Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Tabu
Historical Fiction· Papua New Guinea

Tabu

by Kaugla Giddings
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1992English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Published in 1992, Tabu established Kaugla Giddings as one of the defining voices in historical fiction. Tabu is a historical novel that captures the tensions and dynamics of village life in Papua New Guinea during the post-colonial era. Giddings' narrative provides a vivid portrayal of the social and political issues that arise as traditional ways of life intersect with modern influences, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the country's evolving identity. Themes of post-colonialism, village life, social dynamics run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorKaugla Giddings
Published1992
Country of Origin🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea

This book is part of Papua New Guinea's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Papua New Guinea →

Editorial Assessment

In 'Tabu,' Kaugla Giddings deftly navigates the complexities of cultural identity and societal constraints, weaving a poignant narrative that challenges the boundaries of tradition and modernity. Through richly drawn characters and evocative prose, Giddings exposes the persistent taboos that shape human experience, inviting readers to confront their own assumptions. This novel serves as a powerful commentary on the struggle for autonomy within the confines of inherited beliefs, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Goodreads Choice Award
notable · national
19920
✍️
About the Author
Kaugla Giddings
Papua New Guinea
View Author →

Kaugla Giddings is a Papua New Guinea author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Tin Drum
literary-fiction

The Tin Drum

Günter Grass· 1999
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score98/100
Cover of Celestial Bodies
literary-fiction

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi· 2010
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score93/100
Cover of A Brief History of Seven Killings
literary-fiction

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James· 2015
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score89/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tabu about?

Tabu is a historical novel that captures the tensions and dynamics of village life in Papua New Guinea during the post-colonial era. Giddings' narrative provides a vivid portrayal of the social and political issues that arise as traditional ways of life intersect with modern influences, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the country's evolving identity.

Who wrote Tabu?

Tabu was written by Kaugla Giddings, from Papua New Guinea. First published in 1992.

What awards has Tabu won?

Tabu has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Tabu worth reading?

Tabu is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in post-colonialism, village life, social dynamics.

Where can I buy Tabu?

You can buy Tabu on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Tabu?

Tabu is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Tabu from?

Tabu originates from Papua New Guinea's literary tradition. Explore more books from Papua New Guinea on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🗺️More Historical FictionBrowse all Historical Fiction books🇵🇬Books from Papua New Guinea🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea literature📅1990s BooksPublished in the 1990s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time