Even though I’ve known and talked with others who have lived and worked in Papua, New Guinea, this is the first time I have read such an extraordinary account from the perspective of a native New Guinean.
In the mid-1970s, Robert Henderson served for more than two years with CUSO (Canadian University Service Overseas) in Papua, New Guinea. During this time, he formed many close relationships with people who were emerging from their stone-age past into a new world. He served alongside Catholic monks who loved the people and taught them how to live and learn in this new age. He faced danger from wind, storm and sea, illness and enemy, and the experience is forever imprinted on his life.
One of the people Robert befriended was a young man named Lahumpo. The story begins in Lahumpo’s point of view, and with Robert’s arrival, the chapters alternate between Robert’s perspective and that of Lahumpo. Dialogue in Pidgin is sprinkled throughout the book, adding a unique flavour: “Nem bilong me Bob,” says Robert when he arrives, and is thereafter referred to as Masta Bob.
This story is compelling, the coming-of-age of two young men from vastly different backgrounds, and it will remain in the memory of the reader always.
Five stars.
