The People in the Trees

Summary

The novel «The People in the Trees» tells the story of Norton Perina, a young doctor who embarks on an expedition to the fictional Micronesian island of Ivu'ivu. There, he discovers a tribe whose members possess remarkable longevity but suffer from progressive dementia. Perina links this phenomenon to a rare species of turtle, whose meat is consumed by the locals. His discovery brings him worldwide fame and a Nobel Prize, but also leads to devastating consequences for the island and its inhabitants. Eventually, Perina is accused of sexual abuse of his adopted children, casting doubt on his achievements and moral principles.