The Tahitian Fig Tree

by Peter Crawley

In 1995, for various political reasons, the French colonial government, in the form of Francois Mitterand's socialism, locked horns with Tahiti's independence movement, resulting in the burning down of the island's only international airport. This is the setting for a Christian adventure story about American Jack Laughlin, who marries into the Polynesian culture and all that it encompasses. Gone are the fabled white sand beaches, mango trees and lingering tropical days. In their place, he discovers that the islands have become volcanic excuses for greed, corruption and a hedonistic lifestyle. When his eldest daughter falls victim to the temptation of living the local lifestyle, Jack turns to his wife, the granddaughter of the last chief, for help. Jack Laughlin is shocked when he finds out she isn't exactly on his side. Indeed, she has a secret of her own. Their relationship mirrors that of the government, as each side strikes out to get what they want, regardless of its moral value.

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2004