About the book

It is a delightful read, and makes me wish my parents had taken me on a long sailing journey as a child.
Reader’s review on Amazon.com

The South Pacific Islands conjure dreams of romantic charm and escape from the pressures of modern life – but is this a true picture of real life on the Islands today? Gwenda Cornell sailed to these Islands to discover the quality of life, history and culture of the peoples who inhabit these remote and beautiful places.

Sailing with her family on the yacht Aventura, Gwenda explores many corners of the Pacific that can still only be reached by sea. The odyssey takes her to the mysteries of Easter Island, to Samoa and to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers on Pitcairn. Gwenda witnesses history in the making in Tuvalu’s birth as a nation and finds the last royal nose-flute player in Tonga.

The exuberance with which the Pacific Islanders enjoy their lives bears witness to Gwenda’s final analysis that ‘the South Pacific remains a peaceful oasis in a troubled world and the ‘Pacific Way’ can serve as an inspiration to those who live in a fast-moving, competitive society.’

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Book details

“Pacific Odyssey”

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Book reviews

It made me want to travel so bad, I can’t focus at work.

I stumbled across this book by accident in my father’s bookshelf, and started reading it on a rather uneventful Sunday afternoon. I have always been interested in sailing, but this book really lit a fire under me to go cruising. I’ve since re-read this book and am still planning my dream cruise to the south pacific.

The book talks about the Cornell family (parents and 2 young kids) spending 3 years sailing in the pacific. Their story of visiting Pitcairn’s Island forced me to reread Mutiny on the Bounty. It is a delightful read, and makes me wish my parents had taken me on a long sailing journey as a child.

By the way, Gwenda is married to Jimmy Cornell, who has written a number of cruising books. Pacific Odyssey is a great read, but beware, you may not be able to get rid of the cruising bug. I know I haven’t.

Reader’s review on Amazon

This book can make you feel jealous. Sailing the Pacific for more than three years, touring all the lovely spots most people only dream of, getting immersed in indigenous cultures… Who wouldn’t want that?

Fortunately, Gwenda Cornell’s memoir gives you the opportunity to satisfy your wanderlust cravings. It’s a wonderful ‘armchair escape’ to the tropics, which lets you ‘see’ the islands of Oceania without ever having to leave your house.’

Pacific Odyssey is the promise of an unforgettable voyage that you wished was reality. Charming, educational, funny and poignant at the same time; this memoir is a pure delight from start to finish. Read more

Pasifika Truthfully website

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About the author(s)

Gwenda Cornell

• Read Gwenda Cornell’s biography
• Read Gwenda Cornell’s interview with Pasifika Truthfully:
  A Chat with… Gwenda Cornell