Author: Fred Waitzkin

This book is as much about friendships and how they form as it is about the undying admiration of being out on the sea. You can feel the love and respect he has for water in nearly every sentence. The main characters are a hodgepodge of men and some women that inhabit the island of Run Cay in the Bahamas. The lazy island lifestyle juxtaposed with people who have drive to make the Bahamas into something that it may never have meant to be is apparent in the musings of the author.   

One of the two top characters is a man by the name of Bobby. The other is Dennis. These two have an interesting dynamic that morphs as the story progresses. Where one man has a stake on the island and is comfortable and casual in his own skin the other wants to be that man and build this sometimes faltering island into something more. They both bring a lot of talent into their work as well as a lot of passion.

This island community has gone through its share of ups and downs. At one time a number of Haitians were floundering offshore when their boat capsized killing some. Bobby and some clients had been on their way to one of the neighboring islands when this tragedy was discovered. They saved the ones they could while the sharks took care of the rest. What was not eaten entirely washed up in half eaten body parts on their beach. Bobby buried them.

When Bobby decides to get married and take an extended honeymoon in Europe this leaves the door wide open for Dennis to begin building his dream on Bobby’s piece of paradise. By the time Bobby and his bride get back to Rum Cay Dennis has paid off the powers that be in Nassau and made Bobby’s island nearly his own. Bobby’s new wife has a lot to learn about island life and it is quite an adjustment for her. Will Bobby take this nearly hostile takeover in stride? Will he and Dennis work together?

There is big game fishing, the subtle nuances of island life, and a seedy element that merge to create a fun read. I have been all over the Bahamas and fished their waters while extensively cruising so I found this a visual read. Waitzkin’s words and descriptions were spot on! If you want to do a bit of island dreaming this may be the summer read for you. Enjoy it, I did!