Kava in the Blood: A Personal & Political Memoir from the Heart of Fiji

A wonderfully written piece of work, embedded with numerous memories of Fiji and concise chronological description of the post-coup happenings.Kava will remain in the blood of many who fled Fiji, in 1987, after the dissolution of democracy. They will forever preserve the memories and the warm, fuzzy feelings of the country of their birth.The style of writing of this book is almost unique, in the sense that it alternates between the harsh sadness of the political disruption and the beauty of Fijian life style, which gives the reader a break and an opportunity to rendezvous the islands of Fiji. Peter Thomson served as a dedicated civil servant, while in Fiji, and this book is an added contribution to his dedication to this nation.

Was a gift

Very interesting historical record, mixed with personal experiences to pain a wonderful read about the '87 coups and what led to them. Personal, clever, funny, poignant, and we'll written.

TO know what happened in the country I was born. No dislikes.I chose this book by Peter Thompson because some one told me it was a very good reading.

Old traditions die hard. The Pacific preference for oral story telling rather than putting down thoughts and facts on paper has left us with very little in writing on the important political and social developments of this region. "Kava in the Blood" is a very welcome exception to this trend. Written by a Fiji Islander, Peter Thomson, the book provides an exceptional insight into the life and soul of the South Pacific's largest and most multi-racial of States. The blending of the personal with the political stories not only makes for more fascinating reading but also a better understanding of where Fiji stands today with so much uncertainty about it's future.

I read Peter Thomsons first edition of Kava in the Blood and really enjoyed it, but was most excited to find the new edition with photos and illustrations (definitely a huge improvement). The book juxtaposes Thomsons recollections and stories of growing up in a seemingly idyllic Fiji, with the first-hand description of the Fijian coup in 1987. Thomson was Secretary to Governor General, so this is an insiders view and quite fascinating. A great read and highly recommended to anyone hankering for a life under a cocoa nut tree, and for travelers to Fiji this is essential reading.

Anyone living in the Pacific region needs to read this book to help understand what makes Fiji and the Pacific so unigue

Takes you inside growing up in Fiji, while giving a really good insight into the ethenic and political complexities of Fiji. A must-read for anyone who grew up in Fiji especially those who experienced the coups.