Most of the book is focused on the problems that Timothy and Phillip experience. The two characters find themselves marooned on a small cay after their ship is hit by torpedoes. Their chance at a quick rescue is squashed, because their small cay is a remote part of the area called the Devil's Mouth. It is outside of standard shipping lanes, so there isn't any chance at being spotted by a passing ship. In general, the main problems for Phillip and Timothy are finding food, water, and shelter. The cay has food and fresh water, but it doesn't have them in large amounts. As for shelter, the two have to make do with what they have. Fortunately, Timothy is a very knowledgeable man when it comes to building what they need and teaching Phillip how to scavenge for food. Then of course, there is the weather to contend with. At one point, the island is hit by a hurricane, and Phillip only survives because Timothy physically shields the boy from the storm's worst furies. Phillip has never really had to work all that hard in his life, so his new life focused on survival is quite a world changer. Their entire situation is made more difficult by the fact that Phillip is now blind. He not only has to learn new skills, but he also can't even depend on his eyes to help him learn those new skills or even accomplish the things he does know how to do. Finally, the relationship between the two characters is not without struggles. Phillip is quite the prejudiced kid at the beginning of the story, and he and Phillip struggle to be around each other. It's again thanks to Timothy's patience and perseverance that the relationship improves, and the two characters become good friends.
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