In this book overview, I share my thoughts on A Pattern of Islands by Sir Arthur Grimble, an autobiography that offers a unique glimpse into life in what is now Kiribati, a nation in the South Pacific. Grimble’s account is both a personal memoir and an insightful record from the early 1900s, chronicling his experiences as an English colonial administrator and his deep interactions with the local people and their culture.
If video is more your thing, you can watch the book overview below.
The Big Idea: Sharing a Way of Life
This book doesn’t revolve around a single big idea but rather paints a picture of the people, their traditions, and the challenges of colonial administration for a new cadet who comes to the islands with a wife and eventually has children.
Grimble joined the British Colonial Service in 1914 as a cadet and was stationed in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, now Kiribati, until around 1933 (there was a return – check out his Wikipedia page if you’re interested). His role evolved over time, but what stands out is his genuine desire to understand and learn from the islanders rather than simply govern them.
His approach was one of interest and respect, which is evident not only in his storytelling but also in third-party accounts of his service. He wasn’t just an outsider imposing rules; he became part of the society, even being adopted by a local clan, which allowed him to gain a deeper perspective on the community and its customs.
Respecting Traditions and Religion
One of the more poignant themes Grimble touches on is the impact of missionary activity on native religious practices. He reflects with sadness on how missionaries often took a harsh stance against indigenous beliefs, including ancestor worship and rituals involving keeping skulls as a means of communicating with ancestors.
Grimble suggests that had missionaries taken a different, more respectful approach, the religions and conversion to Christianity might have been strengthened rather than diminished.
Immersing in Local Life: Adoption and Social Integration
One of the fascinating aspects of the book is how Grimble became integrated into the local society. Through adoption by a local clan, he wasn’t just an observer but a participant in the social fabric of the islands. This allowed him to describe native customs and social structures with an insider’s understanding, something rare for colonial administrators of that era.
His duties as an administrator went beyond governance; he was often called upon to resolve disputes, oversee health initiatives, and manage infrastructure projects. The book has stories that range from the humorous to the challenging, showing the complexities of cultural exchange and governance.
Memorable Stories: Hunting and Tattoos
Among the many intriguing anecdotes, one story about octopus hunting stands out. Grimble recounts how local boys, not grown adults, would hunt large octopuses for fun, an activity that involved one person acting as bait and the other as the hunter. The hunt, which he describes as terrifying, is “nothing but child’s play” to the Gilbertees. Not something I think I would want to undertake myself!
Another fascinating experience Grimble shares is his decision to get tattooed, a practice deeply rooted in local culture. The tattooing was done using a flat splinter of bone, about a quarter of an inch long, made from the shin bone of the grandfather of the tattooist. The process involved repeatedly going over the same area, covering both his arms, and symbolizes a strong connection to the islanders’ traditions and beliefs and ability to withstand what he described as intense and long-lasting pain. Another part of the tattoo story that stood out was the use of girls that would do the wailing for him!
Beliefs in Magic and the Impact of Disease
Magic and spiritual beliefs played a significant role in the lives of the islanders, and Grimble discusses how these beliefs influenced daily life and governance. While I don’t want to go too deeply into details to avoid spoiling the stories, it factors in at many points and ranges from humorous to sad.
Another reality he confronted was the frequent outbreaks of disease. Grimble notes that it was common for people to be incapacitated for weeks due to illness, with limited medical care available. Often, there was only one doctor for the entire island chain, and access to medical help could be delayed by storms or other obstacles.
The Challenges of Distance and Isolation
One of the most striking aspects of Grimble’s account when compared to modern travel is the extreme isolation of the islands. Travel to and from England, or even Australia, was a long, expensive, and infrequent ordeal. Families had to plan their lives around the arrival of ships, which might come only once a year. Supplies had to be ordered months in advance, and there was little opportunity for resupply.
Financially, colonial administrators like Grimble were modestly paid, and the hardships they endured were significant.
A Personal and Well-Written Snapshot
A Pattern of Islands is not an exhaustive ethnography but rather a personal narrative seen through the eyes of an English administrator who truly cared about the people he served. It captures a specific time and place, offering readers a snapshot of Kiribati’s culture, traditions, and challenges in the early twentieth century.
For anyone interested in the South Pacific, colonial history, or cultural anthropology, this book is a fascinating and valuable read. It covers a range of topics from magic and hunting to social integration and the impact of colonialism, all told with warmth, respect, and a genuine curiosity.
I highly recommend seeking out a copy from your library to explore these stories and insights for yourself.
You can find the book via the WorldCat system here, or via Amazon here.