Book review : Palemia : a memoir

Abstract

A memoir offer readers a window into someone鈥檚 life. It provides an informative snapshot and knowledge about a subject. Simultaneously, it can also attract reactions, at times misguided when given out of context or when one does not possess a degree of familiarity and intimacy with the subject. Outsiders are often accused of this, particularly in cultural spaces where open and critical debate are not encouraged. However, an outsider鈥檚 view is just as relevant, so long as it is considered and delivered with an openness and respect towards mutual learning and understanding. Reviews offer this opportunity and, in this particular case, to learn about and engage with story of a visionary statesman and an exemplary Pacific leader, Tuila鈥檈pa Sa鈥檌lele Malielegaoi, P膩lemia or Prime Minister of Samoa, who has penned his memoir with Peter Swain, a long time Pacific development specialist. Samoa is the first Pacific nation to gain political independence (as Western Samoa, in 1962). It has population of approximately 197,000 and has about the same number in the diaspora. Tuila鈥檈pa was elected to office in 1998 and is the longest serving Prime Minister of Samoa. In his foreword to the book, Tuila鈥檈pa is very clear about the intentions behind the volume: the memoir is 鈥渁 simple political story鈥�, closely connected to the development and success of party politics and that of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) against the backdrop of a society navigating the realities of culture and modernity. [excerpt from the review]