Paradise, but not for amateurs. In Aruba, far from the sparkling beaches and glamorous hotels lies a waning refinery boomtown of barroom brothels, flexible morality, and one tourist trap known as Charlie's Bar. Luz, a young Colombian woman works as a prostitute to pay her family's debt only to discover a place that gives as much as it takes even she risks her soul. PARADISE, BUT NOT FOR AMATEURS. It's no secret that the tiny island of Aruba, which boasts the most repeat visitors in the Caribbean, has a cult following of Americans who, year after year, have lazed away vacation days on her soft, sugary-white beaches. But lately, these Aruba-philes are talking about more than Balashi Beer and divi-divi trees. Many are lining up to meet the author of a popular book which is set in Aruba's refinery town of San Nicolaas. In his novel An Island Away, part-time expat Daniel Putkowski reveals the flip side of paradise, much to the delight of long-time visitors. From the first sentence of the book, readers discover that San Nicolaas, Aruba, is a stark contrast to the pristine beaches and hotels on the other end of the island. In this town, there are a variety of brothels operating within a Zone of Tolerance. It is here that the lives of Putkowski's characters intertwine and venture down paths none of them planned. The choices they make are sure to spark much heated debate among readers. "Like it or not," Putkowski says, "This part of the Caribbean is rarely seen. It may not be pretty, but it is authentic." The author is not afraid to delve into difficult social issues, most notably prostitution, a topic which never seems to fade from the headlines. His protagonist is a young Colombian woman who works in Aruba's red light district to pay off her family's debt. Through his characters, Putkowski reminds readers that the skin trade is not an abstract, victimless crime. "Too many people are quick to dismiss the motives of the men and women who engage in this activity," the author states. "I challenge them to look deeper, to see what's really happening behind closed doors. Many will be surprised." --Hawser Press So real ... it can't be fiction. --Robert Gibson, Owner Aruba Eloquent, Savaneta, Aruba A brilliant read. Reveals a part of the island most tourists never see. --René Koppejan & Harold van den Burg, Owners, Astoria Hotel Bar & Restaurant, San Nicolaas, Aruba American author Daniel Putkowski, captivated by Aruba's cultural diversity, divides his time between the island and a suburb of Philadelphia. He is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. A sequel to An Island Away titled Under a Blue Flag will follow Putkowski's next release, Bonk's Bar, due June 2009. Used Book in Good Condition