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bcauf's review against another edition
4.0
Every culture has their own coming of age ritual and every single one of them is incredible and correct somehow.
sookieskipper's review
3.0
Coming of age in Samoa is an important book for two reasons: a) In a world dominated by men, Margaret Mead was an anthropologist studying women and b) her study was primarily about women in Samoa - their life cycle, nurturing and impact of foreign culture i.e., missionaries on these women. The book make an interesting study of a culture that's tucked into a corner of the planet and not all that well known. Mead spent several years among Samoans and recounts her observations in this book.
Her original research has come to attention with newer anthropologist debunking many of her research and calling many of her observations as embellishment of facts. Even with all controversies that surrounds this book and Mead herself, it is commendable to note that Mead wrote this in the 20s and she was only twenty seven when she had this book published.
Mead's writing follows easy narrative technique as she explores different aspects of Samoan culture. Her observations aren't restricted to everyday administration or cultural history but she also documents how external factors have started to affect the younger generation. If not for anything, Mead deserves a salute for treating Samoan culture with respect and dignity.
Her original research has come to attention with newer anthropologist debunking many of her research and calling many of her observations as embellishment of facts. Even with all controversies that surrounds this book and Mead herself, it is commendable to note that Mead wrote this in the 20s and she was only twenty seven when she had this book published.
Mead's writing follows easy narrative technique as she explores different aspects of Samoan culture. Her observations aren't restricted to everyday administration or cultural history but she also documents how external factors have started to affect the younger generation. If not for anything, Mead deserves a salute for treating Samoan culture with respect and dignity.
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