The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific by J. Maarten Troost

The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost made a splash when it came out in 2004 and hooked me too. This witty travel memoir follows Troost, an adventurous and humorous writer seeking a change of pace in a locale far removed from the ordinary.

Set against the unique backdrop of Tarawa, an atoll in the South Pacific, Troost finds himself in a series of extraordinary and often absurd situations (which he reflects on hilariously). The book's central conflict arises from the clash between Troost's Western expectations and the harsh realities of life on this remote atoll. He has to adapt to the local customs, deal with the lack of modern amenities, and navigate the complex socio-political landscape of a place largely unknown to the outside world.

From the initial culture shock and humorous observations of the island's quirks to the more profound moments of self-discovery, readers witness Troost's transformation from an outsider to someone who gains a deeper understanding of the people and the place.

Ultimately, Troost gains that nuanced understanding of the island, its people, and himself that travel memoir readers yearn for. For a fun read full of voice that truly puts you in another world, The Sex Lives of Cannibals is where it’s at.