Former journalist and media educator, Moneka Tupua Knight, will launch her debut novel, Tattooing Sina: The Battle to Save Samoa’s Treasure Island, this Friday at at the National University of Samoa (NUS).
The novel, which took more than two decades to develop, tells the story of a young Samoan woman against the backdrop of Samoa’s Mau movement and pays tribute to the courage and leadership of the Women’s Mau.
Speaking to Samoa Global News, Moneka Tupua Knight said the novel had been in her heart for decades before she finally put it into writing.
“It’s been my dream to write Tattooing Sina. Ivw had this story in my heart and in my mind for 24 and a half years.. and it took me six months to write it.”
Tupua Knight said she was initially hesitant to tell such an important Samoan story.
“I was quite nervous about telling a very Samoan story because I’m not Samoan.. but I have two Samoan daughters, and the novel is a love letter to my daughters..”
The book is dedicated to her late father-in-law, Fuimaono Na’oia Fereti Tupua, who encouraged her to tell the story of the Women’s Mau, as well as to her parents, her husband, and her daughters.
Mrs Moreka Tupua Knight, Author of Tattooing Sina.
“This novel is a love letter to my Samoan daughters, Madalena Fa’alemigao and Merrimay Fa’asulualetoelau Iupua. I wrote this in memory of Papa, Fuimaono Na’oia Fereti Tupua, who encouraged me to tell the story of the Samoan Women’s Mau resistance movement.”
Moneka said she wanted to shine a light on the women whose role in Samoa’s struggle for independence has often been overlooked.
“People often only talk about the women taking food to the men who were hiding from the New Zealand authorities. But they did so much more than that, and I want this book to celebrate them..”
The novel follows Sina, a young taupou who receives the malu, but the missionaries hit her with a fine her when it is discovered. To repay the fine, she goes to work for Fanny Stevenson, the wife of renowned author, Robert Louis Stevenson.
Moneka said she also wanted to recognise Fanny Stevenson’s contribution to Samoa’s history.
“Fanny was an incredible literary woman in her own right. She funded Vailima out of her own money, developed the plantation, and had a huge influence on Robert Louis Stevenson’s writing..”
The debut author hopes the novel will encourage more Samoans to tell their own stories.
“Think of a story you’re passionate about.. If you believe that story has to get out into the world, you will stay motivated to write it.”
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Moneka also urged aspiring writers to develop a love of reading.
“You can only be a writer if you’re a reader,” she adds.
“Read as much as you can. Reading guides your writing and inspires your own stories.”
A former journalist, Knight established journalism training in Samoa and lectured at the National University of Samoa.
She has worked as a journalist and filmmaker in Australia, China and the Middle East. She has also served as a government communications consultant in Australia, and is now a senior school teacher in Tasmania, where she teaches the art of storytelling.
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Tattooing Sina, The Battle to Save Samoa’s Treasure Island is inspired by more than two decades of research into Samoan history and culture, and the remarkable story of the Women’s Mau.
Copies of the book will be available for $20 at the launch before it is made from SSAB Bookshop for $40 tala.
Alofa Grace Masina is an Intern Reporter and Photographer with Samoa Global News. Alofa Grace is passionate about sharing stories and capturing real moments. She is a graduate of Maluafou College and hopes to continue a career as a Journalist.
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