If you enjoy smart, insightful stories packed with quirky, very human characters, this is your kind of book! Paradise News combines gentle British humor with thoughtful reflections on family, religion, sex, and the weirdness of modern tourism - all set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Hawaii. Fans of Nick Hornby, Richard Russo, or anyone who likes novels about personal change and life’s second chances will find plenty to enjoy here. Plus, Lodge’s compassionate writing and astute observations make it genuinely heartwarming and a bit bittersweet.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re looking for fast-paced action or riotous comedy, you might find Paradise News a tad slow and reserved. Some readers struggled with the heavy dose of religious themes, as well as the detailed focus on day-to-day practicalities like money, travel logistics, and family squabbles. The humor isn’t as sharp or laugh-out-loud funny as some of Lodge’s earlier works and the secondary characters don’t get much development. If you’re put off by stories with introspective or philosophical undertones, this novel may feel a little underwhelming.

A clever, gentle novel about redemption, faith, and family - witty and wise, if not Lodge’s funniest or fastest, but still a thoroughly enjoyable, thoughtful read.

About:

'Paradise News' by David Lodge follows the story of Bernard, a former Catholic priest traveling to Hawaii with his father to visit his dying aunt, Ursula. Throughout the journey, Bernard encounters various characters who play minor roles but contribute to his personal growth and understanding of life. Lodge vividly portrays Hawaii through Bernard's eyes, exploring themes of family, faith, and cultural differences. The story is a mix of humor, introspection, and character development, leaving readers intrigued by Bernard's experiences and relationships in a new setting.

Characters:

The characters are generally sympathetic but often lack depth, with the main focus on Bernard's journey and self-discovery.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines reflective prose with clever observations, though it lacks the confidence and humor found in Lodge's earlier works.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a former priest's journey to Hawaii for family and self-discovery, featuring interactions with supporting characters that highlight themes of love and personal reflection.

Setting:

The setting in Hawaii serves as a vibrant yet commercialized backdrop that contrasts with the characters' personal journeys.

Pacing:

The pacing tends to be slow and detailed, which some readers find plodding and meandering.

Leslie Pearson, Senior Representative (Airport Reception) of Travelwise Tours plc, surveys the passengers swarming in the Departures Concourse of Heathrow’s Terminal Four with an expression of mingled...

Notes:

The main character, Bernard, is a former Catholic priest who has lost his faith.

The story is set in Hawaii, where Bernard visits his dying aunt with his father.

The book explores themes of family, love, sex, and the loss of faith.

It has a comedic tone, though some readers feel it lacks the humor of Lodge's previous works.

The book critiques modern tourism and draws parallels to religious pilgrimage sites.

Sides characters in the tour group are present but not well-developed.

Many find Lodge's writing in this book less confident than in his earlier novels.

The protagonist's journey provides insights into American culture from a British perspective.

It presents a thoughtful examination of aging, dying, and the search for redemption.

Although some find it slow, others appreciate the character development and depth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book features medium content warnings, particularly related to themes of death, loss of faith, and religious references.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in the story, revolving around the protagonist's gradual discovery of love and emotional growth.

From The Publisher:

Paradise, tourist style. It's a very long way from home. Bernard Walsh is in Hawaii on family business, escorting his querulous father to the bedside of a long-forgotten aunt.

His mission transports him from quiet obscurity in Rummridge, England, to a lush tropical playground, from cloistered solitude into the unfamiliar company of package tourists: honeymooners; young women looking for Mr. Nice; families nuclear and fissile.

But it is the island itself that holds the most astonishing surprises, as an accidental encounter opens up to Bernard possibilities of life, and love, never dreamed of in his normally overcast habitat.

Paradise News is an enchanting--and very funny--portrait of the late flowering of an honest man.

January 1991

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368 pages

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Paradise News

David Lodge

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