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Literary Fiction· Papua New Guinea

The Crocodile

by Vincent Eri
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1970English
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About This Book

When Vincent Eri published The Crocodile in 1970, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. The Crocodile is considered the first novel by a Papua New Guinean author. It explores the cultural and social changes in Papua New Guinea during the colonial period through the life of its protagonist, Hoiri. The novel is significant for its portrayal of the clash between traditional customs and Western influences, offering a unique insight into the country's history and identity. Themes of cultural change, colonialism, identity run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorVincent Eri
Published1970
Country of Origin🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9789980680010
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea

This book is part of Papua New Guinea's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Papua New Guinea →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1970, Vincent Eri's The Crocodile is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with cultural change, colonialism, identity, tradition vs. modernity gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Crocodile among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Crocodile is how it handles its central concerns — cultural change, colonialism, identity, tradition vs. modernity — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Crocodile reflects Vincent Eri's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Papua New Guinea's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · regional
19700
✍️
About the Author
Vincent Eri
Papua New Guinea
View Author →

Vincent Eri is a Papua New Guinea author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Crocodile about?

The Crocodile is considered the first novel by a Papua New Guinean author. It explores the cultural and social changes in Papua New Guinea during the colonial period through the life of its protagonist, Hoiri. The novel is significant for its portrayal of the clash between traditional customs and Western influences, offering a unique insight into the country's history and identity.

Who wrote The Crocodile?

The Crocodile was written by Vincent Eri, from Papua New Guinea. First published in 1970.

What awards has The Crocodile won?

The Crocodile has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Crocodile worth reading?

The Crocodile is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in cultural change, colonialism, identity.

Where can I buy The Crocodile?

You can buy The Crocodile on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Crocodile?

The Crocodile is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Crocodile from?

The Crocodile originates from Papua New Guinea's literary tradition. Explore more books from Papua New Guinea on our country page.

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