One Big Damn Puzzler

What a fantastic read this was. I had thought it was going to be humorous book about books – and it is – but it’s so much more too. The story of how the islanders lose their innocence is full of originality and is witty, dramatic, deep, funny, sad, magical and at times also grotesque. All of this blends together into perfect mixture of a tale that will make you re-think your ideas about the meaning of life. It made me laugh out loud but at other times I was moved to tears. It’s also caused me to feel the need to read more Shakespeare, although it’s by no means necessary to do so in order to enjoy this book. I am going to be buying more copies of this book to give as gifts because I think everyone will take away something from show more reading this. show less

This book made me laugh out loud, and it also made me reflect on the effect we have as people on other societies.
You cannot describe this book. It is the story of a man with OCD trying to find his way on an island that challenges all the safety systems he has in place in his head to prevent anything bad from happening to him. It is also the story of an island, lost in its own time and traditions, and blissfully so, until the arrival of outsiders who create chaos and catastrophe then leave.
Where else could you find an elderly tribesman (the only villager who can read) trying to translate Hamlet into a language the villagers can understand, or a society who regularly communes with their dead relatives.
A brilliant original novel, show more although I found the ending a little disappointing. show less

Argh, trying to think what tags describe this book make me realise what a large sprawling novel it is!

Our protagonist is a American lawyer (William Hardt) who goes to a South Pacific island to see about getting compensation for the inhabitants after their island is stuffed up by the American military (riddled with landmines, that sort of thing). And the chief islander (Managua) is trying to translate Shakespeare's finest play (Hamlet, naturally) into the local pidgin dialect - hence the title, a pidgen translation of "that is the question".

Our hero gets in the way, and gets suckered into the island culture. But there is so much more to it than can be expressed by that one sentence! Personally, I loved the hut where the men (and only the show more men) spend their nights, eating hallucinogens and talking with the spirits of their dead. And the shitting beach. And Lucy (the local anthropologist) teasing out the culture, especially the whole concept of conception (no pun intended).

My favourite bit would have to be the ending, when William returns to the island. (I can't say more without giving things away, and this is the sort of book where you have to read it and have it all unfold in front of you.)

A very fascinating read, highly recommended. show less

This book is incredible! It explores the lifestyle of an isolated society, the "civilized" reaction to it, and their influence on each other. It is funny, sad, and most of all thought-provoking. Like any imagined society, the reasoning is not perfect and the ending especially is exaggerated, but it gets its point across. Harding's writing style is engaging and enjoyable. There are a few unnecessarily crass moments, but it doesn't diminish the book and my reaction is probably more an indication of my own sense of humor. SPOILER: I am still torn over the main focus of the novel - whether or not brining "civilization" to the primitive people is more beneficial than harmful. the loss of their culture is the most saddening. there certainly show more are huge detriments outlined at the end of the novel, but I think with more time many of these would have resolved into a better place. Plus, as I am a firm believer int he importance of literacy, I keep coming back tot he fact that at least the people received that which will expand their intelligence. But is it really necessary to expand their intelligence? Certainly, overall, they were happier beforehand? I know, personally, it is often my reasoning that breeds frustration and depression. show less

This one took me a while to read but I'm not sure why. I really enjoyed the story and especially the humor. I think the message is good and enjoyed the delivery method. The book gives insight into the American idea that we know what is best for everyone. I also thought it gave a great portrayal of OCD . I would definitely recommend it.

This is one of the most bizarre books I have read. I think I enjoyed it for the most part. I don’t think it would get published in 2023 due to some dated terminology and handling of people.

We all imagine a being on a tropical island, in the sun, the roaring ocean, with innocent and beautiful natives giving us everything we need. John Harding gives this to us with plenty of add-ons: Shakespeare, OCD, innocence and its loss, and the Western materialistic mentality.

An American lawyer comes to this untouched island, meets the natives, and tries to obtain compensation for them from injuries as the result of left over land mines. The book turns into an allegory of American values running amok and attempts to give a world vision on today's events.

Harding uses humor, literary license, and great imagination to accomplish this task. I thank him for great and thoughtful entertainment.