My Samoan Chief

by Fay G. Calkins

This is an engaging autobiographical account of an American woman's life in her Samoan husband's native home. After an unconventional courtship and an atypical American wedding, Fay Calkins and Vai Ala'ilima, a descendent of Samoan chiefs, set out for Western Samoa, where Fay was to find a way of life totally new and charming, if at times frustrating and confusing

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1971

Reviews

[Marge Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow what culture shock. The book is small but the reading was frustrating which is much a part of the subject. This adventurous new western wife goes to the tropical island. I felt her frustration with the culture clash with every word and then marveled at the way her husband dealt with matters. This would be a fine read for any sociology class. What happens when the one culture tries to impose their ways on another. I know I could learn much about relaxing and hospitality from the Samoans.

[Doree Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old book. I doubt it is in print any more. It was an interesting glimpse into some of the struggles of raising a multi-cultural family. I actually wrote a script adaptation from this book. Someone will find it in a box when I die. It (my script) wasn't very good, but it was fun to write!

[Randi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I was hoping to gain a bit more insight into the culture of my fiance. But instead I found myself thinking the same things as Fay and only discovered how ingrained I am in my own culture. It did help me understand the concept of community sharing and the lack of monitary understanding. But it was good to know I am not alone in some frustrations, but also in the sense of adventure and love that comes when learning and beginning to live this new culture.

[Tina Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always tell everyone interested in Samoan culture about this book. It was really informative for me and helped me to better understand my husband as well as my own culture. It's a really short book, but packed with Samoan culture stories from a Palagi (White) woman married to Samoan man.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up at the suggestion of Powell's Daily Dose. I was disappointed. Had to give up. It started out very interesting, but became a bit repetitive. I did find some of the references a little dated. If I had more time and fewer books in my stack I might have given it more of a chance.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderul book of life in Samoa. Funny yet very true life

[Alohatiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable look at a marriage between an American and a Samoan man. I have a more indepth review here: http://bibliotiki.blogspot.com/2012/1...

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required reading for a cultural anthropology course, but I was surprised to how funny this book was. It did a great job showing the cultural challenges made by the individualistic ways of American culture and the collective ways within Samoan culture. It also reads really well as one reading a novel so it was informative and accessible for leisurely reading. Overall, enjoyed it much more than I was expecting.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

#685

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting stuff. I was supposed to have read this for my final paper but I only skimmed it due to time. She is right on on a lot of the traditions in Samoa. I like comparing my experience with it and seeing how little the culture really changes with time. Maybe there are cell phones and ipods but there are still chiefs and fales too! Read it and come and experience it too!

[the duchess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Samoan traditions truly are timeless. This reads as more of a journal rather than a novel so lower your expectations before you begin. Misspellings drive me bananas, too--pun intended.

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Samoan/Chinese I loved this book! Awesome to read of ones insight into the fa'asamoa way of life. Loved it!