Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Just to remind you that reviews of Frangipani can be posted from 1st April. Looking forward to seeing what you thought of this book (guess who chose it!).
I will be late in posting my review because my computer goes to computer hospital this afternoon and I don't know when it will be able to come home. So please don't think that I'm ducking out of reviewing!
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Foxie
member
Reged: 09/08/2007
Posts: 3459
Loc: South London
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Hi
I will be late posting too, because I haven't quite finished reading it yet!!
However I have ordered next month's book from the library, so hope to catch up!
Foxie
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Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told "I'm with you kid. Let's go." Maya Angelou
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nannyconnie
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Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 316
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Am I allowed to review this a day early,yes i am new so not sure what the rules are.However I am not here tomorrow and I really want to say how much I enjoyed Frangipani.Took me a while to find a copy as no-one seemed to know it but well worth it.Not my usual choice of book (which is good)and found it an easy read and loved the family feeling of Tahiti.Because I enjoyed it so much I am now reading Mr Pip and getting the same feeling about that------just a different country.Looking forward to other views.
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dryad
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Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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Frangipani: a tropical tree or bush producing showy, fragrant flowers, ranging from yellow to pale pink. Celestine Hitiura Vaite has chosen a perfect title for her novel – the name of a beautiful plant for a beautiful story.
From the first page I found Materena a delightful character. She has such a warm heart, vibrant energy and quirky logic; her thoughts and words are full of humour and wisdom. I admired her for accepting a hardworking life and following Tahitian traditions without complaint. However, she wants her daughter Leilani to have a better life. She chooses the frangipani as Leilani’s birth tree and nurtures both with loving care; water for the frangipani – a set of encyclopaedias and the best school for Leilani.
As Leilani grows up Materena meets her match; the mother-daughter sparring is mostly funny but sometimes upsetting. Leilani has her mother’s strength of character but she is also her own person – sharp, bold and outspoken. At times Materena finds her daughter’s behaviour challenging and hurtful. Yet Leilani clearly adores her mother; no one is allowed to mock her, not even the beloved boyfriend. I was relieved when Leilani eventually decided on a career and made her mother’s dreams come true.
The ending came as a surprise - Materena’s new career! Radio Tefana made me think of the Woman and Home forums. To quote Materena: ‘Every single woman has something to say. A story that will help another woman take a step forward. A story that will warn another woman before she takes a step backwards. A story to reassure all of us that we’re not all alone …’
This book is a gem – thank you for making an excellent choice, Sealover!
Edited by jdm (01/04/2008 07:34)
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saraw
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Reged: 08/03/2007
Posts: 252
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I to loved this book, well done for an excellent choice. This is not the sort of book I would normally read. You could imagine yourself being part of the family, all those relatives, Materena reminded me of a Phillipino woman that I know. The salt of the earth and would do anything for anyone, but your always mindful of what you say. Could not tell any secrets to!! I am already looking into getting one of her other books.
Sara
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billie
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Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 59
Loc: Derbyshire
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What a delightful and easy to read book, full of warmth,humour and wonderful phrases like "getting cranky" which tickled me every time she used it. I loved the "Welcome to womanhood talk", the idea of taking secrets to the grave and to get rid of unwanted guests using the broom to sweep around their feet. From page one i could picture and hear Materena with her french/tahitian accent inside my head and liked the descriptions of life there. I don't know wether its because i'm getting older but the idea of a more simplistic and familiy orintated life style really appeals. Thanks Sealover for this read.
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snoopy56
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Reged: 28/08/2007
Posts: 76
Loc: Norfolk
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Having missed out the last couple of months, I am now back on track reading-wise. I thought this was a lovely book. Its colloquial style reminded me of Alexander MacCall Smiths Mma Ramotswe stories. I particularly enjoyed Materena's words of wisdom regarding her teenage daughter. If only those of us in similar situations could be so laid back! I have to admit to a tear in my eye at the end - always the sign of a good book imo. Like the comments already made I would probably not have picked up this book without prompting so once again a good choice.
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jennifer36
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Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 441
Loc: West Oxfordshire
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I must say I too thought there was a bit of Ladies no 1 Detective agency about this book -a lovely, warm central character and wonderful descriptions of life in Tahiti, instead of Botswana. I loved the book -a gentle easy read, written in an informal style which really suited the story and setting. The characters were very well drawn - you could picture them all and the mother/daughter relationship was so well developed. The whole way of life in Tahiti with everyone knowing everyone else was fascinating and quite appealing! The ending was a surprise to me which I like -I don't like predicting the ending halfway through!
I wouldn't have picked this book but delighted to have had the chance to read it! I will recommend it to others.
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duckegg
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Reged: 26/02/2007
Posts: 972
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I can't truthfully say that I liked this book very much - am I the only one who found the way it was written a little bit twee?
The fact that I didn't particularly like its style doesn't mean that I didn't find it enjoyable - I did, but overall I felt that it took something away from Materena's wisdom and the book's message.
In it's favour, it was very easy to read in that I could put it down then pick up again without losing the thread, and the way that tahitian family life was described was very believable. There were times when I could almost feel the sunshine and the love that Materena had for her daughter and the other members of her family.
I'd guessed how the book was going to end before I got there but even so still had tears in my eyes like Snoopy2 when I reached the last page.
Yet again this is another Eyes Down book that I would never have picked of the shelf myself, and although I didn't particularly take to the style in which it was written I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read it so thanks Sealover.
duckegg (previously barbarap2)
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Emerald
member
Reged: 27/08/2007
Posts: 293
Loc: Greater Manchester
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I absolutely loved this book, but would have never read it, if it had not been suggested-so "Thank you" Sealover for an excellent choice.
I think it's the kind of book that affirms positives in our roles as women-mother of daughters,(and sons), daughters of mothers and wives-aswell as friends, confidents and workers.
I've been itching to rave about this book, as read it quite early-and yet again, a choice such as this has confirmed why I like the book club so much!
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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As you have probably realised, I am new to the Eyes Down Book Club. I am really enjoying your comments! None of us has mentioned ‘the men’ in the story so far. What do you think of them?
Tahiti seems to have a matriarchal society – the women, particularly the mothers, are the dominant ones. Our first glimpse of Pito, Materena’s husband, is not a favourable one – spending his wages on drink and depriving Materena of housekeeping money! As I read on, I realised that this sort of feckless behaviour is fairly typical among the Tahitian men.
I didn’t like the thought of Materena having a bad husband and I was relieved to discover that when he left her (after the pay packet incident) he was actually looking after his sick mother; this wasn’t just a story but the truth. I was glad to see the couple reunited for Materena’s sake. She is clearly devoted to him - she certainly has no complaints about the ‘sexy loving’!
The elder son Tamatoa seems to be turning into a carbon copy of his father; I imagined that the younger Pito was exactly like his son. The focus of Tamatoa’s life is women and attracting women; body building is a means to this end. I laughed at his disappointment with the encyclopaedias; ‘he opens one single page to see what ‘sex’ has to say’ – alas, no explicit drawings!
I found the younger son Moana the most likeable male in the story. I felt so sorry for him ‘red in the face, sweating and suffering’ while doing ‘pumps’ with Tamatoa; Moana is not a body builder. He seems to have more of his mother’s genes and he is not a typical Tahitian male because he has a feminine side. It is not surprising that he enjoyed cooking and, with Materena’s encouragement, became an excellent chef.
I look forward to reading some comments from you on ‘the men’!
Edited by jdm (02/04/2008 09:30)
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 59
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi jdm, hadn't given much thought to the men, i don't know whether that's good or bad. Certainly wouldn't want to married to any one like them, apart from possibly Moana who becomes the chef and that's only because i'd love someone to do the cooking instead of me for a change!
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nannyconnie
member
Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 316
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Hi jdm,I didnt realise you were new to the Eyes Down Club(as I am too)but i thought your review--the first one was great.When I read the second one about the men I just had to tell you so.I enjoyed reading them almost as much as the book,you are obviously so articulate and I would love a few tips on writing a good review.I love to read(almost anything)and can just about pick out the well written stuff but find it very difficult to put into my own words "a good review"By the way thanks for the choice Sealover and thanks for the reviews jdm.
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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Well, I can't tell you how glad I am that so many of you liked Frangipani! I hadn't read it myself before putting it on the list and chose it because I remember the scent of Frangipani from a visit to Singapore and I long to go to Tahiti! But I loved the book, too and thought all the characters were believable and I could see each of them vividly. I, too, thought that it had the same sort of "feel" as the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency books, which I find very enjoyable, too. I could really feel the heat of the sun and here the waves lapping on the seashore. I'm going to look out for more of her books, for sure.
I'm now looking forward to reading our next Eyes Down choice!
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dryad
member
Reged: 11/02/2008
Posts: 137
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Billie, I feel the same way as you! With the possible exception of Moana, these Tahitian men are not appealing as husbands.
The rich and handsome Hotu is not Tahitian (according to Materena) but I don’t think he would make a good husband either. I didn’t like him (or his horrid mother) and I didn’t think he was the right choice for Leilani. I kept thinking of my mother’s words of warning (when I was a bit younger!): ‘That boy thinks too much of himself – think twice before getting involved with him’!
Did anyone like Hotu?
nannyconnie,
Thank you for your kind words. As you have probably guessed, I love reading. If I can find something to say about a book, then, in my opinion, it was a good book!
Sealover,
Has Celestine Hitiura Vaite written anything besides Tiare? I am going to order Tiare definitely and if, there are other titles, I shall order those too.
Thanks again for a great choice!
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Sealover
member
Reged: 31/08/2006
Posts: 1271
Loc: Devon
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I can't find any other books apart from Tiare, but she is apparently bringing out another book called 'The Marriage Proposal' in August 2008. Amazon, here we come!
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billie
member
Reged: 21/11/2007
Posts: 59
Loc: Derbyshire
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Hi girls, just to say i've not been with this book club long either but am really enjoying it,i don't get a lot of time to post because of work,hence it's easier to start with the club with just being once a month. Have to say i'm a bit nervous this month as it's my choice, however whether you enjoy it or not i shall look forward to all your comments. Billie
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jennifer36
member
Reged: 16/01/2008
Posts: 441
Loc: West Oxfordshire
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In the front of the copy of Frangipani I got from the library it said that that was her second novel, the first being Breadfruit which won the 2004 Prix litteraire des etudiants and was published in French Polynesia and translated into french and German. but have looked on the library search and it isn't there so obviously not translated into English! Shame.
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jayra
member
Reged: 20/05/2007
Posts: 196
Loc: Scotland
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Thank you Sealover for recommending this lovely book - I read it early and have been looking forward to reading others' reviews. I felt that I was smiling as I read it and enjoyed the feelgood factor it gave me. I particularly admired the author's intention of celebrating womanhood which she clearly achieved.
The mother/daughter relationship was complex, warm and realistic - such relationships don't seem to have cultural boundaries. Also enjoyed the wife/husband relationship and how they grew together over the years, despite the blips!
Just back yesterday from a wonderful 12 days holiday in Sri Lanka with the scent of frangipani everywhere - our last hotel room had bowls of water with fresh frangipani flowers replaced from the trees in the garden daily - a floating scented candle added in the evening - bliss! I wished I'd taken the book with me to read there.
J x
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duncs
member
Reged: 29/08/2007
Posts: 283
Loc: Kent
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yes, thanks Sealover. Again, this is a book I would not have picked out myself, so it was good to read outside my usual range.
I didn't feel as involved as some of you did. I enjoyed it as an easy read. I didn't really relate to the characters or the mother/daughter relationship. Now I wonder what that says about me and my mother and my daughters!
When I was halfway through the book a friend came to stay and related his recent stay with his partner's family in the Philippines. So much of what he said mirrored the book.
So for me, it was a useful insight into another world and the values there. I didn't think "oooh that is me" in the same way as I did with the Jane Stevenson Good Women. But I am more bolshy than serene.
Thanks again Sealover
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