Sista, Stanap Strong!

Sista, Stanap Strong!  is an anthology of new writing from Vanuatu by three generations of women – and the first of its kind. With poetry, fiction, essay, memoir, and song, its narrative arc stretches from the days of blackbirding to Independence in 1980 to Vanuatu's coming of age in 2020. Most of these writers are ni-Vanuatu living in Vanuatu. Some have set down roots in New Zealand, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Canada. Some were born overseas and have made Vanuatu their home. One is just twenty; another is an octogenarian.

The writers in this anthology have chosen to harness the coloniser’s language, English, for their own purposes. They are writing against racism, colonialism, misogyny and sexism. Writing across bloodlines and linguistic boundaries. Professing their love for ancestors, offspring and language – Bislama, vernacular and English.

What these writers also have in common is a sharp eye for detail, a love of words, a deep connection to Vanuatu, and a willingness to share a glimpse of their world. 

Includes a foreword by Viran Molisa Trief.

Cover art: Juliette Pita

Contributors

Irene Abbock  

Adela Issachar Aru

Carol C. Aru

Yasmine Bjornum

Joana Bule

Pauline Chang Ryland

Nicole Colmar

Ketty Dan-Napwatt

Sarah Doyle 

Plain Flawa

Leina Isno

Telstar Jimmy

Jane Kanas

Mary Jack Kaviamu

Jennifer Kalpokas Doan

Frances C. Koya Vaka’uta

Catherine Lessa

Savianna Licht

Shina Manmelin

Gaelle Méheut

Viran Molisa Trief

Caroline Nalo

Elsie Nalyal Molou

Losana Natuman

Anna Naupa

Joan Niras

Mikaela Nyman

Nellie Nipina Olul

Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen

Nancy Gaselona Palmer

Juliette Pita

Kali Regenvanu

Mildred Sope

Helen Lobanga Tamtam

Roselyn Qwenako Tor

Busi Vasconcellos-Neill

Sharyn Wobur