Chlebovník - Život a láska po tahitsku – Vaite Celestine Hitiura (2018)

The novel Chlebovník by contemporary Tahitian writer Celestine Hitiura Vaité (born 1966) is her debut work, for which she received the Literary Students' Award from the University of French Polynesia. Chlebovník soon became the most read book in this part of the world shortly after its release. The author, who grew up in the Tahitian fishing village of Faaa (but with the only international airport in the area), captures life on this largest island of French Polynesia at the end of the 20th century through the eyes of its indigenous inhabitants, highlighting the contrasts brought by the clash of the local lifestyle with the omnipresent globalization. Readers will get acquainted with the seemingly mundane life of Tahitians, filled with extraordinary stories of love, life paths, and unique relationships within a widely spread family community. The original tales of Materena and her partner Pita captivate primarily with their distinctive style and fresh humor. With the publication of Chlebovník by Tahitian writer Celestine Hitiura Vaité, who currently lives in Australia, the Czech Republic becomes the 15th country where this author's works have been translated. The book is published in a translation by Vladimíra Gosset.