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What is it with people telling me to read this book "don't stop the carnivale" before I even consider moving down there. Not that I would mind I love to read, but what is it about this book. I thought it was a work of fiction......
Any answers would be great
Tanya
If I sound a little short I don't mean to... I mentioned to the paper guy this morning that I was moving and he asked , "Have you read ......" How is it my 19 year old paper boy had to read this in highschool, but I have not heard of it before thinking of moving to the usvi.
Tanya
Posted : March 27, 2006 2:15 pm
It is a work of fiction by Herman Wouk. It's about a man named Norman Paperman who decides to buy a hotel on the fictional island of Amerigo, which is rumored to be modeled after St Thomas. Wouk lived here for a period in I believe the 60s. It's all about Paperman's trials and tribulations related to moving and working on a Caribbean island. While it was written several decades ago, there are situations in it which still ring true today.
It's a pretty good read, but don't let it influence you one way or the other about a move to the USVI.
Posted : March 27, 2006 2:23 pm
Yes, he spent many a night with local hoteliers gathering info for his book! It kind of prepares you for island life!
RL
Posted : March 27, 2006 3:54 pm
I picked up a copy today anyway just to read it. I have made it through the first two chapters and I have to admit it seems to be a good read. Is this in any way similar to what life is like down there or was like in the 60's?
Tanya
Speaking of books! I have a rather large collection, and people are cautioning me about brining them because of mold and insects?
Is this realy going to be a problem?
Posted : March 27, 2006 3:55 pm
Ronnie,
Were you, by chance, one of the local hoteliers with whom Mr. Wouk hung out? You're such a one-stop shop for information about island life on STT that it wouldn't surprise me a bit to know a famous author was once a beneificiary of your knowledge.
--HC
Posted : March 27, 2006 8:17 pm
It's a fun read... and it also has some very astute glimpses into bizarre realities of island life. The most true observations in the book most readers assume are ridiculous fantasy... but once you get here you learn that you are the one who needs to recognize those oddities for reality. From cars stopping in the street to have a chat with the driver going the other direction and holding up cars in both directions for 5 minutes (despite the fact that these same drivers would stop to "honk" you into pulling out in front of them if you were on a side-street waiting at any other time) to hermit recluses who are the most connected people on the island to the disaster that can occur if water and power go out at a vacation resort, etc. These aren't fictional creations, this is a slice of how life occurs even in the year 2006 in the islands.
Posted : March 27, 2006 10:23 pm
No, I was too young then! He spent most of his time at The Carib Beach where Mr. Dowling regaled him with guest stories. I could do that easily these days. Actually thinking abut finding a ghost writer!
He also hung out at The Virgin Islae Hotel.
RL
Posted : March 27, 2006 10:34 pm
