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Marshall Islands Legends and Stories. Collected and edited by Daniel A. Kelin II. Illustrated by Nashton T. Nashon. Honolulu: Bess Press, 2003. 252 pp.
Like the collector and editor of these tales, I have had the privilege of listening to many Marshallese men and women of all ages share their stories with me. Kelin's collection is refreshing in many ways, and disappointing to this anthropologist in others.
This collection of legends and stories from the Marshall Islands begins with acknowledgments and an introduction by the collector and editor that convey his enthusiasm and gratitude for the privilege of being "given" the stories that follow. In general terms Kelin describes the settings of the storytelling sessions, the assistance of translators, and the power of his story collecting experiences. As he states, this was a labor of love, as he trekked to eight of the Marshalls' 28 atolls, recorder in hand and often translator in tow. He sought chiefs' permission and respected storytellers' silences.
The text is divided into sections based on the geographic location of the tellers. Distinguishing between the eastern and western atoll chains, Kelin begins with the Ratak (eastern chain) and includes stones and legends from the five atolls he visited, as told by the 13 tellers among those atolls. He introduces each storyteller, offering a photo and a brief biological sketch for many. He follows the Ratak stories with Ralik (western chain) tales, representing three atolls and five dri-bwebwenato (storytellers). The biological sketches and comments about the personality and narrative styles of the tellers are thoughtful inclusions, and add much to the immediacy of the collection. Further, the editor opted to include many of the framing devices of the storytellers, and the comments addressed to his or her audience. These also engage readers, drawing them in and increasing awareness of the original setting of the stories.
Another successful addition is the use of pronunciation...