Do you love reading? If there is one book you need in your collection, it is “Tautua : The Memoirs of a Public Servant”. A moving and inspiring book by the Honourable Misa Telefoni Retzlaff. 

It is a story of great service, tragedy, bravery and love for Samoa. An echoing reminder that we do not need to do great things or aim to be great but rather, to make the best decisions and do simple things extraordinarily. It is a book that will resonate with many of us, if not all Samoans with service (tautua) at the heart of our lives.

I remember the great persona “Honourable Misa Telefoni” in many school exams but I finally knew the person through our mutual interest in literature. He was a guest speaker at my book launch thirteen years ago and I remain grateful to him for making time. We’ve met many times in public service as I, too was working for government a while back. Although, I did not have the patience or perseverance to stay the course and be a diplomat like my friend. I shall refer to him as ‘Misa’.

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough’ Mae West. There is always some adventure worth sharing or a funny story whenever we meet. Just like his writing, Tautua is like that for me. Brilliant storytelling that draws you in at the very first page. Misa weaves the defining moments into this memoir, bringing us into his life and there you will remain until the very end. You will need your quiet corner because you will not put it down until it’s done. It is a wellspring of personal inspiration, challenging times, cultural insights, familial ties, historical events that take us to the mountains and valleys of a life well lived.

It is an honourable thing to lay down your life for others. Twenty-five years of service is a long time and although rewarding is not without challenges. I truly admire his humility in needing mentors through his career and life, leaning on those who were wiser in decision making. Anyone who is teachable, will accept this. In addition, his respect and understanding of those who were in leadership and power during his time as a politician.

My favourite part which is probably also the saddest in his memoir includes the death of his beloved father. This was extremely moving as it resonates with many of us, reading that second chapter because I know, I will also fall to pieces when my own father dies. Such is a bond between loving fathers and their children. Pleasing our parents are always at the heart of what we do, even when we don’t know it. It is the shadow that follows us around and the voice of reason when we don’t know what to choose.

“It still did not fully prepare me. It is still hard to describe how I tried to pound his chest to get his heart beating again on the day he passed away. Finally, Dr Thieme looked with great sadness at me and told me, “ If you love him, let him go. He is at peace now’’. After he passed away, I noticed my father needed a shave. That was one of the saddest moment of my life --- giving my father his final shave. I cried the whole time but never felt closer to him.

The book has many moments that define, motivate, teach and encourage anyone to continue in their service for their family and Samoa. It speaks of someone who has used all his talents, redeeming the time for the greater good. “Follow your own inner compass, listen to your own drummer. To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are, what you stand for, where you want to go, and why you want to get there’, Kofi Annan.

The notable chapters include the following:

Chapter 2 : In my father’s shadow

Chapter 3: King’s College

Chapter 7 : Defining Moment in my political career

Chapter 12: Write for the public and have no self

Chapter 14 : He restores my soul

In the end we must all be accountable for how we lived. These quotes come to mind when Tautua: The memoirs of a public servant ends.

“The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task, who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had’, Robert Louis Stevenson

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘ I used everything you gave me’. Ema Bombeck.

As we enjoy another peaceful Sunday Samoa, I hope you appreciate this short review of a well written piece of literature. Congratulations to my friend Misa on another brilliant book and a great legacy to leave behind for generations to come. God bless!