The Unforgiving Tides tells Dr. Ross Pennies true adventures as a medical volunteer on a remote South Pacific island. At age 25, fresh out of medical school, Pennie arrives in Papua New Guinea to find tribal magic, jungles, muddy terrain and the ire of Sister Pirmina. Soon the good Dokta is facing crisis after crisis. Pennie writes in an engaging style reminiscent of James Herriot -- except Pennie examines the most intriguing creatures of all: fellow humans on a remote, exotic island.