A new book called Sandalwood Blood, a historical fiction written by Sam Lala was launched by Princess Pilolevu at the Tungi Colonnade square last night, 18 September.

The Sandalwood Blood is a narrative of early encounters of European seafarers and Pacific Islanders. Sam said that he was inspired to investigate and to write about the encounters when he returned to Tonga in 1996.

The two voyages which captured his interest were by two Dutch ships, which both made voyages for Fiji via Tonga to acquire sandalwood between 1800 and 1804.

When the first voyage arrived in Western Tongatapu in 1802 all the crew were killed excepting for a black woman, a white woman, a Chinese Malayan man, a white old man and four yong lads. After 12 days captive, the old man and .the  four lads escaped.

During the second voyage, again for Fiji via Tonga to get sandalwood, according to Sam  the white woman escaped by swimming to the ship. The black woman was later taken to Ha’apai and died there. The Chinese Malayan was still around, and he was an interpreter for a chief at Hihifo,western Tongatapu.

It took Sam 17 years of research and compilation to put the Sandalwood Blood together, but now it has been published he is eager to start on a second book project.

The book launching ceremony was concluded with book lovers having their copies of the book signed by the author himself.

Sam, who comes from Fiji, has lived in Tonga for many years.