BARE WITH ME

In Siafu’s humorous debut, Preston Percival Goldfarb, proctologist, and his high-maintenance wife, Ruth Winkleman Goldfarb, take an unexpected vacation.

Percy (Preston) and his wife (known as Winkie or Winkie Tinks) have been married for 35 years, with seemingly nothing in common. While Preston is a hardworking man with a toupee and a slight gut, Winkie is a society woman with a broad frame and a big personality. Winkie tends to run the marriage and their household in every aspect, from raising their children to their yearly vacations. She’s gotten used to an annual beach vacation, complete with drinks and relaxing spa visits, but this year Preston has something else in mind: an adventurous eco tour in an island setting, close to Mother Nature. Unwilling to take a trip without the luxuries she’s used to, Winkie refuses, but Percy makes the reservation before she can stop him, not realizing that in his impatience he booked something a little different. For four days, Percy and Winkie find themselves on an island on a clothing-optional retreat for gay men, living off the land and learning about survival. Plus, Winkie’s trunk has been left at home, leaving her with nothing to wear but the clothes she has on. While Percy spends the first day wringing his hands over his mistake, Winkie swings into action, rounding up the other guests to find clothes, drinks and food to re-create the kind of vacation she wanted. Through her machinations, Percy and Winkie get to know a few of the other guests, as well as visitors to the island who have rather different pursuits in mind. What follows is a madcap series of events culminating in revenge, accidental dismemberment and more than a hint of dark comedy. Percy and Winkie can be grating, especially in the beginning of the book, but readers who stick with the story are in for an amusing and exciting romp into the unknown as the story wanders into unexpected, and perhaps a bit disturbing, territory. Winkie’s willingness to make the best of her situation is especially amusing, and the absurdity of the story may take readers by surprise.

A wild vacation full of humor and adventure.