Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Tales of the Toktok
Poetry· Vanuatu

Tales of the Toktok

by Grace Mera Molisa
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1983Bislama
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Published in 1983, Tales of the Toktok established Grace Mera Molisa as one of the defining voices in poetry. Grace Mera Molisa's 'Tales of the Toktok' is a seminal work in Vanuatu literature, capturing the essence of the nation's oral traditions through poetry. The collection reflects on the social and political issues faced by the people of Vanuatu, using the local Bislama language to convey powerful messages about identity, culture, and resistance. Themes of identity, culture, resistance run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorGrace Mera Molisa
Published1983
Country of Origin🇻🇺 Vanuatu
LanguageBislama
Category🌿 Poetry
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🌿 Poetry

Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

Explore all Poetry books →
Country of Origin

🇻🇺 Vanuatu

This book is part of Vanuatu's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Vanuatu →

Editorial Assessment

In "Tales of the Toktok," Grace Mera Molisa weaves a rich tapestry of Melanesian culture, illuminating the intersection of tradition and modernity through poignant storytelling. Her exploration of identity, resilience, and the sacred bond with nature resonates deeply, serving as a powerful reminder of the intricate narratives that shape Pacific Islander experiences. Molisa's deft prose not only preserves her heritage but also challenges readers to reflect on their own connections to land and community.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple 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.
✍️
About the Author
Grace Mera Molisa
Vanuatu
View Author →

Grace Mera Molisa is a Vanuatu author whose work in poetry has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

The Tribe Manager
The Leadership Companion
The Tribe Manager
Leading People the Way Evolution Intended
Manage with human nature, you get loyalty. Manage against it, you get quiet quitting.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Omeros
poetry

Omeros

Derek Walcott· 1990
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score66/100
Cover of Gitanjali
poetry

Gitanjali

Rabindranath Tagore· 1910
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score60/100
Cover of Poems
poetry

Poems

William Wordsworth· 1807
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100
Cover of Poems
poetry

Poems

Alfred Lord Tennyson· 1827
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100
Cover of The Georgics of Virgil translated by Thomas Neville, ..
poetry

The Georgics of Virgil translated by Thomas Neville, ..

Publius Vergilius Maro· 1523
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100
Cover of The seasons
poetry

The seasons

James Thomson· 1726
Notable Work
Editorial Score46/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tales of the Toktok about?

Grace Mera Molisa's 'Tales of the Toktok' is a seminal work in Vanuatu literature, capturing the essence of the nation's oral traditions through poetry. The collection reflects on the social and political issues faced by the people of Vanuatu, using the local Bislama language to convey powerful messages about identity, culture, and resistance.

Who wrote Tales of the Toktok?

Tales of the Toktok was written by Grace Mera Molisa, from Vanuatu. First published in 1983.

What awards has Tales of the Toktok won?

Tales of the Toktok has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Tales of the Toktok worth reading?

Tales of the Toktok 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 identity, culture, resistance.

Where can I buy Tales of the Toktok?

You can buy Tales of the Toktok on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Tales of the Toktok?

Tales of the Toktok is classified as Poetry. Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

What country is Tales of the Toktok from?

Tales of the Toktok originates from Vanuatu's literary tradition. Explore more books from Vanuatu 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 PoetryBrowse all Poetry books🇻🇺Books from Vanuatu🇻🇺 Vanuatu literature📅1980s BooksPublished in the 1980s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time