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Treasured Island: The Story of St. Barth . . . and Its Barbarians, Billionaires, and Beauties
A hugely entertaining social history of the elite and exclusive Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy from the New York Times bestselling author of Model and 740 Park.
St. Barthelemy is revered for its luxury, its stunning beaches and its VIP fans. Those who’ve either been there or hope to go, know St. Bart’s—or St. Barth, depending on your level of Francophilia—as the place for the beautiful people, the ultimate see-and-be-seen scene.
Over three decades, acclaimed social chronicler Michael Gross has taken dozens of extended trips to this gorgeous, sultry paradise and knows it almost as a local. In his captivating and detailed history, this “premier chronicler of the rich” (Gay Talese) reveals how the island grew from a barren volcanic island with sometimes in-bred, impoverished residents and no creature comforts to an elite port of call where entertainment, tech, and fashion celebrities, old money, nouveau riche, and international oligarchs vie for tables in chic, expensive restaurants; where pristine beaches, superyachts, and spectacular hotels and lavish private villas are playgrounds for the American, European, and Asian upper class. And some locals have gotten rich off them all.
This is an enticing and entertaining work that combines impeccable reporting and delicious commentary. It is essential reading for everybody who is anybody—or wants to be.
St. Barthelemy is revered for its luxury, its stunning beaches and its VIP fans. Those who’ve either been there or hope to go, know St. Bart’s—or St. Barth, depending on your level of Francophilia—as the place for the beautiful people, the ultimate see-and-be-seen scene.
Over three decades, acclaimed social chronicler Michael Gross has taken dozens of extended trips to this gorgeous, sultry paradise and knows it almost as a local. In his captivating and detailed history, this “premier chronicler of the rich” (Gay Talese) reveals how the island grew from a barren volcanic island with sometimes in-bred, impoverished residents and no creature comforts to an elite port of call where entertainment, tech, and fashion celebrities, old money, nouveau riche, and international oligarchs vie for tables in chic, expensive restaurants; where pristine beaches, superyachts, and spectacular hotels and lavish private villas are playgrounds for the American, European, and Asian upper class. And some locals have gotten rich off them all.
This is an enticing and entertaining work that combines impeccable reporting and delicious commentary. It is essential reading for everybody who is anybody—or wants to be.
- GenresHistory
416 pages, Hardcover
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Michael Gross
145 books38 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 19, 2026
As my wife and I are long time St. Barth enthusiasts since our initial voyage in 1989 and successive twenty five or so visits, we were anxiously awaiting the launch of a work that would describe not only the vast history of this beautiful speck of paradise in the French West Indies, but also something that would document the current state of affairs, both good and bad.
Michael Gross certainly has the qualifications to deliver an accurate account as he is an award winning author and has spent extensive time researching the rich history of St. Barth as well as visiting the island numerous times over the past thirty years.
After reading the short five paragraph prologue, I was anxious to learn even more about this island!
The “Introduction” follows the prologue by briefly describing the state of the island in the 1950’s and immediately jumps to when the island took a “turn for the worse” in more recent history when billionaires and fame seeking celebrities started to invade the harbor of Gustavia to flaunt their wealth to the minions. Now I would think that such a celebrated author would leave his personal politics out of such an interesting and non-political work literature, but Mr. Gross apparently has allowed a fatal case of TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) to poison his noble efforts. It took him all of three paragraphs into the “Introduction” to scribe a full paragraph on how a corrupt Italian businessman, “The new breed of St. Barth denizen”, contributed to the spoiling of the island “had just been pardoned by U.S. president Donald Trump” followed by a list of crimes that he “went on trial” for. This blurb adds nothing to the story other than exposing Mr. Gross’s debilitating disease. I’m assuming that if this Italian businessman had been convicted, he would have surely mad that clear. He then goes on to present a lengthy list of famous, and infamous, celebrities that have also contributed to the cultural change. Brad Pitt, Anna Wintour, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Lauren Hutton all made the list of the early disruptors. I found it interesting that into this group, he lumped in some nefarious characters such as Jeffery Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, P-Diddy, and Ghislaine Maxwell while failing to mention their affinity for criminal sexual predatation. There is no question that Mr. Gross is a talented and accomplished author, yet I am afraid that his diagnosis of advanced TDS damages his credibility. What a shame.
I look forward to finishing this book.
Michael Gross certainly has the qualifications to deliver an accurate account as he is an award winning author and has spent extensive time researching the rich history of St. Barth as well as visiting the island numerous times over the past thirty years.
After reading the short five paragraph prologue, I was anxious to learn even more about this island!
The “Introduction” follows the prologue by briefly describing the state of the island in the 1950’s and immediately jumps to when the island took a “turn for the worse” in more recent history when billionaires and fame seeking celebrities started to invade the harbor of Gustavia to flaunt their wealth to the minions. Now I would think that such a celebrated author would leave his personal politics out of such an interesting and non-political work literature, but Mr. Gross apparently has allowed a fatal case of TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) to poison his noble efforts. It took him all of three paragraphs into the “Introduction” to scribe a full paragraph on how a corrupt Italian businessman, “The new breed of St. Barth denizen”, contributed to the spoiling of the island “had just been pardoned by U.S. president Donald Trump” followed by a list of crimes that he “went on trial” for. This blurb adds nothing to the story other than exposing Mr. Gross’s debilitating disease. I’m assuming that if this Italian businessman had been convicted, he would have surely mad that clear. He then goes on to present a lengthy list of famous, and infamous, celebrities that have also contributed to the cultural change. Brad Pitt, Anna Wintour, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Lauren Hutton all made the list of the early disruptors. I found it interesting that into this group, he lumped in some nefarious characters such as Jeffery Epstein, Harvey Weinstein, P-Diddy, and Ghislaine Maxwell while failing to mention their affinity for criminal sexual predatation. There is no question that Mr. Gross is a talented and accomplished author, yet I am afraid that his diagnosis of advanced TDS damages his credibility. What a shame.
I look forward to finishing this book.
June 25, 2026
Sometimes the most beautiful places have the messiest stories. Michael Gross’s Treasured Island: The Story of St. Barth . . . and Its Barbarians, Billionaires, and Beauties reminded me of that over and over again.
Harper, thank you so much for the gifted copy.
I’ll be honest, I thought this was going to be a history book that I’d slowly work my way through a chapter or two at a time. That’s not what happened. I kept saying, “Just one more chapter,” because every time I thought I had a handle on the island’s story, something new popped up. A new family. Another scandal. Someone with a big idea that completely changed the direction of St. Barth.
I had no idea this little island had lived so many different lives. Before all the luxury hotels, yachts, and famous faces, it was just people trying to make a life on a rocky island that didn’t have much to offer. Seeing how it slowly became the St. Barth everyone recognizes today was honestly fascinating.
What I liked most was that Michael Gross didn’t make it feel like I was reading a list of dates and names. He tells the stories behind the people. Some were clever. Some were ambitious. Some…well…I wouldn’t have trusted them with my wallet. It made the history feel alive instead of distant.
“Paradise is never as simple as it seems.”
That line pretty much sums up the whole book. The beaches may be picture-perfect, but the history behind them is anything but. I found myself looking at St. Barth completely differently by the time I finished.
This definitely isn’t a beach read where you can skim a few pages while half paying attention. It’s one you settle into when you’re in the mood to learn something and be entertained at the same time. If you like narrative nonfiction, travel history, or books that uncover what really shaped famous places, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. It just told a really interesting story, and I came away feeling like I’d visited the island without ever leaving my chair.
★★★★☆
Have you ever read a nonfiction book that completely changed the way you looked at a place? I’d love to hear which one.
Harper, thank you so much for the gifted copy.
I’ll be honest, I thought this was going to be a history book that I’d slowly work my way through a chapter or two at a time. That’s not what happened. I kept saying, “Just one more chapter,” because every time I thought I had a handle on the island’s story, something new popped up. A new family. Another scandal. Someone with a big idea that completely changed the direction of St. Barth.
I had no idea this little island had lived so many different lives. Before all the luxury hotels, yachts, and famous faces, it was just people trying to make a life on a rocky island that didn’t have much to offer. Seeing how it slowly became the St. Barth everyone recognizes today was honestly fascinating.
What I liked most was that Michael Gross didn’t make it feel like I was reading a list of dates and names. He tells the stories behind the people. Some were clever. Some were ambitious. Some…well…I wouldn’t have trusted them with my wallet. It made the history feel alive instead of distant.
“Paradise is never as simple as it seems.”
That line pretty much sums up the whole book. The beaches may be picture-perfect, but the history behind them is anything but. I found myself looking at St. Barth completely differently by the time I finished.
This definitely isn’t a beach read where you can skim a few pages while half paying attention. It’s one you settle into when you’re in the mood to learn something and be entertained at the same time. If you like narrative nonfiction, travel history, or books that uncover what really shaped famous places, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. It just told a really interesting story, and I came away feeling like I’d visited the island without ever leaving my chair.
★★★★☆
Have you ever read a nonfiction book that completely changed the way you looked at a place? I’d love to hear which one.
June 21, 2026
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Treasured Island by Michael Gross was a fascinating deep dive into the history of St. Barth that exceeded my expectations. I went in expecting a historical account, but instead found myself immersed in a captivating story filled with colorful personalities, fascinating events, and the island's remarkable transformation over the centuries.
What impressed me most was the depth of the research. Gross blends historical detail with engaging storytelling, making the book feel like much more than a history lesson. I was consistently curious to see what chapter of the island's past would come next, and the pages flew by.
If you enjoy narrative nonfiction, social history, or books that bring fascinating places to life, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR. I finished it with a much greater appreciation for the rich and unexpected history behind one of the Caribbean's most iconic islands.
Treasured Island by Michael Gross was a fascinating deep dive into the history of St. Barth that exceeded my expectations. I went in expecting a historical account, but instead found myself immersed in a captivating story filled with colorful personalities, fascinating events, and the island's remarkable transformation over the centuries.
What impressed me most was the depth of the research. Gross blends historical detail with engaging storytelling, making the book feel like much more than a history lesson. I was consistently curious to see what chapter of the island's past would come next, and the pages flew by.
If you enjoy narrative nonfiction, social history, or books that bring fascinating places to life, I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR. I finished it with a much greater appreciation for the rich and unexpected history behind one of the Caribbean's most iconic islands.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
***Goodreads Giveaway Win***
One-sentence summary: A tale of the development of St. Barth, the Caribbean Island.
Vibes: real-estate; tropical; French; scabrous
Review: This isn't fair but I'm reviewing this book based on what I wanted it to be instead of what it was. I wanted it to be a non-fiction tale of what it's like for the people who live on St. Barth and how that dealt with the evolution through development of the island. Michael Gross is a great writer, I want him to write that book. Unfortunately he wrote this book. It's felt like collection of real-estate transactions and French names. There was nothing engrossing to pull me through. Disappointed.
One-sentence summary: A tale of the development of St. Barth, the Caribbean Island.
Vibes: real-estate; tropical; French; scabrous
Review: This isn't fair but I'm reviewing this book based on what I wanted it to be instead of what it was. I wanted it to be a non-fiction tale of what it's like for the people who live on St. Barth and how that dealt with the evolution through development of the island. Michael Gross is a great writer, I want him to write that book. Unfortunately he wrote this book. It's felt like collection of real-estate transactions and French names. There was nothing engrossing to pull me through. Disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This is a comprehensive well-researched history of the island. It describes the stories of a wide range of folks who visited, invested, stole etc. over the years. I think it would be interesting for people with a connection to St Barth’s but I haven’t even been there yet so I didn’t find it interesting, so I was mostly skimming it. I regret entering the giveaway as the book should have gone to someone more suitable. Thanks to the author & publisher for the giveaway opportunity that enabled me to win this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is an amazing story of a small island from its humble beginnings to its current place as a playground for the very rich. Michael Gross weaves a wonderful tale of rogues and other odd characters to create a wonderful narrative.
Did Not Finish
August 2, 2026Didn’t hate the little bit I read but it came across as more of a list of events and people rather than a narrative to keep me interested.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews