Niu Voices: Contemporary Pacific Fiction 1

by Huia Publishers (Editor)

Niu Contemporary Pacific Fiction 1 is a collection of poetry, short stories and novel extracts by selected Pacific writers, edited by Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh, lecturer in English at the University of Auckland.

Niu , the life-giving coconut of Pacific nations, has become symbolic of many styles that are growing in Aotearoa New Zealand, but rooted in island soils. These Pacific influences flavour creativity and strengthen the fibre of Pacific cultures and customs as lived in this new/niu context. The coconut juice of the works in this collection is deeply infused with local tastes and flavours.

From serene island settings to the dusty streets of urban tropics, this collection spans island memories of these descendants of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai‘i, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Wallis and Futuna. They tell stories of New Zealand homes, of love, relationships and identity.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lynda Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of interesting pieces and others that I fud not really understand. A few texts I will use to teach.

[Jennifer Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Niu Voices" is a collection of stories that come from 'new' and unpublished writers of the Pacific. The title alone, puts a twist on the word 'niu' whether it mean, coconut, which is its English definition, or 'new' which is its proninciation. Either way, 'Niu Voices' is an amazing anthology comming from writers located within Aotearoa but who are not of Maori descent. Because of that, each writer provides a unique outlook on the idea of Aotearoa being a Pacific diaspora, the struggles they faces leaving their home to come to Aotearoa, the sense of discrimination they face as a result of the colonization of the Pacifc, or just day to day issues that people of any Pacific Island may face. Each of these writers were chosen as a part of a movement to promote writting within youth and to give these young writers the chance to express their feelings through each piece they produce. "Niu Voices" is amazing collection of short stories and poems that I would reccomend to not only Pacific Islanders facing their own issues with diasporas, but also Pacific islanders and everyone in general.

[Mandy Agrisola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niu Voices is a great contemporary anthology that highlights themes such as the presence of colonization still seen throughout the Pacific, diaspora migration in and out of Aotearoa, and establishing and reconfirming ones ethnic and cultural identity within a Westernized Oceania. The book includes shorts stories, poems and novel extracts from new artists of various ethnic backgrounds coming out of New Zealand. The book promotes the freedom of expression through creative literature, gives insight into the lives of Pacific islanders, and gives relative claims showing that Pacific islanders are deeply connected to their homeland, ocean and traditions.

[Lei · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're wanting to read contemparorary pasifika fiction
this is the book. With the likes of Selina Tusitala Marsh, Rev Mua Strickson-Pua, Sia Figiel, Daren Kamali, Doug Poole, Karlo Mila and many others. Bringing Pasifika talent to another level. Meeting these writers/artist and getting involved with them this year has sure made the sugar-cane sweeter than ever.
Keep an eye out for Book 2!