chance encounter between a Norwegian biologist and English novelist on the stunning island of Taveuni. The encounter of these two lonely and unhappy individuals is contrasted with the deep love and devotion of a Spanish couple also vacationing on the island.

What could have been an innocuous and unimportant encounter gains significance over the upcoming months as a story of mystery, intrigue, and most of all love unfolds.

#3: Getting Stoned with Savages

by J Maartan Troost

The title doesn’t suggest the humor of this funny read by J Maartan Troost, but that is exactly what you’ll find across the pages. Troost recounts his hilarious experiences traveling in Fiji, and even putting down some roots in the island nation. These are stories of potential natural disasters and missteps in a foreign country, with Troost’s participation in a traditional kava ceremony as a focal point.

His wife becomes pregnant while they are living on the less developed Vanuatu. But rather than return to Europe for the start of parenthood, the pair simply moves to a more developed island. Setting off a new onslaught of misadventures and unpredictable experiences. This is part travel book, part comedy, and all enjoyable.

#4: The South Sea Dreams: An Adventure in Paradise

by John Dyson

John Dyson takes a far more serious approach to recounting his adventures and experiences in Fiji. He considers the native Fijians from nearly all angles, as through the lens of an anthropologist. Yet, his stories include a real sense of humanity that isn’t present in a strictly scientific or research-based book.

His stories of living in Fiji date back to 1982, when many of the islands were still undiscovered by tourists. Therefore, his sociological, economic, and political look at Fiji, is unlike what we experience today, but it still provides in-depth insight into a world and culture different than our own.

#5: Yesterday’s Child: Once Upon an Island in the Fijis

by Wesley Hall

Yesterday’s Child is a simple and recognizable love story, but so well conceived that it’s impossible not to read it cover to cover. This is the story of Jason Rhodes. Ambitious, handsome, and with a self-proclaimed high intellect, Jason feels assured that his attributes are sufficient to win over the beautiful Stephanie Howorth; particularly because the pair are part of a small contingent stranded on a Fijian island just after World War II.

When the couple leaves Fiji, their relationship disintegrates, but Jason’s writing career is taking off. How does this love story end? You’ll have to read it poolside to find out.

#6: The Trouble with Paradise

by Jill Shavis

In this easy to read fiction by Jill Shavis, the down and out Dorie Anderson finds her life turned upside down when she wins a trip to Fiji. Of course, this isn’t just any trip, but the chance to cruise the Fijian islands on the “Love Boat,” a singles cruise. While you may expect the typical love story, where poor Dorie meets her soul mate (there is certainly some of that), The Trouble with Paradise takes a turn when the occupants of the Love Boat are unceremoniously shipwrecked on a remote Fijian island.

Where Will You Read?

Grab your books and your bag and head to Raiwasa for a truly unforgettable Fiji vacation. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to hunker down with your book, plus the chance to explore some of the stunning places described in the books above!