The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson is a novel set in late 1950s Puerto Rico, following the experiences of a newspaper journalist named Paul Kemp. The story captures the decadence, drinking, and eccentricity of the tropics, as Kemp navigates through a world of low-life laughs, drunken adventures, and inner conflicts, all while painting a vivid picture of the era and the characters he encounters.

The narrative is a mix of autobiographical elements and fiction, showcasing Thompson's early writing style before his more infamous works. Through Kemp's journey, the book explores themes of disillusionment, self-discovery, and the allure of the expatriate lifestyle, all set against a backdrop of rum-soaked escapades and colorful characters that provide insight into Thompson's development as a writer.

Characters:

The characters are dysfunctional and unlikable, showcasing self-destructive tendencies, with the protagonist reflecting relatable flaws.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is introspective and observational, blending humor with darker themes and showcasing a unique narrative voice.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is minimal and episodic, resembling a diary that lacks a structured narrative and instead portrays glimpses of daily life.

Setting:

The setting is late 1950s Puerto Rico, characterized by vibrancy and cultural richness, underlying the struggles of the expat lifestyle.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and episodic, often feeling aimless with moments of action but lacking dramatic tension.

I did some drinking there on the night I left for San Juan. Phil Rollins, who’d worked with me, was paying for the ale, and I was swilling it down, trying to get drunk enough to sleep on the plane. Ar...

Notes:

The Rum Diary is Hunter S. Thompson's second novel, written at the age of 22.

Thompson wrote the novel based on his own experiences as a journalist in Puerto Rico.

Although it was completed in the early 1960s, The Rum Diary wasn't published until 1998.

The story features Paul Kemp, a young journalist in Puerto Rico during the late 1950s.

The novel reflects themes of disillusionment and the pursuit of the 'American Dream' in a foreign land.

Thompson's writing style in The Rum Diary is considered more straightforward than his later works, lacking heavy drug influences.

The narrative hints at the chaotic and often irresponsible lifestyles of journalists in Puerto Rico.

The book is a semi-autobiographical recount of Thompson's own life and experiences, filled with alcohol, love triangles, and personal reflection.

This work lacks a traditional plot, focusing more on character interactions and everyday events.

Thompson struggled to get The Rum Diary published; it was rejected multiple times before its eventual release.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include heavy drinking, misogyny, and themes of violence and corruption.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate presence of romance in the story, specifically a love triangle involving the main character.

From The Publisher:

Made into a major motion picture starring Johnny Depp, The Rum Diary-a national bestseller and New York Times Notable Book-is Hunter S. Thompson's brilliant love story of jealousy, treachery, and violent lust in the Caribbean.

Begun in 1959 by a twenty-two-year-old Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary is a brilliantly tangled love story of jealousy, treachery, and violent alcoholic lust in the Caribbean boomtown that was San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the late 1950s. The narrator, freelance journalist Paul Kemp, irresistibly drawn to a sexy, mysterious woman, is soon thrust into a world where corruption and get-rich-quick schemes rule, and anything (including murder) is permissible. Exuberant and mad, youthful and energetic, this dazzling comedic romp provides a fictional excursion as riveting and outrageous as Thompson's Fear and Loathing books.

Ratings (10)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

Hunter S. Thompson was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. His books include Hell's Angels, Fear and Loathing at Rolling Stone, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72, The Rum Diary, and Better than Sex. He died in February 2005.

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The Rum Diary

Hunter S. Thompson