Philip Enright lives in Curaçao with his mother as Germany Invades Poland, starting World War II. German submarines surround the island of Curaçao. While attempting to leave in a ship heading to Virginia, one of the German submarines fires a torpedo that sinks the ship.
Philip manages to get on a floating wreck with Timothy, an old man of African descent, and a cat. They drift at sea for days until they reach an uninhabited Island. Together, they gather supplies and build a shelter.
As days go by, they keep track of how many days they have been trapped on the Island. After two months have passed and the possibility of being rescued becomes slim, they settle into their new home. The longer they stay together, the more they realize they can't stand each other. Philip had been influenced by his racist mother to hate people of color. Timothy, being the adult, overlooks Philip's prejudice against him. In time, they build a rapport as Timothy teaches Philip how to survive.
A violent hurricane hits the tiny island, which destroys everything in its path. Unfortunately, Timothy is unable to withstand the weather and dies. This event leaves Philip utterly devastated. Later, he is rescued by a navy ship.
After coming back to the mainland, Philip spends a long time in the hospital attempting to regain his eyesight. Philip wishes to become an explorer in an effort to find the island he was stuck on with Timothy.
