Treasured Island

The Story of St. Barth . . . and Its Barbarians, Billionaires, and Beauties

De: Michael Gross

Narrado por: Stephen Mendel

A hugely entertaining social history of the elite and exclusive Caribbean island of St. Barthélemy from the New York Times bestselling author of Model and 740 Park.

St. Barthelemy is revered for its luxury, its stunning beaches and its VIP fans. Those who’ve either been there or hope to go, know St. Bart’s—or St. Barth, depending on your level of Francophilia—as the place for the beautiful people, the ultimate see-and-be-seen scene.

Over three decades, acclaimed social chronicler Michael Gross has taken dozens of extended trips to this gorgeous, sultry paradise and knows it almost as a local. In his captivating and detailed history, this “premier chronicler of the rich” (Gay Talese) reveals how the island grew from a barren volcanic island with sometimes in-bred, impoverished residents and no creature comforts to an elite port of call where entertainment, tech, and fashion celebrities, old money, nouveau riche, and international oligarchs vie for tables in chic, expensive restaurants; where pristine beaches, superyachts, and spectacular hotels and lavish private villas are playgrounds for the American, European, and Asian upper class. And some locals have gotten rich off them all.

This is an enticing and entertaining work that combines impeccable reporting and delicious commentary. It is essential reading for everybody who is anybody—or wants to be.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Fantastic and in depth

Loved the scope and detail of the island’s transformation. A really wonderful look at the people and events that shaped the island.

The narration was stilted and really hard to listen to. Pauses mid sentence broke up the flow and meaning. The pronunciation of cities, towns, brands and more made it clear the narrator had probably never been to or heard of them. Difficult at best.

I would suggest skip the narrated version and just read the book. Because the book is fantastic.