This short book explores some interesting ideas. It starts off in the late teens in New York City. The main character, Sara, meets a young man named Phillip who is part of the advant-guarde elite. 

As they age during the 1920s, they explore art and marriage and politics. Then, the Depression affects everything and soon after, German Jews begin to arrive. 

In the 30s, obviously times are hard and Phillip is offered a job gathering carved wooden masks from islands in the South Seas.

After being brought to their temporary destination by a Japanese cruise ship, they have only a few days to achieve their goal of obtaining the masks. Their first night on the island is met with a terrible storm that rips away their tent. The tent poles become lodged in a village tree hut and create an unintentional lightning rod. Lightning strikes the poles, the hut catches fire, and the inhabitants perish.

The consequences of this terrible act are many and intense. Phillip and Sara end up stranded on the island for a very long time. Long enough that they don't realize the world has gone to war. Long enough that they miss decades of Western history. 

It was an interesting concept for me to read of missing so many moments that I take for granted. My privilege often creates a lens in which I just couldn't imagine not knowing certain historical moments are happening. Obviously there are even areas of the modern world still experiencing this. 

This story felt really different from a lot of what I've read in my life. I don't really have anything to compare it to. I would be interested to hear what others think of this one.