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The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost

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.


Island Life: Adventures on Tarawa with Girlfriend

The book follows Troost's adventures living with his girlfriend on the isolated island of Tarawa in the South Pacific.

In "The Sex Lives of Cannibals," J. Maarten Troost chronicles his experiences living on the remote South Pacific island of Tarawa with his girlfriend. This witty and engaging memoir takes readers on a journey to a place few have ever heard of, let alone visited.

Tarawa is a tiny island nation located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, known for its stunning turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Despite its natural beauty, however, Tarawa is also a place of great poverty and isolation. Troost and his girlfriend arrive on the island with few expectations, but are quickly thrown into a world that is both fascinating and challenging.

Throughout the book, Troost provides a vivid account of his experiences living on Tarawa, from his struggles with the local food (which includes such delicacies as pig intestines and sea cucumber) to his encounters with the island's colorful cast of characters, including a group of cannibals who live on a nearby island.

Despite the many challenges he faces, Troost manages to find humor and beauty in his surroundings, and his memoir is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and poignant insights into the human condition. Whether he is navigating the treacherous waters of the Pacific or trying to make sense of the island's bizarre customs and traditions, Troost's writing is always engaging and entertaining.

"The Sex Lives of Cannibals" is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical paradise, or who simply enjoys a good travel memoir. With its witty prose, vivid descriptions, and engaging characters, this book is sure to delight and entertain readers of all ages. So why not pack your bags and join Troost on his unforgettable journey to the South Pacific? You won't be disappointed.

Culture Shock: Troost's Adaptation Struggle

Troost discusses the difficulties he faced in adapting to a completely foreign culture.

In his book The Sex Lives of Cannibals, J. Maarten Troost describes his experiences of living in a culture that is vastly different from his own. Troost, an American, moves with his girlfriend to a remote island in the South Pacific called Kiribati. The island, located in the middle of nowhere, is home to a small population of locals who live a completely different lifestyle from what Troost is used to.

One of the most significant challenges that Troost faces when adjusting to the new culture is the language barrier. The people on the island speak a language that is completely foreign to him, and this makes communication difficult. Troost must rely on his girlfriend, who is more fluent in the local language, to help him navigate his way through the island.

Another challenge that Troost faces is the lack of modern amenities. The island has no running water, no electricity, and no supermarkets. Troost must learn to live without the luxuries that he is accustomed to, such as hot showers and air conditioning. He must also learn to adapt to a new diet, which includes a lot of fish and coconuts.

The social customs on the island are also vastly different from what Troost is used to. The locals are very friendly and welcoming, but they have their own set of social rules that Troost must learn. For example, it is customary to give gifts when visiting someone's home, and it is considered impolite to refuse food that is offered to you.

Despite the challenges, Troost learns to adapt to the new culture and becomes more appreciative of the simple things in life. He gains a new perspective on what is truly important and learns to live without the material possessions that he once thought were essential.

In conclusion, adjusting to a culture that is vastly different from one's own can be a daunting experience. It requires a lot of patience, flexibility, and an open mind. However, as Troost demonstrates in his book, it is also a rewarding experience that can teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us.

Exploring Kiribati: History, Politics, and Environment

The author of The Sex Lives of Cannibals, J. Maarten Troost, covers various topics about the island including its history, politics, and environmental issues.

In J. Maarten Troost's book, The Sex Lives of Cannibals, the author takes readers on a journey to the remote island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean. While the book is primarily a humorous memoir of Troost's misadventures on the island, he also delves into the island's history, politics, and environmental concerns.

Kiribati, formerly known as the Gilbert Islands, is made up of 33 coral atolls and islands spread out over 1.3 million square miles of ocean. It was first settled by Micronesian and Polynesian people around 3,000 years ago, and was later colonized by the British in the late 19th century. In 1979, Kiribati gained its independence and became a republic.

Troost humorously describes the challenges of living on a remote island with limited resources and infrastructure. He notes the difficulties of obtaining basic necessities such as food and water, and the lack of modern amenities such as electricity and plumbing. However, he also highlights the beauty of the island, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

While on the island, Troost becomes aware of the political tensions between the government and the local population. He describes the corruption and nepotism within the government, as well as the dissatisfaction of the people with their leaders. Troost also notes the impact of climate change on the island, with rising sea levels threatening to engulf the low-lying atolls.

Troost's memoir, while humorous and lighthearted, brings attention to the serious issues faced by small island nations like Kiribati. The island's history, politics, and environmental concerns are all intertwined, and understanding them is crucial in helping to address the challenges faced by the people of Kiribati and other vulnerable communities around the world.

The Sex Lives of Cannibals: A Revealing Conversation

The book "The Sex Lives of Cannibals" by J. Maarten Troost is named after a conversation the author had with a local who revealed that the islanders used to be cannibals.

The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost is a hilarious and eye-opening memoir about the author's two-year stay in the remote Pacific island of Tarawa. The book's title refers to a conversation Troost has with a local who tells him that the islanders used to be cannibals. This idea sets the tone for the book, which is a witty and insightful exploration of a culture that is vastly different from what the author is used to.

Troost's book is not a travelogue in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a series of anecdotes and observations that paint a vivid picture of life on Tarawa. The author writes with humor and self-deprecation, poking fun at his own ignorance and cultural misunderstandings. He describes the island's lack of infrastructure, its corrupt government, and its poverty, but he also celebrates the warmth and generosity of its people.

The most striking aspect of The Sex Lives of Cannibals is its portrayal of the islanders themselves. Troost challenges the reader's preconceptions about the people of the Pacific, showing them to be complex, intelligent, and deeply human. He describes their struggles with poverty and disease, but he also celebrates their resilience and their ability to find joy in the face of adversity.

The book is also a meditation on the nature of travel itself. Troost writes about the thrill of exploring a new place, but he also acknowledges the challenges and frustrations that come with it. He is honest about his own limitations as a traveler, and he is not afraid to admit when he has made mistakes or misjudged a situation.

Overall, The Sex Lives of Cannibals is a must-read for anyone interested in travel literature or cultural anthropology. It is a funny, insightful, and deeply human book that will leave readers with a new appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the world around us. And, of course, it will also leave them with a burning desire to visit Tarawa and experience its unique charm for themselves.

Laughing Through Life in a Remote World

The Sex Lives of Cannibals provides a humorous and perceptive perspective on life in a remote part of the world.

The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost is a hilarious and eye-opening memoir about the author's two-year stint on the remote island of Tarawa in the Pacific Ocean. Troost's witty and insightful observations about the island's culture, customs, and people make for a captivating read.

The book's title is certainly attention-grabbing, but it's important to note that the title is a misnomer. Troost's memoir is not about cannibalism or sex, but rather about his experiences as a foreigner living in a completely different world. The title is meant to be tongue-in-cheek and is a nod to the sensationalist approach often taken by Western media when reporting on far-off places.

Troost's writing style is humorous and self-deprecating, which makes the book all the more entertaining. He doesn't shy away from poking fun at himself, and his candidness about his own flaws and missteps make him a relatable and endearing narrator. Throughout the book, Troost shares anecdotes about his encounters with the island's inhabitants, which range from humorous to heartwarming to downright bizarre.

One of the book's major themes is the clash between Western and Pacific Islander cultures. Troost vividly portrays the challenges he faced when trying to adapt to island life, from learning to navigate the unwritten rules of social interaction to dealing with a lack of basic amenities like running water and electricity. He also highlights the ways in which Western culture has infiltrated the island, often with disastrous consequences.

Despite the many cultural differences Troost encountered, he ultimately came to appreciate the unique beauty of Tarawa and its people. His memoir is a testament to the power of travel to broaden one's horizons and challenge one's preconceptions.

Overall, The Sex Lives of Cannibals is a witty and insightful look at life in a far-off corner of the world. Troost's humor and candor make the book a joy to read, while his observations about cultural differences and the challenges of adaptation are thought-provoking and illuminating. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or simply looking for a good laugh, this memoir is well worth a read.

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