The Sex Lives of Cannibals

The Sex Lives of Cannibals chronicles Troost's two years living on Kiribati, a remote South Pacific island nation. His girlfriend accepts a government job there, and the couple leaves their comfortable Western life behind to relocate to the tiny atoll of Tarawa. The book documents Troost's struggles to adapt to life on an island with minimal infrastructure, sporadic electricity, and limited food options beyond fish. Through encounters with locals, expatriates, and various misadventures, Troost builds a portrait of daily existence in a place untouched by many modern conveniences. Troost details the environmental and economic challenges facing Kiribati, from waste management issues to the impacts of colonialism and globalization. His observations of local customs, government function, and social dynamics reveal the complex reality behind paradise island stereotypes. The memoir explores themes of cultural adaptation and the tensions between modernization and tradition in the developing world. Through humor and self-deprecation, Troost's account raises questions about Western assumptions and the true meaning of progress.

Readers describe this as a humorous travelogue that balances self-deprecating wit with observations about life in Kiribati. Many note it's more entertaining than typical travel writing, with one Amazon reviewer calling it "the funniest travel book I've ever read." Readers appreciated: - The honest portrayal of culture shock - Detailed descriptions of daily life challenges - Humor without mocking local customs - Clear explanations of environmental and political issues Common criticisms: - Title is misleading (no cannibalism content) - Some find the humor complaints about discomfort privileged - Repetitive descriptions of heat and food problems Ratings: Goodreads: 3.95/5 (33,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (90+ ratings) One recurring comment from reviews: "Don't read this on public transportation - you'll laugh out loud and get strange looks."

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🌴 While living in Kiribati, author J. Maarten Troost discovered that the island nation's national anthem was set to the tune of "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?" 🏝️ Despite its provocative title, the book contains neither sex nor cannibalism—it's actually a humorous travelogue about life in the equatorial Pacific. 🌊 The author moved to Kiribati when his girlfriend (later wife) got a job with an NGO there, despite having no prior knowledge of the country or Pacific Island culture. 🗺️ Kiribati is pronounced "Kiribas" and consists of 33 coral atolls spread across 1.3 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most remote and geographically dispersed countries in the world. 🌺 The book launched Troost's career as a travel writer, leading to two more Pacific-themed books: "Getting Stoned with Savages" and "Headhunters on My Doorstep."