Telesa - The Covenant Keeper (64 page)

Like the Twilight series, I believe this book will become a phenomenon with our young people and that it will awaken them, connect them to their unique heritage: the richness of our fagogo, our spirit world, our ancestors, our legends and the power of nature – our sacred earth and home land Sa Moa.

Vaimasenu’u Zita Sefo Martel – married to Francois, mother of four beautiful sons, Honorary Consul of France in Samoa, Managing Director/Owner of Tourism and Event Management Company Polynesian Explorer, Only Woman Skipper of traditional longboat or Fautasi
Segavao
.

One Reader’s Response to the Portrayal of Fa’afafine in ‘
Telesa
’

Simone and the ‘Third Gender’ - “You took a page out of one of our diaries.”

I really like Simone's character because there isn't a lot of Pacific fiction published by/for/about Pacific people and I feel that what is missing in the literature are the stories of the third gender - fa'afafine - and if they are mentioned it’s normally just to highlight everything that is apparently "wrong with society" – a deficit lens approach. Simone is written in just to be a natural part of Samoa College, the author has normalized it and hasn't really made his/her inclusion an issue.

Simone has a natural appeal, especially in the way in which he is introduced in the novel. We as the readers see through Leila's eyes as she is slowly making sense of her surroundings so people who lack experience with Fa'afafine are generally introduced to one - food for thought for people. Uncle Tuala's description of Fa'afafine “a boy who is like a girl” just touches the surface, without trying too much to put them into a certain category – it represents a wide view.

 I also liked how Leila conceived of and articulated Simone's character - through her hand movements, the way she spoke, the things she talked about, the natural make up, the lip gloss and did so in a way the clearly painted an image but did not taint Simone's character. There was no judgement there - not that you would blame Leila for doing so.

 Simone reminds me of so many of my
mala
friends here in NZ, but especially the ones in Samoa and they're the ones that tend to not have their voices heard in stories (this is so predominant in Pacific Research especially research around Pacific youth). The beautiful thing about
Telesa
is that everyone that reads it is able to take away from it something different according to experiences/tastes/beliefs and the inclusion of Simone is like an acknowledgment of fa'afafine and their role in Samoan society. A lot of people would be able to relate to Simone which is one of the key reasons why I think Simone's character is important. Plus Simone just adds a level of flare that Sinalei or any other back up's aren't able to LOL. (Sorry to all the Sinalei's out there). Simone’s eccentric character is a nice distraction from the pain we all feel (when Daniel puts his shirt back on) or as Leila tries to control her passion for Daniel. The fast talking mouth, the hand gestures, the makeup, the trying to be prettier than everyone else… classic classic classic… loved it!

 Simone is a classic character. The
mala
at school that befriends and gossips with all the girls, that knows everyone’s business, and is only after the hottest guys at school! Let's not forget the person who does everything to stand out in any way possible especially in relation to the other girls around her. Simone is a loveable character, and I like how he took on a nurturing role to Leila. This was very true to life. A lot of girls gravitate towards fa’afafine in schools because they say it straight, and I’ve experienced it myself at University in terms of fa’afafine being older sisters to younger and inexperienced girls. You could see this in the way Simone fussed over Leila's taupou outfit and then turned out to be best buddies with Aunty Matile - such a realistic character! That's why reading this book had me cracking up because it was like the author took a page out of one of our diaries and wrote a character about it (no not the pages about Daniel, and how his shorts sat precariously low on his hips, NOO those pages were private) LOL. So yes it was easy to connect and appreciate Simone. It was also very realistic to read about Simone's issues with some of the other guys (Daniel having to protect Simone from bullying), which you know is common with fa'afafine so Simone wasn't this glorified ‘Aunty’, he was a real fa'afafine who had endured the same issues most of us do in life.

 In summary, Simone's character gives great insight into the role of fa'afafine in Samoa. My one suggestion would be that it would have been great to see some fa'afafine lingo in the mix,
einjo, nupi, maja, neite,
just to add a bit more spice and make her/him that much more real. All part of the "reals" diet.

(You’ll note I used he/she interchangeably. Sometimes when you get this wrong when meeting a Fa’afafine, you can be in trouble! ) From one Daniel lover to another, Huge Fan, Tim Baice, Auckland University, NZ.

Food in the Telesa Books

The Telesa Series celebrates many of the precious things that make Samoa such a unique country and culture – and one of these things, is our divinely delicious food. My editor commented that working on Telesa “always makes me so hungry!” Reading the Telesa books can have the same effect on people and I receive many requests for recipes of the dishes mentioned in the book. I always refer people to what I have found to be the best resource blog on Samoan/Pacific foods – SamoaFood.com. Easy to follow instructions with stunning photographs and a helpful chef who is always willing to share her knowledge with all those wanting to discover a ‘taste of the islands.’ Here are five recipes from SamoaFood.com to help you better savor your
Telesa
book reading experience.

SamoaFood.com
is a blog that celebrates Samoan food and offers Samoan-inspired recipes. You’ll find ingredient notes, cultural tidbits, and of course, lots of recipes. It also features interviews with acclaimed chefs and those that are doing great things with food in the islands. Drop by
SamoaFood.com
or our
FB page
anytime you need a Samoan food fix or want to create those classic Samoan dishes that with just one bite, take you back to our beautiful islands of Samoa.

Panipopo – Sweet Coconut Buns

(makes 12)

1 package (or 2 and ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 cup (240ml) warm water or milk

¼ cup (50g) sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil

2½ - 3 cups (313-475g) all-purpose flour or bread flour

Put the yeast and water/milk in a large bowl and leave for 10 minutes.
Add all the rest of the ingredients and mix to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 to 20 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and leave to double in volume.
Punch the dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the buns and place in an ungreased baking tin. Cover and leave to rise until almost doubled. While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 190°C/375°F, and make your coconut sauce.

Coconut sauce

½ can (200ml) canned or fresh coconut milk

½ can (200ml) water

½ cup (100g) sugar

Combine all ingredients well.

When the buns have doubled in size, pour the sauce over them. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and the sauce is bubbling up around the edges. Let them cool at least a half hour before cutting into them. This gives the buns time to set up, and also gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly.

Usually served upside down (sauce-side up) with generous helpings of sauce, but I like to eat them right side up, so I can grab the dry part with my hands, eat off the coconut-soaked part, and then re-dip the drier bread in the sauce as I work my way up the bun.

Koko Alaisa – Koko Rice

(serves 4)

1 cup rice (200-220g depending on rice type)

5 cups (1.25 liters) water

1
laumoli
(orange leaf) (optional)

1/2 cup (48g) grated
Koko Samoa

3/4 cup to 1 cup (150-200g) sugar

1/2 can (200mL) coconut milk or plain milk(optional)

Wash your rice, then put this with the water and
laumoli
(if using) in a saucepan over high heat.When the rice comes to a boil, add the Koko Samoa and stir well, picking up any rice that's sticking to the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat down low and simmer, covered, until the rice is cooked.

When the rice is done, turn off the heat. Add your sugar and stir until dissolved. Add coconut milk, if using. Mix well, then serve
.

Oka I'a – Raw Fish Salad

(serves 4)

1 pound (500g) fresh tuna or snapper

½ cup (120ml) lemon or lime juice

¼ onion

2 spring onions

2 medium tomatoes

1 large or 2 small cucumbers

1 cup (240ml) coconut milk

Salt to taste

Cut your fish into medium dice. Cover with lemon or lime juice and set aside for 1 minute to an hour. Yes, you read that right - 1 minute. My mother doesn't even marinate the fish in the lemon juice, just throws everything together. So it's completely up to you how raw you want your fish. The longer you leave the fish in the citrus acid, the more it's 'cooked' and the texture will be firmer than soft, raw fish. But you will also lose some of the clean, fresh flavour of newly-caught fish.

I marinate the fish for as long as it takes me cut up the vegetables. So this is the next step. Finely dice your onion, slice the spring onion, dice your tomatoes and chop up your cucumber. Everything should be bite-size or smaller.

Drain your fish and discard the lemon or lime juice. Add the vegetables and coconut milk to the fish. Mix well, then season with salt to taste. Refrigerate for at least half an hour to allow the flavours to blend and develop
.

Don't worry if your
oka
looks thick, like it doesn't have much juice. As the
oka
sits in the refrigerator, liquid from the vegetables will seep out and mix with the coconut milk, and your salad will be juicy in no time. Serve as an appetizer or side dish
.