Reviews
"This is a warm and
thoughtful description of the first years of U.S. civilian administration
of Truk -- part of the Caroline Islands -- after World War II. Rather
than dwell on the clash of cultures, Muller portrays the gentle
adjustments
of ancients traditions to more modern ways. He and other young Americans, far
from home, teach and yet learn themselves, press forward new ideals, yet
understand the subtleties of the old -- all aimed at a better life for an island
people. It is an inspiring history of nation building."
Charles T. Cross
Ambassador of the United States of America (ret.)
"Willard
Muller, first U.S. civilian District Administrator on Truk (now Chuuk) has
produced, in the tradition of Arthur
Grimble, an engagingly written
account of his five years in Micronesia. This book will reward both the
general reader and the area specialist. The author was clearly a
culturally sensitive administrator who frequently traveled to even the
most remote islands and villages of the District. The general reader, along
with historians and other specialists, will appreciate the clarification
he provides regarding many issues confronted in those early years of the
Trust Territory government. They ranged from civilian-military rivalries,
through political and economic development, to the importance of the
cultural education provided U.S. administrators by the staff
anthropologist."
William H. Alkire
Professor of
Anthropology, Emeritus
University of
Victoria
"In this fascinating
memoir, Will Muller helps us see vividly the old Truk District in the
middle Carolines. Along with many others, readers will meet the renowned
Chief Petrus Mailo, and Tosiwo Nakayama, who was born on one of the
smallest and most remote islands, yet grew up to become the first
President of a new Pacific nation. It is fortunate for us all that we now
have this record of that past era, for policy decisions and challenges
that were faced then are today very much a part of the scene as the
Micronesian people, with American and other foreign cooperation, steer
their course into the 21st century."
Karen M. Peacock, PhD
Pacific Curator
University of Hawai'i
Library
"Here is a graceful and warmly written account of Willard Muller's five years as District Administrator and American Consul in the middle Carolines. The author gathers you up and takes you right along with him as he and his staff work to understand, befriend and counsel the islanders in the effort to help enhance their lives. America's interests in the Pacific must continue to note the strategic importance of this entire area. Muller's work points us clearly in the direction and emphasizes our need to understand cultures other than our own."
Robert B. McClinton
Rear Admiral, USN
(ret.)
This site was last updated 09/08/02