Getting Stoned with Savages

Getting Stoned with Savages chronicles J. Maarten Troost's experiences living in Vanuatu and Fiji with his wife Sylvia. The couple moves to the South Pacific after spending two years in Washington, D.C., trading their corporate lifestyle for life on remote tropical islands. Troost documents his encounters with local customs, traditions, and cultural practices in both island nations. His observations range from kava ceremonies and tribal politics to natural disasters and encounters with dangerous creatures, all while he and his wife adapt to their new environment. The narrative follows their progression through different islands and living situations, including a stint in Fiji's capital city of Suva. Through various mishaps and adventures, Troost maintains his characteristic humor while recording the realities of Pacific island life. The book serves as both a travelogue and a meditation on the contrast between Western civilization and traditional Pacific cultures. Through his experiences, Troost explores themes of cultural adaptation, the meaning of "civilization," and the varying definitions of paradise.

Readers describe this as a lighter, more casual follow-up to Troost's first book, with entertaining stories about his time in Vanuatu and Fiji. Many note his self-deprecating humor and ability to find absurdity in challenging situations. Liked: - Cultural observations and interactions with locals - Details about kava ceremonies and island life - Balance of humor with serious topics - His wife's pregnancy storyline adds depth Disliked: - Less compelling than his first book - Some repetitive jokes and observations - A few readers found his tone occasionally condescending - "Tries too hard to be funny at times" appears in multiple reviews Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (9,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (900+ ratings) As one Amazon reviewer notes: "Troost captures the essence of South Pacific life - both the paradise and problems - while keeping you laughing throughout."

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🌺 J. Maarten Troost wrote this book as a follow-up to his bestseller "The Sex Lives of Cannibals," chronicling his adventures in Vanuatu and Fiji after leaving Washington D.C. 🌋 The book's title refers to kava, a traditional South Pacific drink made from the root of the kava plant, known for its sedative and euphoric effects. 🏝️ Despite being Dutch-American, Troost was born in the Netherlands Antilles and spent much of his childhood moving between various countries, which may have influenced his later wanderlust. 🗿 Vanuatu, one of the main settings of the book, is home to some of the world's most active volcanoes and was named the happiest country on Earth in a 2006 survey, despite its material poverty. 🌊 Throughout the book, Troost and his wife Sylvia experience multiple cyclones, encounters with poisonous sea snakes, and the unique challenge of living through Fiji's 2000 coup d'état.