Norman Paperman, a middle-aged New York press agent, abandons his career to purchase a hotel in the Caribbean, only to find that his dream of paradise is fraught with unforeseen logistical and cultural obstacles. Paperman attempts to navigate the complexities of island life, dealing with eccentric locals, demanding tourists, and the relentless decay of his aging property. The narrative follows his struggle to maintain his sanity and his business as his romanticized vision of tropical living clashes with the harsh realities of island infrastructure. Told with a sharp, observational wit, the story captures the friction between the frantic pace of the city and the unpredictable rhythms of the tropics.

This novel is widely regarded as a quintessential exploration of the mid-century American expatriate experience, balancing sharp comedic timing with a grounded, often cynical look at the realities of island life. Readers often note how the author's own history living in the Caribbean lends an authentic, lived-in quality to the descriptions of the setting and the local populace. The narrative is frequently praised for its ability to transition from lighthearted farce to poignant reflections on the futility of running away from one's own nature. It remains a staple of the author's bibliography, valued for its departure from his more serious historical epics while maintaining his characteristic narrative precision.