Where We Once Belonged

Set in 1970s Samoa, the narrative follows thirteen-year-old Alofa Filiga as she experiences the vibrant yet restrictive village life. Through Alofa's eyes, the story explores her coming-of-age journey amid cultural shifts, blending humor and poignant moments. The author, Sia Figiel, skillfully employs Samoan storytelling traditions to depict the complexities of adolescence and identity, capturing both the joys and struggles of growing up in a society at a crossroads between tradition and modernity.