In the spirit of placing copies of my book in settings that feature in its story, a big thanks to avid reader and book ambassador Melissa for donating a copy of Both Feet In Paradise to the Pacific Jewell cafe in Apia, Samoa.
This cafe and shop was Kate’s and my go-to when we lived in Apia – somewhere peaceful from the bustle of the city, and with many fine local arts and crafts to marvel at and enjoy.
It also features in the book when Adam drinks a flat white and Eve a more flavoursome sasalapa and mint juice.
She led him towards the entrance that led into the Sapphire’s gift shop. Inside it was cool, the air conditioning silent and effective. As always, she didn’t know where to look. So many beautiful things to see. A wall of ceremonial maces, each carved with rows and rows of tiny pyramids. Long paddles with traditional motifs and spears bound with sennit rope. A family of metallic vases; father, mother and baby. Several racks of cloth swatches, all different colours.
Eve loved embroidery and making things. In here, she felt like a little girl in a sweet shop, a raw excitement that burst inside and flowed like electricity to her fingertips. So many craft ideas. So many exquisite objects, all in one place. A kind of treasure house, except instead of doubloons and gold, this room housed the wealth that came from people’s hands, the things they made from materials like mulberry bark, coconut fronds and natural plant dyes.
A big thanks to Pacific Jewell owners – Vivienne and Paul – for accepting my title in their cafe library.
And thanks to Melissa for donating it to Pacific Jewell.
Andy Southall 