Simms explores the methodological and theoretical problems faced by creative writers in the Pacific, perceptively discussing not only the native author’s dilemma in expressing ideas and forms generally unfamiliar to Westerners, but also the problems that foreign critics and general readers face in evaluating works by Pacific authors. He considers, too, how a writer evolves in a culture where literature is not emphasized, and where what is available is predominantly foreign in origin.

Norman Simms teaches English at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. A published poet, he is editor of Mentalities, an interdisciplinary review journal.