1960, Papua and New Guinea.
Charlie K is suddenly thrust from a stone age society, having to navigate the alien culture of American schooling and university life.
Overnight, the young man has to cope with extreme racial prejudice. He suffers violence but also experiences generosity of spirit, in an otherwise inward-looking America. We follow not only his adventures in the US, but later when he returns to his own country. He is living in a remote tribal area with vividly described episodes featuring unexpected and exciting encounters.
The Evolution of Charlie K follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of a young native man from one of the most extraordinary countries in the world. It draws on the effects of war on his country during WW2. A country which, after its independence in 1975, is still a largely tribal society.