Tautai book could become movie

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 22 August 2017, 12:00AM

Students, teachers and Principals from different colleges in Upolu had the chance to meet the author of, Tautai, Dr. Patricia O’Brien yesterday.

The meeting was held inside the Samoa Stationery and Books Conference Room. S.S.A.B is the exclusive seller of the book.

Dr. O’Brien told the gathering that she started researching about Ta’isi Nelson in 2012 but it wasn’t until 2014 she started writing.

She said she found Ta’isi in archives in New Zealand, which made her interested in Ta’isi.

“I am hoping that one day this book can turn into a movie but I am looking for a lead actor that can play the part of Ta’isi from when he was a young boy,” she said.

 “And because the book is in English, I also hope that one day it can be translated into Samoan because that is Ta’isi’s mother tongue and I would love to have this book be translated into Samoan.”

The Marketing Manager of S.S.A.B. Asia Stanley said they were thrilled to provide the opportunity for students to meet the author of the book.

 “Even when I was a student all I know about Ta’isi O.F. Nelson was that he was a businessman and also the leader of the Mau Movement,” Stanley said.

“I also know that there are some information that are relevant for the students’ studies that are not mentioned in the History Curriculum.

“So we wanted them (students) to come and listen to the author and get the book and read it so that they can have more understanding about Ta’isi O.F. Nelson and what he did.”

Ta’isi O.F. Nelson’s granddaughter, Papali’i Dr. Viopapa Annandale acknowledged the support of S.S.A.B. where the book is being sold for $160.

She also thanked Dr. O’Brien for her work.

“Back in the days my mother used to tell us stories about our grandfather, but we always thought it wasn’t true,” she said.

“But having to read this book makes me so proud that our grandfather was a fighter. He had a dream and that was to make sure Samoa becomes independent and despite the ups and downs that he went through he fulfilled that dream.

“He stood strong and fought for Samoa and in 1962 our island became the first country in the Pacific Island to be independent.

“I am so proud of my grandfather and having this book is an honor and therefore our family is so grateful to Dr. Patricia O’Brien for this great milestone.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 22 August 2017, 12:00AM

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