A posthumously published novel in three parts. Set in the Caribbean, the stories follow the main character during different periods of his life. The first part introduces Thomas Hudson, an American artist living quietly on a small island in the Bahamas. His tranquil life is disturbed by the arrival of his three young children who need to be entertained. The two youngest boys die in an accident shortly after leaving the island.
The second part is set during WW2 and Hudson is now living in Cuba. Having just heard of the death of his only surviving son he is now bitter and cynical. Part three follows Hudson’s exploits as leader of a group of ‘irregulars’ who take on the task of patrolling the Gulf Stream for German U-boats.