Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of Where We Once Belonged
Literary Fiction· Samoa

Where We Once Belonged

by Sia Figiel
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
commonwealth
Published 1996English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Where We Once Belonged by Sia Figiel is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 1996. This novel provides a vivid portrayal of life in Samoa through the eyes of a young girl, Alofa, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and cultural expectations. Sia Figiel's work is celebrated for its authentic depiction of Samoan culture and its exploration of themes like identity and tradition. The book is significant for its contribution to Pacific literature and its role in giving voice to Samoan women's experiences. Themes of identity, cultural expectations, adolescence run through the work. The book has received recognition from Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book 1997.

Book Details

AuthorSia Figiel
Published1996
Country of Origin🇼🇸 Samoa
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781876756081
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇼🇸 Samoa

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

Explore books from Samoa

Awards & Recognition

commonwealth
winner · regional
19970
✍️
About the Author
Sia Figiel
Samoa
View Author →
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 LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
Nobel Prize in LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
Nobel Prize in LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The White Tiger
literary-fiction

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga· 2008
Nobel Prize in LiteratureBooker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Road
literary-fiction

The Road

Cormac McCarthy· 2007
Pulitzer PrizeHugo Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
Booker PrizeCosta Book Award
Editorial Score100/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Where We Once Belonged about?

This novel provides a vivid portrayal of life in Samoa through the eyes of a young girl, Alofa, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and cultural expectations. Sia Figiel's work is celebrated for its authentic depiction of Samoan culture and its exploration of themes like identity and tradition. The book is significant for its contribution to Pacific literature and its role in giving voice to Samoan women's experiences.

Who wrote Where We Once Belonged?

Where We Once Belonged was written by Sia Figiel, from Samoa. First published in 1996.

What awards has Where We Once Belonged won?

Where We Once Belonged has received the following recognition: Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book 1997.

Is Where We Once Belonged worth reading?

Where We Once Belonged 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, cultural expectations, adolescence.

Where can I buy Where We Once Belonged?

You can buy Where We Once Belonged on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Where We Once Belonged?

Where We Once Belonged is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Where We Once Belonged from?

Where We Once Belonged originates from Samoa's literary tradition. Explore more books from Samoa 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 Literary FictionBrowse all Literary Fiction books🇼🇸Books from Samoa🇼🇸 Samoa literature📅1990s BooksPublished in the 1990s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time