Where We Once Belonged by Sia Figiel

Where We Once Belonged

Sia Figiel

A powerful kaleidoscope of Samoan life which will change your views of the Pacific paradise for ever. Written from the point of view of a 13 year old girl. Don't be put off by the inclusion of local dialect.

Extract
I hopped onto the bus with Lesi and Sale. Lesi was all ready for Apia since she finished eating breakfast ... since she finished collecting the leaves and cigarette buds off the paepae. She had been bragging all morning to Oli and Saulelei. 'I'm going to Apia! I'm going to Apia! Alofa is taking me to Apia!' Sale wore a sharkface. 'You better not say anything to me, Alofa. Do you understand?' 'I don't even want you to come with us. You can get off at the next stop. I won't say anything. I'll find someone at the market to help carry everything. Go!'
Parallels
  • Wild Swans by Jung Chang
  • By the Light of my Father's Smile by Alice Walker
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Violence
Explicit sexual content