Martin Keats

With the Current: the Adventure of Two Lifetimes Martin Keats

Faced with the loss of their means of income, Martin and Lee Keats jump at an opportunity to go to a small South Pacific island to do a little charity work and exploring. This initial six-month stint leads to a further three years in Tonga managing a holiday house. With the Current chronicles the true life escapades of this adventurous couple as they deal with the contrasts and quirks of a culture unlike their own, some aspects of which they love and others that present much more of a challenge. At first, each week seems to bring a new exploit or an amusing story to tell and, armed with a positive attitude, they enjoy many memorable experiences. Then gradually it all falls apart as Martin appears to undergo a change of personality. He becomes increasingly sullen and intolerant and as they struggle to cope with the effects of these changes, their marriage is stretched to breaking point. With The Current is a funny and engaging account of their four-year adventure in the South Pacific, and with Martin being a keen surfer, descriptions throughout the narrative of surfing episodes mirror the highs and lows of this time. With the Current should appeal to people who enjoy reading personal accounts of experiences in a different culture. It should also strike a chord with those who have suffered a sudden change of fortune, not to mention those who simply appreciate a good laugh.