Island of the Sequined Love Nun

A disgraced pilot accepts a job flying cargo for missionaries on a remote Micronesian island after being blacklisted in the United States. His only companions are an unusual navigator and a fruit bat with the ability to speak. The story takes place against the backdrop of a World War II-era cargo cult, where island natives maintain specific beliefs about foreigners and aircraft based on their historical experiences. The pilot begins to notice strange occurrences and discovers the missionary doctor and his wife are not what they appear to be. Through a series of encounters and revelations, the pilot must confront both the island's dark secrets and his own past mistakes. The narrative incorporates elements from Shakespeare's Hamlet while maintaining its own distinct path. The novel explores themes of redemption, cultural exploitation, and the intersection of modern commerce with traditional beliefs. Moore's work combines adventure and dark comedy to examine how people manipulate faith for personal gain.

Readers call this one of Moore's weaker novels, noting it doesn't reach the humor levels of his other works. The plot meanders and takes time to find its footing. Readers appreciated: - The quirky supporting characters, especially Roberto the fruit bat - Moore's signature absurdist humor and one-liners - The unique Pacific island setting - Creative incorporation of cargo cult elements Common criticisms: - Slow start - many readers struggled through first 100 pages - Main character Tucker Case lacks depth - Uneven pacing - Plot becomes convoluted Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (32,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (400+ ratings) Representative review: "Fun but forgettable. The bat steals every scene. Wish the rest of the book matched those moments." - Goodreads user Some readers recommend starting with Moore's other books like Lamb or A Dirty Job before trying this one.

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🌺 During World War II, real cargo cults emerged in Micronesia when native islanders built fake airstrips and wooden airplanes, hoping to attract the cargo planes they had seen delivering supplies to military bases. 🦇 The fruit bat featured in the novel is based on the Mariana fruit bat, a endangered species native to Micronesia that can have a wingspan of up to 3.5 feet. ✈️ Christopher Moore spent several weeks living in Micronesia to research the book, including visiting remote islands and studying local customs and beliefs. 🏝️ The novel's setting was inspired by the island of Yap, known for its unique traditional currency of large stone discs called "rai stones," some of which weigh several tons. 📚 This was Moore's fifth novel, published in 1997, and marked a significant departure from his previous works by incorporating extensive research about Pacific Island cultures and aviation.