Title: The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific
Author: J. Maarten Troost
First published June 8, 2003
272 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780767915304 (ISBN10: 0767915305)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
When Maarten Troost was feeling restless and directionless, he decided to take a leap of faith and move to a remote South Pacific island in the Republic of Kiribati. But little did he know that his romantic idea of island paradise would soon turn into a hilarious misadventure.
In The Sex Lives of Cannibals, Troost shares his experiences battling deadly bacteria, polluted seas, and a lack of basic amenities like television and coffee. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric local characters, including a self-proclaimed Poet Laureate who has never written a poem in his life.
With the wit of Bill Bryson and the travel expertise of Paul Theroux, Troost’s story is the ultimate vicarious adventure. You may never want to visit Tarawa, but you’ll be glad you traveled there with Troost.
About the Author
Meet J. Maarten Troost, a Dutch-American travel writer and essayist who was born in 1969 in The Netherlands.
He is known for his book, The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific, which takes readers on a journey through the Pacific Islands. Troost has also contributed essays to renowned publications such as the Atlantic Monthly, the Washington Post, and the Prague Post.
He spent two years of his life in Kiribati, an island nation in the equatorial Pacific, and later worked as a consultant for the World Bank upon his return. After spending several years in Fiji, Troost has recently relocated to California with his wife and son.
Editoral Review
The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific by J. Maarten Troost is an entertaining and humorous travelogue that takes readers on a journey to the remote island nation of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean.
Troost, an American writer and adventurer, recounts his experiences living on Tarawa, one of the most densely populated and impoverished islands in the world.
The book is a memoir that combines humor, adventure, and social commentary. Troost writes in a casual, conversational style that is easy to read and engaging.
He uses humor to highlight the absurdity and challenges of his experiences, while also shedding light on the cultural and environmental issues facing the island nation.
The plot follows Troost and his girlfriend as they move to Tarawa to escape the stress of city life. They quickly realize that life on the island is far from idyllic, as they struggle to adapt to the harsh living conditions, lack of modern amenities, and cultural differences.
Along the way, they encounter a cast of colorful characters, including expats, aid workers, and locals, who provide insight into the complex social and political landscape of the island.
One of the strengths of the book is Troost’s ability to blend humor and social commentary. He does not shy away from the challenges facing the island, including poverty, corruption, and environmental degradation.
However, he also highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the people living there, and the beauty and charm of their culture.
Another strength is Troost’s character development. He is a relatable and likable narrator, who is honest about his own flaws and shortcomings.
His girlfriend, Sylvia, is also a well-drawn character, who provides a different perspective on their experiences.
The book’s pacing is well done, with a good balance of humor and drama. The plot structure is linear, but Troost’s anecdotes and observations keep the narrative engaging.
In terms of themes, the book explores the clash of cultures, the impact of globalization, and the importance of community and connection. Troost also touches on environmental issues, such as climate change and overfishing, which have significant implications for the island nation.
One weakness of the book is its lack of diversity. Troost mainly interacts with other expats and aid workers, and there is limited representation of local voices.
Additionally, some readers may find Troost’s humor and casual tone insensitive or inappropriate.
Overall, The Sex Lives of Cannibals is an enjoyable and insightful travelogue that provides a unique perspective on life in a remote island nation. It is recommended for readers who enjoy travel writing, social commentary, and humor.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
