Frangipani: A Novel (ISBN 0316114669)

Charming Tale of a Mother's Wisdom:
Frangipani centers around the character of Materena and her daughter Leilani. Around them circles an array of eccentric extended family members. The novel is filled with an exotic locale, exotic customs and eccentric and lovable characters but at its heart it is about a mother-daughter relationship and the pain and joy it engenders. Materena a 'professional' cleaner and her strong willed and brilliant daughter may be poor Tahitians struggling to get along, but they are universal. You will laugh, you will cry as Matererna dispenses her woman's wisdom to all.

Light and enjoyable but intelligent and worthwhile:
Frangipani tells the story of Materena, a strong and likeable Tahitian woman. The book tracks Materena's life over the course of about twenty years as she negotiates her sometimes tumultuous relationship with her husband Pito, raises three children, works as a professional cleaner, and cares for her family (both immediate and extended). Vaite skillfully portrays life in rural Tahiti through her depiction of Materena's day to day activities. The book is written in a `slice of life' form which is very effective in creating a picture of what it's like to be a woman in Tahiti. The long time span of the book imparts some understanding of what the entirity of Materena's life is like, as well as allowing us to see how the characters and their relationships with each other grow and change over time. Although other themes are explored via their inclusion in Materena's everyday life, the primary focus of the book is the relationship between Materena and her daughter Leilani. In her depiction of their relationship, Vaite focuses on the universal aspects of mother-daughter relationships. Some of the most notable scenes are Materena's being told while in labor that girls hurt their mothers more from the beginning, Leilani's never endingly asking questions Materena can't answer, Leilani and Materena's disagreements over Leilani's clothing, Materena's crying in a church because she loves Leilani but almost can't bear to live with her...What mother or daughter can't relate? Things begin to improve when Materena begins to come to terms with the fact that Leilani is her own person, and Vaite brings the book to a gratifying end. Vaite's juxtaposition of the universality of Materena's and Leilani's experiences with a culture so different from our own makes this book really stand out.

Learn About Life in Tahiti:
Frangipani, was recommended by a few of my book group friends, and it has sat on my shelf for a few years. I am very happy that I finally decided to read it. Set on the beautiful island of Tahiti, it is a lovely story which begins with Materena Mahi's husband, Pito, leaving her and their infant son, over an argument. (Materena picked up Pito's paycheck to ensure she had enough money for food and other essentials, since Pinto had a habit of spending the money on his buddies.) In Materena's own words: "When a woman doesn't collect her man's pay she gets zero francs because her man goes to the bar with his colleagues to celebrate the end of the week and you know how it is, eh?...Well, Materena is fiu of all this!" Pito does not know she's pregnant before he leaves. Materena keeps herself busy moving furniture, fixing the house the way she wants it, and she even gets a job as a professional cleaner so she doesn't need to worry about money. When her daughter, Leilani, is born the story becomes more about the bonds between mother and daughter. Leilani is an exceptionally bright little girl with a curious mind which constantly challenges Materena's knowledge and taxes her patience. It is difficult for Materena to impart traditional ways to a young woman who clearly has her own agenda. Materena has a lifetime of Tahitian wisdom to pass on if only Leilani could see its importance. Materena eventually realizes that her daughter is grown and that she has become her own person; a person a mother can be proud of. The story has French sayings sprinkled throughout, and a lot of interesting cultural beliefs as well. * "To get rid of unwanted guests without hurting their feelings, broom around their feet." * "Never visit a woman who's just given birth looking your best." Although the book dragged a bit in parts, I still really enjoyed the story and especially learning about the culture of the island. There are (2) other books in this series which I hope to read this year as well: Breadfruit and Tiare in Bloom.

Great relaxing reading:
I just love her books! When I just wanted to relax, her books could help me do just that. Eager for another book - soon I hope?

Cute beach book....:
I picked this book up because I went to Tahiti for my honeymoon earlier this year, and thought it would be interesting to read a novel written by a native Tahitian. (Perhaps I was also longing for an escape back to the islands.) Frangipani is a story of a mother-daughter relationship and provides a glance into island living throughout the tale. Materena is the mother whose daughter, Leilani, is a constant challenge to her. Materena is set in her ways and Leilani doesn't hesitate to question Materena's ways, her decisions in life, and her future goals. The main drama of the story arises when Leilani falls in love with a dentist. The story, while charming, moves very slowly; there's not much to the plot. It's not the greatest book I've ever read but it is a cute, easy read. It would make a good beach book. Pack a bag with Frangipani, a swimsuit, and sun screen and head to Tahiti.