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An Island Away
Paradise, but not for amateurs. In Aruba, far from the sparkling beaches and glamorous hotels lies a waning refinery boomtown of barroom brothels, flexible morality, and one tourist trap known as Charlie's Bar. Luz, a young Colombian woman works as a prostitute to pay her family's debt only to discover a place that gives as much as it takes even she risks her soul.
- GenresFiction
496 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2008
23 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Putkowski
6 books5 followersAmerican author Daniel Putkowski, captivated by Aruba's cultural diversity, divides his time between the island, Spain, and a suburb of Philadelphia. He is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. A sequel to An Island Away titled Under a Blue Flag will follow Putkowski's next release, Bonks Bar, due early 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 8, 2012
I want someone to option ths for a movie. I picked this up to read during my husband's & my honeymoon in Aruba since that is where the book is set. An infamous beer joint is prominently featured in it, so of course we set out to find it. Once inside & a couple of cocktails downed, we struck up a conversation with a nice young couple only to discover the man was the very author of this book. He was excited to learn someone other than his family & friends had actually purchased it & was reading it. Long story short, he grilled me as to how far along I was by asking if I had "met" various characters. One was "Frankie the cholo", to which I said"sure the hapless homeless drunk?" Minutes later Frankie himself stumbled down the sidewalk outside the bar. All the locals began to throw their change out the open windows at him to keep him from entering because he was just recuperating from TB.
"Have you met Luz yet?", quizzed Putkowski. "Of course, your hooker with a heart of gold protagonist!". Little did I know that my little excited response would culminate in a quick stroll down the street for a visit to the whore house where Luz worked, & the four of us laughed, gawked, & swilled more bevvies. Not many newly-weds get to brag about visiting whore houses on their honeymoons, I bet. Thanks for the awesome honeymoon memory/ story, drinks, inspired conversation & great read, Daniel P! Now where's your next one?????
"Have you met Luz yet?", quizzed Putkowski. "Of course, your hooker with a heart of gold protagonist!". Little did I know that my little excited response would culminate in a quick stroll down the street for a visit to the whore house where Luz worked, & the four of us laughed, gawked, & swilled more bevvies. Not many newly-weds get to brag about visiting whore houses on their honeymoons, I bet. Thanks for the awesome honeymoon memory/ story, drinks, inspired conversation & great read, Daniel P! Now where's your next one?????
April 19, 2016
If you are traveling to Aruba and want light reading for the beach, DON'T chose this book. To be fair, I only made it to Chapter 7 before I gave up and, no, I didn't abandon it because my holiday was over. I just could not tolerate or identify with the two main character: middle-aged, narcissistic, addiction plagued, Peter Pans. These guys (and their friendship) are stuck in adolescence--a time when life is ruled by sex/girls, alcohol/drugs, games (video, sports, cards) and relatively free of adult responsibilities or consequences. How these two managed to survive to celebrate one's 50th birthday without either of them being imprisoned or HIV positive is the real mystery of this book. Frankly, there are enough of these men-children in real life, why take them on vacation? My recommendation: anything by Toby Neal--all the more fun if your holiday is in Hawaii.
March 2, 2021
An Island Away finished the only way it could have. I knew the two culminating events were going to happen the way they did. I just didn’t know it until halfway through book three. Actually, I didn’t know what the book was about at all until I got to the last third of it. An Island Away is a lot of detail for the sake of detail. The details don’t drive the plot. To be honest, the details don’t do a whole lot for character development either. The men were 50-year-old frat boys, and the women were whores. It wasn’t until the book started unpacking Luz that it got marginally interesting. I couldn’t help but wonder how a white American man knew so much about the inner mind of a Colombian sex worker…
That said, the reason I read the book was because I was in Aruba, and it’s the most famous novel set in Aruba. The details are about the place not the people or the plot. I confessing to walking main street, phone Kindle app in hand, pointing out each of the bars and asking lots of questions of the bartenders at Charlie’s. That part was fun. It’s not every day you get to walk the streets of the novel you’re reading. It was just hard to tell what was different because of the passage of time and what was different because of COVID. San Nicholaas is not what it used to be, but then nothing is.
Philosophically, the book is about dreams deferred. Nobody gets what they want. The characters’ attempts at pleasure seeking are short lived. Unless you interpret the moral of the story to be that the now is all we have so we must hold on to it fiercely. There’s so much talk about the ocean and the wind. Both are the island’s driving forces. One of the core characters is always navigating them on his boats. The nature descriptions remind us that we’re not really in control. Of any of the things. Important life lesson but too depressing for me to read another 486 pages in a sequel.
The plot of this book could be summed in a sentence, but you don’t read An Island Away for the plot. You read for the place—one happy island and the philosophy—don’t fall in love. Charlie warns everyone not to fall in love, but I guess I did a little with the world and the characters. I wanted them to get what they wanted even if it were wildly impractical. But Aruba can’t love you back. It shows its tourists a good time knowing full well they will move on leaving the place a little more world weary and the philosophy a lot more true than they’d like to admit.
That said, the reason I read the book was because I was in Aruba, and it’s the most famous novel set in Aruba. The details are about the place not the people or the plot. I confessing to walking main street, phone Kindle app in hand, pointing out each of the bars and asking lots of questions of the bartenders at Charlie’s. That part was fun. It’s not every day you get to walk the streets of the novel you’re reading. It was just hard to tell what was different because of the passage of time and what was different because of COVID. San Nicholaas is not what it used to be, but then nothing is.
Philosophically, the book is about dreams deferred. Nobody gets what they want. The characters’ attempts at pleasure seeking are short lived. Unless you interpret the moral of the story to be that the now is all we have so we must hold on to it fiercely. There’s so much talk about the ocean and the wind. Both are the island’s driving forces. One of the core characters is always navigating them on his boats. The nature descriptions remind us that we’re not really in control. Of any of the things. Important life lesson but too depressing for me to read another 486 pages in a sequel.
The plot of this book could be summed in a sentence, but you don’t read An Island Away for the plot. You read for the place—one happy island and the philosophy—don’t fall in love. Charlie warns everyone not to fall in love, but I guess I did a little with the world and the characters. I wanted them to get what they wanted even if it were wildly impractical. But Aruba can’t love you back. It shows its tourists a good time knowing full well they will move on leaving the place a little more world weary and the philosophy a lot more true than they’d like to admit.
August 20, 2023
No doubt like many other people who have read this book, I picked it up because I had recently been to Aruba. The idea of reading a novel set on the island was appealing.
In the end, though, I only completed it out of a sense of duty. If it hadn't been for my familiarity with the setting, then I would almost certainly have given up.
Some credit must go to Putkowski for the fact that I did at least want to find out what happened at the end. But the main feeling once I had turned the last page was that I had just wasted several hours of my life that I won't get back.
A long read - almost 500 pages – An Island Away is written well enough, without being particularly stylish. The problem is with the content, which largely focusses on the drinking and whoring escapades of Sam, a supposedly loveable local rogue who now lives in the US but is drawn back to the island to seek the woman of his dreams.
The main tension surrounds the fate of Luz, a Colombian prostitute working in the island's oil refinery town of San Nicolaas, and whether she will throw her lot in with Sam or another US citizen, Beck, who has arrived in Aruba under unusual circumstances.
While that storyline bubbles along, however, the book concentrates mainly on providing exhaustive details of the sexual services that Luz is forced to provide to her clients, allied to various tales of Sam's partying around the town's late-night drinking clubs.
Throughout the novel it's never quite clear whether we should be admiring Sam for his happy-go-lucky sense of adventure and fun, laughing at him for his absurd posturing and self-deception, or condemning him for his exploitative behaviour.
Unfortunately I suspect the author has more than a sneaking admiration for the rather annoying main character, as he may well have for many of the other dissolutes that populate the book. While he seems to be making the general point that society should be slower to condemn people who seek and provide fun in unorthodox ways, beyond that it's difficult to discern what he is actually getting at.
In the end, it's the lack of a philosophical framework to the book that is its greatest weakness. My advice if you have been to Aruba and are tempted to give it a try: don't bother.
In the end, though, I only completed it out of a sense of duty. If it hadn't been for my familiarity with the setting, then I would almost certainly have given up.
Some credit must go to Putkowski for the fact that I did at least want to find out what happened at the end. But the main feeling once I had turned the last page was that I had just wasted several hours of my life that I won't get back.
A long read - almost 500 pages – An Island Away is written well enough, without being particularly stylish. The problem is with the content, which largely focusses on the drinking and whoring escapades of Sam, a supposedly loveable local rogue who now lives in the US but is drawn back to the island to seek the woman of his dreams.
The main tension surrounds the fate of Luz, a Colombian prostitute working in the island's oil refinery town of San Nicolaas, and whether she will throw her lot in with Sam or another US citizen, Beck, who has arrived in Aruba under unusual circumstances.
While that storyline bubbles along, however, the book concentrates mainly on providing exhaustive details of the sexual services that Luz is forced to provide to her clients, allied to various tales of Sam's partying around the town's late-night drinking clubs.
Throughout the novel it's never quite clear whether we should be admiring Sam for his happy-go-lucky sense of adventure and fun, laughing at him for his absurd posturing and self-deception, or condemning him for his exploitative behaviour.
Unfortunately I suspect the author has more than a sneaking admiration for the rather annoying main character, as he may well have for many of the other dissolutes that populate the book. While he seems to be making the general point that society should be slower to condemn people who seek and provide fun in unorthodox ways, beyond that it's difficult to discern what he is actually getting at.
In the end, it's the lack of a philosophical framework to the book that is its greatest weakness. My advice if you have been to Aruba and are tempted to give it a try: don't bother.
January 31, 2020
This is the story of the other side of Aruba - the side that the tourist don't see. This book covers a big part of the Caribbean that is hardly ever seen - the world of brothels and bars. Told mostly from the perspective of characters Luz (a whore), Sam (a part time Arubian), Charlie (a bar owner) and Beck (a sailor), readers are given an insight into this darker part of the island. Luz is trying to make fast money for her son and her family back in Columbia before they lose their home there. Sam is an elder gentleman that has been married 3 times and is still looking for "the one" and thinks that Luz might be it. Beck has come to Aruba is a washed up passenger when the ship he was on crashes and sinks. Lucky to be alive, Charlie, Sam and Luz nurse him back to health. Charlie - the mediator - is constanly telling the men to not fall in love, and keep their distance, but they don't want to listen. In the end, Luz needs to decide what - and who - are best for her family and her son to secure her future.
This book wasn't great. I didn't want to read it - had put it off for a long time because I started it and didn't like it. However,in researching books for Aruba, this one kept being recommended over and over as one of the best sellers there. So, I decided to give it another try. It wasn't poorly written - not at all. It is actually well wrtiten. But it isn't my style. It is a bit raunchy and sort of a romance novel mixed in with a look at this side of one of the most beautiful tourist islands. And it is LONG for this type of novel.
Because this isn't my style of writing, I don't recommend it. However if you like a little bit of a racy book about prostitutes and the men around them - then this book is for you.
December 5, 2025
This was a book I actually found in a Little Free Library on Aruba, and I was looking for a fictional read set there for my read around the world challenge. Well-written and written by an author who has put in a lot of island time—it was a good read that was a quality mix of island history (the build-up along with the more salacious) and engaging storytelling. After a slower start (this is a long one!), I became super invested into the characters and their individual storylines.
If you’re looking for a book that brings you back to Aruba, this is it.
If you’re looking for a book that brings you back to Aruba, this is it.
July 10, 2017
I would've given up on this if I hadn't recently been to Aruba. The plot meanders, leaving the reader wondering where any of this is going, particularly as the characters go back and forth. I was surprised by the ending. Anyway, unless you're planning a trip to Aruba or are familiar with the island, I wouldn't recommend it highly.
August 18, 2020
DNF - I started to read because I was in Aruba and thought I might find it interesting, but the characters are completely dull. I don't like to gender books, but this has a very boyishness that I found completely uninteresting.
May 17, 2022
If you have ever traveled to Aruba I recommend this book. Then you need to go back and check out the bar Charlies in Aruba. This fictional story was inspired by real stories that are both tragic yet hopeful.
Want to read
June 27, 2019Aruba
October 8, 2020
Good summer read
February 12, 2023
Great read
This was a wonderful story with engaging characters that takes place in one of my favorite places on earth...Aruba. Enjoy
This was a wonderful story with engaging characters that takes place in one of my favorite places on earth...Aruba. Enjoy
September 7, 2012
So today I stayed in my car for 45 minutes so I could finish this book. I knew that if I came inside the house other life duties would make it impossible for me to finish it today. And I wanted so badly to know what happened to this sweet group of characters. Luz the Colombian prostitute, Captain Beck, Samito Prince of San Nicholaas, the famous Charlie and Frankie the surprisingly smart and toothless bum.
These people live on the other side of Aruba, less of a tourist attraction, more industrial, full of memories of past more affluent times.
It was interesting to learn that the town of San Nicholaas is a real town, with a real refinery, a real Charlie's and real legal prostitution.
I really enjoyed this story, poignant with a happy, party-all-the-time facade. The characters all felt real, dreamers, hoping for better times again, for the perfect woman, for a boat, for new teeth...
I was left hoping for more history on Frankie, the perfect town bum. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the author will use this character on another book
One pretty big complaint I have, a pet peeve of mine...when the characters spoke Spanish, which thankfully was not very often, the Spanish grammar was completely off. These people are Colombian, Venezuelan, Mexican. They wouldn't make such grammatical errors. Mr. Putkowski needs a Spanish speaking friend to edit his books.
These people live on the other side of Aruba, less of a tourist attraction, more industrial, full of memories of past more affluent times.
It was interesting to learn that the town of San Nicholaas is a real town, with a real refinery, a real Charlie's and real legal prostitution.
I really enjoyed this story, poignant with a happy, party-all-the-time facade. The characters all felt real, dreamers, hoping for better times again, for the perfect woman, for a boat, for new teeth...
I was left hoping for more history on Frankie, the perfect town bum. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the author will use this character on another book
One pretty big complaint I have, a pet peeve of mine...when the characters spoke Spanish, which thankfully was not very often, the Spanish grammar was completely off. These people are Colombian, Venezuelan, Mexican. They wouldn't make such grammatical errors. Mr. Putkowski needs a Spanish speaking friend to edit his books.
January 31, 2013
I'm a frequent visitor to Aruba and picked up this book since I heard it was written by an Aruban author. I expected a light beach read. Instead, it is a compelling story about women working in the red light district in Aruba. I couldn't put it down once I started it - since I really grew to care about the characters. The women who work in the red light district arrive from other countries where they are trying to escape extreme poverty. Many expect to only do this type of work for a few months to earn enough money to help their families.....many have children and families they are supporting in another country who are completely dependent on their earnings. The story helps the reader understand how these women wound up doing this type of work and it makes you feel compassion for them.
Bravo to Daniel Putkowski. It's a great read.
Bravo to Daniel Putkowski. It's a great read.
July 4, 2012
My husband and I saw this book in the gift shop while we were there for our honeymoon. I was interested and my husband got it for me. I started reading it there, on the beach and I was instantly hooked. We didn't make it down to Charlies Bar but we plan to go back to Aruba next year and we will make a point to visit Charlie's Bar! GREAT story- interesting character development and a page turner in its own right.
August 16, 2012
This book was a vacation purchase since I was in Aruba and it's set in Aruba. I enjoyed reading about places I had been, and could certainly feel the flavor of Aruba.
This book is set in San Nicholas, which is a vastly different place than the High Rise area of Aruba. I wonder how much of the culture described is based on reality? I look forward to going back to Aruba and spending some time at Charlie's Bar to find out for myself!
This book is set in San Nicholas, which is a vastly different place than the High Rise area of Aruba. I wonder how much of the culture described is based on reality? I look forward to going back to Aruba and spending some time at Charlie's Bar to find out for myself!
July 28, 2014
This was an interesting read for its look at life for the residents of an exotic island - where many people visit and wish they could stay. But, according to this book it's only drunks and prostitutes who actually make it their home. Not a bad story, but I'm really sick of the "golden hearted prostitute" storyline. Can we please have a female character that's not defined entirely by her looks and who she sleeps with, please?
July 6, 2009
A very interesting account from the non-resort/tourist side of the island. He really makes you feel like you are there with the characters. They way the characters' storylines intertwine keeps you turning the page! The last chapter/last page of the book was a perfect ending, made me nod my head in agreement. Couldn't have been better!
October 4, 2011
Really enjoyed this book. I saw it in the gift shop in Aruba and my friend Belinda gave it to me a month later for my b-day. I thought not being on the Island (as I first thought I might read it there) it would loose some of the luster but no way. Loved the characters and enjoyed the culture, the romance and the spicey side of the novel. Going to Aruba and want to borrow it...?
May 7, 2016
A fun little (big!) book, in need of an editor. Absolutely required reading prior to a visit to Aruba (at least start it...), and then head down to San Nicolas and find Charlie's Bar.
I read a good little bit of it, and likely am setting it aside forever. If ever I find myself heading back Aruba-ward, will pick up where I left off (that kind of book).
I read a good little bit of it, and likely am setting it aside forever. If ever I find myself heading back Aruba-ward, will pick up where I left off (that kind of book).
August 2, 2010
My friend Dan’s first novel, about the red light district (a.k.a. “Zone of tolerance”) on the island nation of Aruba. The novel follows the life of bar and brothel owners, the tourists and local patrons and the young Columbian women who come to work as prostitutes.
July 26, 2013
Immensely enjoyed this book - can't wait to start the sequel. The characters were so real I felt like I knew them and I became invested in their lives. Love Aruba and it was interesting to see the "other side" of the island.
August 29, 2015
Loved this book! Read it on the beach in Aruba. Fun to know the area, some of the characters I swear I have met! Gives a different angle than the pristine beaches and resorts! I couldn't wait for the next book!
March 1, 2012
Loved it. As a regular visitor to Aruba it was easy to feel like you were part of the story.
July 2, 2012
If you've been to Aruba you will appreciate this book...good story
August 14, 2013
Loved it and cannot not wait to start the sequel, "under a blue flag".
December 5, 2018
Without an Island Away, I wouldn't have discovered Zeerovers restaurant. Not only a great story but a great travel guide to the darker side of Paradise. Grab before you go to Aruba. Great read.
Read
January 23, 2017Enjoyable!
May 21, 2023
enjoyable
This was an enjoyable and easy read that I enjoyed as I sat on Palm Beach with my ties in the sand this past week
This was an enjoyable and easy read that I enjoyed as I sat on Palm Beach with my ties in the sand this past week
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews