Hotel Honolulu by Paul Theroux
Paul Theroux delivers a wickedly satirical novel that captures Hawaii's essence in an unprecedented way. Hotel Honolulu follows a down-on-his-luck writer who escapes to Waikiki and becomes manager of a low-rent establishment just blocks from the beach.
The Hotel Honolulu attracts an eclectic mix of guests—honeymooners, vacationers, wanderers, mythomaniacs, soldiers, and families—each arriving with their own quest for sun, love, happiness, or unnameable longings. Like Canterbury pilgrims, every visitor carries a story worth telling.
A Satirical Look at American Paradise
Theroux crafts a narrative that shifts seamlessly between hilarious and ribald moments to tender and tragic revelations. The novel provides a unique glimpse into the psychological landscape of Hawaii, peeling back the postcard-perfect veneer to reveal the complex human drama unfolding in this American paradise.
Set in Waikiki, the story explores the intersections of diverse lives converging at a single location. Each guest's narrative contributes to a larger tapestry of contemporary Hawaiian life, examining themes of family, desire, and the search for meaning in an exotic locale.
About Paul Theroux
PAUL THEROUX is the author of many highly acclaimed books. His novels include The Lower River, Jungle Lovers, and The Mosquito Coast, and his renowned travel books include Ghost Train to the Eastern Star and Dark Star Safari. He lives in Hawaii and on Cape Cod.
What Readers Experience
This paperback edition from Houghton Mifflin offers a character-driven ensemble cast that brings Waikiki to life through multiple perspectives. The novel serves as both entertainment and social commentary, blending humor with sharp observation of human nature in a tropical setting.
Hotel Honolulu stands as a distinctive entry in contemporary literature, offering vacation reading that goes beyond typical beach fare. Theroux's satirical approach creates a memorable portrait of Hawaii that challenges conventional paradise narratives while entertaining with wit and insight.
