To Have and Have Not

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Islands in the Stream is the story of an artist and adventurer, echoing the life of Hemingway himself. Rich with the sense of life and action characteristic of his writing, this compelling novel contains warmth of recollection and a glimpse of Hemingway's relaxed sense of humor. Beginning in the 1930s, it follows Thomas Hudson, a painter on the Gulf Stream island of Bimini, whose loneliness is interrupted by the visit of his three young sons. The narrative shifts to his antisubmarine activities off the coast of Cuba during World War II. Much of the story unfolds in a Havana bar, featuring a diverse cast of characters, including an aging prostitute who stands out as one of Hemingway's most vivid creations. The novel offers a brilliant portrait of the inner life of a complex and endlessly intriguing man, showcasing Hemingway at his mature best.