Mary Rokonadravu
I write and 'live' in English which is the national language. From childhood, I have existed in multiple worlds and survived by constant, multiple threads of self-translation. English is my fourth language and the only construct which offers a homeland, however rudimentary that may be.
I am a Fijian writer of mixed heritage: a composition of Indian Indentured, indigenous iTaukei Fijian, and settler European heritage. In my country, Fiji, race is a deeply-rooted, historically contested issue which impacts national life. It has led to four military coups: two in 1987; one in 2006; and one civilian-led and backed by the military in 2000. I present my heritage to define myself and to establish parameters I live and work in.
I write fiction, nonfiction, and prose poetry. English is my fourth language; after Hindi (Fiji), Vosa Vakaviti Raraba (indigenous iTaukei), and Kailoma (local Creole). I write and 'live' in English which is the national language. From childhood, I have lived an inner and outer world in a constant milieu of translation.
This publication website features a small part of my nonfiction work - that which I believe is of importance in Fiji - and that which I am comfortable sharing for public consumption at no charge. My journaling constantly leads to reviews of products and trends in art and culture in Fiji and Oceania. It is a growing body of work which is probably useful to others more than myself. Hence, this sharing.
I am passionate about museums, archives, art, science, history, and the natural world. These, and many other things, often find their way into my work.