There are two types of people looking for books set on a tropical island: those heading off on a tropical holiday who want something to read that will reflect the beautiful environment they’re in, and those wanting some sweet escapism that won’t break the bank. Whichever one you’re in, these 10 fiction books set on a tropical island will transport you to a world of sun, sand, and adventure. Get ready to embark on a literary journey to some of the most exotic and captivating places on earth, with titles ranging from romance to historical fiction, and even psychological thrillers!

1. The Beach by Alex Garland (1997)

This cult classic was the go-to reading material for young western backpackers in 90s Thailand, and was then turned into a blockbuster film starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio. Part full moon party, part Lord of the Flies, it tells the story of Richard, a young British backpacker searching for (and finding) a secret, forbidden island in a Thai archipelago. Unfortunately for Richard, unspoilt beauty soon unravels with dark, increasingly violent undercurrents. The dark plot contrasts brilliantly with the beautiful surroundings, with plenty of social commentary on the hedonistic 90s and the increasingly futile search for an untouched corner of the world.

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2. Island Affair: a Fun Summer Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras (2020)

The perfect summer beach read, this romantic comedy is set in scenic Key West in Florida and is full of laughs, tender moments, and Latinx cultural references. When Sara Vance’s unreliable boyfriend fails to turn up to a family vacation in Florida, the social media  influencer recruits Luis Navarro, a firefighter, paramedic and dive captain, to play her devoted fiancé. The lines between real and fake soon blur, but as Sara is set to return home, will the fledgling relationship survive?

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3. The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson (1999)

This cult classic may not be your immediate go-to for a holiday read, but as it’s set in tropical Puerto Rico and is highly entertaining, we decided it’s good enough to count! Started in the late 1950s by Thompson when he was only 22 years old, it’s a brilliantly tangled love story of jealousy, treachery, and violent alcoholic lust set against the background of the Caribbean boomtown that was Puerto Rico’s San Juan in the 50s. Although not quite as famous as Thomson’s other classic, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, this comedic romp is hilarious and fascinating in its own right.

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4. The Last Resort by Susi Holliday (2020)

The perfect tropical island read for anyone who likes their fiction just a tad darker. This psychological sci-fi thriller is set on a remote, private tropical island, and sees seven strangers fight for survival at a mysterious high-tech resort. Forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful secrets to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past.

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5. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See (2019)

A mesmerising bestselling historical fiction novel about female friendship and family secrets on the small Korean island of Jeju. Mi-ja and Young-sook are two young women who join the local female-only diving collective, but although they are best friends, their vastly different backgrounds soon catch up with them.  The story takes place over several decades, beginning in the Japanese colonialism period of the 30s and 40s.

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6. Golden Child by Claire Adam (2020)

Set in 1980s Trinidad and Tobago, this deeply affecting novel offers a glimpse into the complicated life of families living in rural Trinidad. Highlighting themes such as poverty, loyalty, and love, it tells the story of a family being torn about by difficult decisions and sacrifice. Although obviously not light reading, this is a great book for those who are looking for uncluttered prose, depth and novels exploring the darker corners of the human experience.

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7. Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn (2020)

Ancient Hawaiian myths are expertly woven into a modern family saga in this bestselling debut novel that was apparently Obama’s favourite book in 2020. Set in Hawaii, this magical realism novel makes a perfect beach read, but can also transport you to magical Hawaii no matter where in the world you happen to be.

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8. Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher (2021)

In this fun romantic page-turner, reticent Marin Cole, finds herself on a tropical island alone, when her sister’s plan to get her to leave her Tennessee home backfires.  Thrown into the arms of a mysterious stranger, she undergoes a journey of self discovery and slowly falls in love.

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9. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (2019)

A summer beach read rom-com classic, this New York Times bestseller was an instant hit, and no beach read list would be complete without it. Two sworn enemies end up on a trip of a lifetime to a Hawaiian island when they travel to attend a wedding. In spite of all the drama, on this trip, anything can happen – even love.

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10. Float Plan by Trish Doller (2021)

Not one, but many tropical island in this bestselling romantic novel! Still getting over the lost of her fiancé, Anna sets sail on the sailing boat he left her and finds love and adventure in the Caribbean. Heart-warming and emotional, this is a page-turner with well rounded characters, sharp dialogue, and a beautiful setting.

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Know of any more great books that are set on a tropical island? Let us know in the comments below!

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