The Sex Lives of Cannibals is a humorous memoir by J. Maarten Troost about his experiences living on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean with his girlfriend, where they encounter cultural clashes, isolation, and peculiar inhabitants.
- The Sex Lives of Cannibals is a humorous travelogue written by J. Maarten Troost.
- The book chronicles Troost's experiences living on the remote South Pacific island of Tarawa with his girlfriend.
- Troost describes the challenges of adjusting to a culture vastly different from his own.
- He also discusses the island's history, politics, and environmental concerns.
- The book's title refers to a conversation Troost has with a local who tells him that the islanders used to be cannibals.
- Overall, The Sex Lives of Cannibals is a witty and insightful look at life in a far-off corner of the world.
The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost is a hilarious and irreverent memoir about one man's adventure living on a remote island in the Pacific. The book is a perfect blend of travelogue, humor, and social commentary, and it provides a unique insight into a world that is both beautiful and strange.
The book begins with Troost and his girlfriend, Sylvia, leaving behind their hectic lives in Washington, D.C., and moving to the tiny island of Tarawa in the Republic of Kiribati. The couple is seeking a simpler life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and they hope to find it in this remote and exotic location.
However, Troost soon discovers that life on Tarawa is far from idyllic. The island is impoverished, with little infrastructure, and the people are struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. He also discovers that the island is home to a group of people known as the I-Kiribati, who are renowned for their cannibalistic practices.
Despite the challenges they face, Troost and Sylvia soon settle into island life and begin to make friends with the locals. They also discover that the I-Kiribati are not the bloodthirsty savages they had imagined, but rather a proud and hospitable people with a rich cultural heritage.
Throughout the book, Troost provides a humorous and insightful commentary on the social and political issues facing the island nation. He also delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly the challenges faced by couples living in isolation.
The title of the book, The Sex Lives of Cannibals, is somewhat misleading, as there is very little discussion of cannibalism in the book. Instead, the title is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that Troost and Sylvia are living in such a remote location that they have very little contact with the outside world, including the media.
Overall, The Sex Lives of Cannibals is a funny and engaging read that provides a fascinating insight into a world that is far removed from our own. Troost's writing is witty, irreverent, and often poignant, and his observations about life on the island are both insightful and entertaining. Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a humor fan, or just looking for a good read, The Sex Lives of Cannibals is a book that is sure to delight.