Coconut Wireless

Coconut Wireless, first published in 1948, is a World War II novel set in the Far East. The book follows an American, Graydon, in his counter-espionage efforts against the occupying Japanese forces. Featuring many authentic details of the region and exciting action scenes as the hero infiltrates enemy territory, completes his missions and eludes capture, the book is based, in part, on author Ray Kauffman’s own experiences with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the war. The book’s title refers to the quick movement of news and gossip in the tropics. Kauffman is also the author of Hurricane’s Wake, an account of a round-the-world voyage in a 45-foot sailboat.