The Saraga! Edition of Prose

Like many other national literatures in the post-colonial era, contemporary Pacific writing includes much that would be familiar to readers of recent decades, although there have been new developments. As with many other national literatures, life writing, or the telling of family histories is an encouraging, and growing trend. So too are attempts at formal experimentation, and play, particularly amongst younger writers, who find relevance not only in the stories of their families, or in responding to the sometimes troubled politics of the region, but also in the complexity and comedy and confusion of a life lived in a modern, multi-racial and multi-gendered culture.

Writing from the Pacific in an anthology was the preferred publication mode in the early period of literature from this region. This collection of writing was part of the anthology, Saraga!, published by the Pacific Writing Forum in 2006. Saraga! is a Fijian word, but a word used by all communities to express that emphatic something that other words such as “very” or “really” cannot. More than a verbal exclamation mark, Saraga! also communicates a certain slangy spiritedness ­ much like the adjective “bloody” does in Australian English.

PWF is grateful for APWN and berni in particular, for pushing our cause, (and pushing us!) to put on the portal this edition of writing from the Pacific.

This edition on the web includes submissions of prose from some of the Pacific’s most experienced and respected writers, alongside the work of developing writers keen to build upon their earlier successes. Together they exemplify, with wit, clarity and gravitas, the great joys to be had as a reader in this vibrant culture, saraaga!

This edition is dedicated to the memory of Raymond Pillai, pioneering writer and wonderful soul from Fiji, whose works are also included in Saraga!

Mohit Prasad   Pacific Writing Forum