Getting Stoned with the Savages

A Trip through the Islands of Fiji and Vanuatu

By: J. Maarten Troost

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Getting Stoned with Savages again reveals Troost's wry wit and infectious joy of discovery in a hilarious account of life in the farthest reaches of the world.

After two grueling years on the island of Tarawa, Troost was in no hurry to return to the South Pacific until he began to feel remarkably out of place in modern America. He knew it was time to set off again for parts unknown. Here he tells the story of his time on Vanuatu, a cluster of islands where he struggles against typhoons, earthquakes, and giant centipedes but finds himself swept up in the laid-back, clothing-optional lifestyle of the islanders. When his wife Sylvia gets pregnant, they decamp for slightly more civilized Fiji, a fallen paradise rife with prostitutes and government coups, where their son takes quite naturally to island living.

©2006 J. Maarten Troost (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

smart & funny

This is an entertaining romp through Vanuatu and Fiji, with plenty of everyday excitement (foot-long centipedes, cyclones, live volcanos), balanced by lively forays into the past (cannibalism, cargo cults, Captain Cook's voyages).

It is not (nor is it meant to be) a novel, nor is it a review of different drugs (the author becomes fond of kava, a narcotic drink enjoyed widely in the South Pacific -- as the title indicates). Instead, it is a fantastic escape to a remote part of the world, by an author who comes across as smart, funny, self-deprecating, and immensely curious about the world. The narrator captures this persona very well.

Envious of the author

The story of a man who leaves cooperate society behind for a life in paradise. it is very funny and insightful. i give very few books 5 stars.

Hilariously and Informative!!

The author of this book has an incredible sense of humor that made me laugh out loud many times!!
Can't wait to find more books written by him!

and the adventure continues...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Chock full of adventure. Cultural clashes over intoxicants? Once again, Maarten follows his wife and finds the bar. Wonderful narration, this audiobook simply continues on from Sex Lives... Funny as hell!

What other book might you compare Getting Stoned with the Savages to and why?

Start with Sex Lives of Cannibals. The adventure begins on a South Pacific atole (essentially a small mass of volcanic rock currently above the ocean's surface, think Castaway). Continue on with Lost on Planet China.

Which scene was your favorite?

Big numbers versus small numbers. hmmmm!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Man versus centipede. What else can I say. Other than they are poisonous and have hundreds of legs. Oh yeah, they're big too!

Any additional comments?

Buy this audiobook and you may find yourself travelling to Alaska instead. Fair warning!

hilarious yet substantive!

Loved it. Troost writes in a manner that transports the reader to the location and creates a longing for a personal visit. I laughed all the way through.

FANTASTIC! FUNNY! MUST HEAR !

have heard all books from this author and continue to listen again amd again. well written and aidio reader does a superb job. highly recommend.

Entertaining and Educational

Spending a lot of time in Fiji myself, I can vouch for the 100% accuracy of the stories told in this book. Entertaining for sure.

Traveling to Fiji and Vanuatu this book is a must

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I liked how it showed the change in one expectations of ones own self and surroundings

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Simon Vance is a great reader, part of the reason why I listened to this book

Any additional comments?

Whats really neat about the book it give you a feel of what everyday life is like on the islands of Fiji and Vanuatu.

Just plain fun

I admit to cringing at some of the passages regarding Westerners, but nothing can really dampen Troost’s humor and love of adventure. This is my second of his novels and I’m going to keep going. Great reader too.

No shoes, no shirt, no problem

What made the experience of listening to Getting Stoned with the Savages the most enjoyable?

Tristan writes with a wit and humor unlike any other travel writer I have read. The stories are candid, funny and who knows how accurate or exaggerated they are but who cares cause you can't help but laugh out loud. The blend of personal antidote and history makes it a worth while read.