Beats of the Pa'u

by Maria Samuela

The pa‘u is the pulse of the Cook Islands, a rhythm carrying narratives of a culture to its people. But beyond the reach of its sound, on another shore, a community is working over the course of decades to build a new life.

Kura lands in the footsteps of his father, whose twenty-year estrangement has come to a head. Katerina starts planning for a future, but must bend to the whim of another. Ana is received into a sacred sisterhood. And an Island Mama sets out the rules for love.

Beats of the Pa‘u is a collection of stories about first- and second-generation Cook Islands New Zealanders living in 1950s to modern-day New Zealand. Powerful, poignant and gently funny, Beats portrays life lived uneasily in the tempo of a different place, by characters who are woven together through community, family and home.

Genres: Short Stories

146 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Carol Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good collection of stories describing the experiences of young Cook Islanders adjusting to their new lives in New Zealand. Maria's voice is so authentic and convincing.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like a privileged insight into the lives of Cook Islanders living in New Zealand in the last few decades. Pretty solid writing.

[Laureen L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, well written from a Cook Island prespective in a powerful and insightful manner. Characters were relatable and accessible to all readers especially from Pacific Heritage!!