I came to know about this book after watching the movie only.
I can't speak for the movie but there are some words for sure about the novel.
The main character is Paul Kemp who comes to San Juan, an island, as a journalist. He meets a lot of different people and had varied experiences during his stay.
There is a girls Chenault who is girlfriend of his friend/colleague.
The whole novel is full of inebriated encounters of different types with the local public, police and within themselves.
I really didn't find the novel very amusing or of any specific literary importance but it really showed the feelings of the characters like lust, jealousy, rage, alcohol parties and other emotions, I will include even madness. I will say that the author is quite successful in painting all these emotions.
The novel ends with Paul planning to go some other place and a brief encounter with Chenault.
Small novel and a good read but movie is a much better visual experience.
