| From Heathrow, a plane of English tourists leaves for Hawaii. On the plane is Bernard Walsh, a theology teacher who has a fear of women, and his garrulous father. They are travelling to meet Bernard's aunt, who is dying of cancer. Although Bernard is genuinely concerned about the suffering that his long-ignored aunt must be going through, the rest of the Washes seem more concerned about the money that she is likely to leave behind.
Bernard meets the other English travellers often during his stay in Hawaii. The English travellers include a cynical professor interested in exploring the ways vacationing is replacing religion, young girls looking to meet “Mr. Nice”, second honeymooners, a middle-class family grimly determined to enjoy their vacation, and a young honeymoon couple who already is quarrelling. Each traveller seems to find surprises and the unexpected in Hawaii. Bernard also himself finds himself surprised by Hawaii. Early on during his stay, his father is in an accident. This makes it hard for Bernard to reconcile his father and his aunt and it also creates more work, as he rushes from hospital bed to hospital bed. The accident, however, allows him to meet a young woman who seems to be able to help him. Almost despite himself, Bernard finds that he may find love – and family peace –through this strange new relationship. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - humorous Time/era of story - 1980's-1999 Family, struggle with Yes Struggle with: - Father (or standin) Family, caring for ill Yes Who is sick? - Uncle/Aunt because he/she is - physically ill Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Loss of... Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - none Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 7 () United States Yes The US: - Hawaii Europe Yes European country: - England/UK Island? Yes Island: - on vacation Writing Style Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only - descript of kissing - actual description of hetero sex Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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