Forever in Paradise

Abstract

Forever in Paradise is the story of a Samoan born to affluence and privilege. Sent to study in New Zealand, Solomona Tuisamoa excels academically and rises to prominence in the Samoan university community. Here he becomes the natural leader of the Samoans, and is respected and admired by men and women alike. Thrust into the role of a Paramount Chief on the death of his father, Solomona sacrifices opportunities for personal advancement in New Zealand in order to return to Samoa and assume the responsibilities to his family, village and country. Solomona struggles to preserve the fa'aSamoa, the Samoan way of life, while trying to effect changes to bring Samoa into the twenty-first century. He defies cultural expectations in his decision making, and faces the challenges of being a Paramount Chief. Forever in Paradise introduces the reader to the fascinating culture of Samoa, its beautiful landscape and its intriguing myths and legends. In essence a love story, this engaging novel grapples with cultural tensions and the challenges faced by a traditional community dealing with the economic imperatives of modern living.