A Pattern of Islands

A Pattern of Islands (also known as We Chose the Islands in American editions) is a memoir first published in 1952 by Sir Arthur Grimble, recounting his time in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands as a cadet officer and Resident Commissioner between 1914 and 1933. The memoir gives an attractive account of island life and colonial rule, based on his extensive engagement with the islanders. A British drama film "Pacific Destiny" based on the book was made in 1956. Grimble followed this with his sequel "Return to the Islands". The book was republished by Eland in 2010.