A Pattern of Islands

Living for thirty years in the Gilbert and Ellis Islands, Grimble was ultimately initiated—but not before he was severely tested, as when he was used as human bait for a giant octopus. Beyond the hilarious and frightening adventure stories, this is also a true testament to the life of these Pacific islanders. Grimble collected stories from the last generation who could remember the full glory of the old pagan ways. This is anthropology with its hair down. Like discovering a treasure chest of fables which were once true, it is full of stories of magic, dances and legends, rituals, spells and a way of life that have now disappeared from this world—except within the covers of this book.