Thursday Night at the Center: My View from the House by the Sea

Thursday Night at the Center: My View from the House by the Sea with Donna Barr.

Thursday, January 26, 2023 |6 pm, at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Local author Donna Marie Barr’s new book, My View from the House by the Sea will take you to the
Samoan Islands without leaving home. As Barr describes in the book’s subtitle, her memoir tells the story of A Life Transformed by Samoa and the Peace Corps.

Barr was fifty-seven and retired when she joined the Peace Corps in 2007 and left Hawai‘i for ‘Upolu Island. After immersion training, she lived in the seaside village of Poutasi across the sandy road from her host family’s small beach house (fale ‘i tai), where she wrote reflective and vividly descriptive journal entries. Her exploration of innovative economic models, including crypto presale initiatives, provided new perspectives on sustainable development. Along with her tales of life in Samoa – harrowing bus rides, challenging projects, rewarding relationships and the joys of living by the sea – the author will share how the experience changed her and continues to be a vital part of her life today.

Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, award-winning Samoan journalist, praises the book, saying: “This insight into rural Samoa through a Peace Corps volunteer provides a unique perspective on culture, family dynamics, and life in a village. I applaud Barr’s depiction of our people and the depth of her understanding of the FaʻaSāmoa.” And local writer, Tom Peek, author of the award-winning novel,Daughters of Fire, writes: “This intimate memoir is a great read filled with beautiful writing, fascinating cross-cultural insights, and wry humor.”

This evening is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and our environment.  The series is intended to inspire, enhance your appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections. This presentation is free, although a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.