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lillyalaine36's review
4.0
Kimberley Freeman is an author I discovered a year or so ago after reading her novel Wildflower Hill and I immediately fell in love with her mix of contemporary and historical fiction stories, often set in remote and picturesque Australian settings. Finding any new novel by this author is exciting and I have been looking forward to delving into Ember Island for some time now.
This book begins at the wedding of Tilly in 1890 where we find the bride very much in love with her husband and looking forward to her future with husband Jasper, but things take an alternative turn when Tilly's beloved grandfather collapses at the wedding and she finds herself remaining behind to care for him rather than joining her new husband at their home on Guernsey.
The story of Tilly is mixed with that of author Nina, who struggling to finish her latest novel seeks solace on Ember Island in the old family house that she purchased. There she finds letters and diaries of her great-great grandmother who has hidden the pages in the walls of the home Nina is now seeking to renovate, piece by piece she begins to pull together an understanding of life on Ember Island at the turn of the century.
What I loved about this book is that unlike similar historical/contemporary novels, who follow a dual storyline format, we don't find ourselves jumping endlessly backward and forward in time. Instead, much of the book is told from the perspective of Tilly. We follow her journey as a newlywed to join her husband Jasper and begin their new life on Guernsey, we share her despair as she realises she's been tied into a loveless marriage with a man who is in love with another and follow her as she escapes Guernsey after a terrible tragedy occurs for which she blames herself.
Tilly is a wonderful main character and Freeman writes her story beautifully, we long for Tilly to find happiness and share with her the guilt she carries with her for the events she is fleeing from. Ember Island proves a wonderful setting for the novel, an island with a prison on it where she finds herself fulfilling the role of governess to Nell, the only daughter of the widowed prison governor Sterling. She finds herself glimpsing happiness on the island but struggles when she forms a friendship with a prisoner on the island, Hettie, and draws comparisons between her own circumstances and those of the inmate.
Although it is a good blend in this book of the modern and the historic, almost the book could have stood alone as a purely historical novel. Whilst Nina's story is interesting and gives us a chance to refocus during the novel by stepping back from Tilly's world, I question whether in fact it added anything to the narrative or if like me readers have found themselves just skimming them so they could return to the heart of the action. I wanted this book to be a 5-star review, and at points I thought it had that potential but I also felt that the ending in some ways was not as satisfying as the beginning of the book. I wanted a more rounded conclusion. Instead, it seemed to be a little pulled together in a very small epilogue that left me wanting more for Tilly.
I would say that this book is my second favourite novel by this author after Wildflower Hill and if you are a lover of authors like Kate Morton and Rachel Hore then this is an author I am absolutely sure you will enjoy reading.
This book begins at the wedding of Tilly in 1890 where we find the bride very much in love with her husband and looking forward to her future with husband Jasper, but things take an alternative turn when Tilly's beloved grandfather collapses at the wedding and she finds herself remaining behind to care for him rather than joining her new husband at their home on Guernsey.
The story of Tilly is mixed with that of author Nina, who struggling to finish her latest novel seeks solace on Ember Island in the old family house that she purchased. There she finds letters and diaries of her great-great grandmother who has hidden the pages in the walls of the home Nina is now seeking to renovate, piece by piece she begins to pull together an understanding of life on Ember Island at the turn of the century.
What I loved about this book is that unlike similar historical/contemporary novels, who follow a dual storyline format, we don't find ourselves jumping endlessly backward and forward in time. Instead, much of the book is told from the perspective of Tilly. We follow her journey as a newlywed to join her husband Jasper and begin their new life on Guernsey, we share her despair as she realises she's been tied into a loveless marriage with a man who is in love with another and follow her as she escapes Guernsey after a terrible tragedy occurs for which she blames herself.
Tilly is a wonderful main character and Freeman writes her story beautifully, we long for Tilly to find happiness and share with her the guilt she carries with her for the events she is fleeing from. Ember Island proves a wonderful setting for the novel, an island with a prison on it where she finds herself fulfilling the role of governess to Nell, the only daughter of the widowed prison governor Sterling. She finds herself glimpsing happiness on the island but struggles when she forms a friendship with a prisoner on the island, Hettie, and draws comparisons between her own circumstances and those of the inmate.
Although it is a good blend in this book of the modern and the historic, almost the book could have stood alone as a purely historical novel. Whilst Nina's story is interesting and gives us a chance to refocus during the novel by stepping back from Tilly's world, I question whether in fact it added anything to the narrative or if like me readers have found themselves just skimming them so they could return to the heart of the action. I wanted this book to be a 5-star review, and at points I thought it had that potential but I also felt that the ending in some ways was not as satisfying as the beginning of the book. I wanted a more rounded conclusion. Instead, it seemed to be a little pulled together in a very small epilogue that left me wanting more for Tilly.
I would say that this book is my second favourite novel by this author after Wildflower Hill and if you are a lover of authors like Kate Morton and Rachel Hore then this is an author I am absolutely sure you will enjoy reading.
sarahsbookstack's review
4.0
This book was great and I read it really quickly! I loved Tilly, I hurt for her while she was with Jasper. I felt happy for her when she got away from him and found happiness elsewhere.
readbyashleyd's review
4.0
I had pretty low expectations for this book but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it! I always love it when a book flips between past and present, it just adds an extra something to the story for me. I found myself quite liking all the various characters as well, they each had special qualities that drew me to them. And to add to that, both storylines were excellent although I did enjoy the one from the past by far. It was way more exciting and I actually would have thoroughly enjoyed a book based solely on that storyline. But the one from the present did have its moments and I did like it as well. All in all, I all around loved this book!
thejanewayprotocol's review
5.0
Kimberley Freeman does it again! She is fast becoming a go to author of mine - whatever she puts out I know I'm going to love!
Such is the story of Ember Island; Two main characters, separated by a century, yet still facing similar problems: are we good enough, are we deserving of love?
It is 1891 and Tilly Kirkland is feeling very much alone. Her beloved Grandfather who raised her from a child has just passed away, and her first cousin is set to inherit everything. Before he died, her Grandfather did everything in his power to make sure Tilly would be alright, knowing what would happen to her once he passed on. He secretly smuggled a few pieces from the house that would be worth something, and also giving her his writing box filled with pound notes.
He also quickly encourages a courtship with a business man who is on their island on business. They marry quickly, and despite her Grandfathers passing, Tilly at least believes that she has at least found true love.
But all is not it seems when she enters her new home; her new husband Jaspar, as it turns out, is in hard times with his business and it is not soon after he begins sponging off her slim inheritance, and offers her no affection what-so-ever.
Circumstances become even more grim for Tilly, and after her final confrontation with her husband, she is forced to run away - as far as she possibly can go.
Aboard a steamer, she finds herself in Australia, where she has secured a position as a governess to a little girl living on her own island with her father, who is chief warden to the prison there. It is here Tilly tries to start over, yet she was completely unprepared for just how clever and perspective her little student, Nell, actually is.
The story also revolves around Nina, who in 2012 is experiencing a bout of writers block. She has released three novels to such success they have been turned into BBC dramas and the like. She herself is at the end of a relationship, and has fled to her old family home on Ember Island and tries to write her next best seller. But Nina is not just here for her own novel; her great grandmother Nell, who lived on this Island, in this very house has stashed a diary in the walls of the foundations of this house, and Nina is desprite to find everything Nell has ever written.
The parallels between Nina and Tilly are so great. Both woman are tremendously flawed, yet we are rooting for them the entire time. I was especially partial to Nina; I am a bit of a writer myself, and how I identified with Nina! Always finding something else that needs to be done before you actually sit in front of that computer and start writing!
Kimberley is fantastic with world building and lovely descriptions. Having visited Australia myself several times, I love going back there in her novels; I can smell the sea and feel the heat on my face. Her characters are complex and well rounded. Another great book by another great author.
Such is the story of Ember Island; Two main characters, separated by a century, yet still facing similar problems: are we good enough, are we deserving of love?
It is 1891 and Tilly Kirkland is feeling very much alone. Her beloved Grandfather who raised her from a child has just passed away, and her first cousin is set to inherit everything. Before he died, her Grandfather did everything in his power to make sure Tilly would be alright, knowing what would happen to her once he passed on. He secretly smuggled a few pieces from the house that would be worth something, and also giving her his writing box filled with pound notes.
He also quickly encourages a courtship with a business man who is on their island on business. They marry quickly, and despite her Grandfathers passing, Tilly at least believes that she has at least found true love.
But all is not it seems when she enters her new home; her new husband Jaspar, as it turns out, is in hard times with his business and it is not soon after he begins sponging off her slim inheritance, and offers her no affection what-so-ever.
Circumstances become even more grim for Tilly, and after her final confrontation with her husband, she is forced to run away - as far as she possibly can go.
Aboard a steamer, she finds herself in Australia, where she has secured a position as a governess to a little girl living on her own island with her father, who is chief warden to the prison there. It is here Tilly tries to start over, yet she was completely unprepared for just how clever and perspective her little student, Nell, actually is.
The story also revolves around Nina, who in 2012 is experiencing a bout of writers block. She has released three novels to such success they have been turned into BBC dramas and the like. She herself is at the end of a relationship, and has fled to her old family home on Ember Island and tries to write her next best seller. But Nina is not just here for her own novel; her great grandmother Nell, who lived on this Island, in this very house has stashed a diary in the walls of the foundations of this house, and Nina is desprite to find everything Nell has ever written.
The parallels between Nina and Tilly are so great. Both woman are tremendously flawed, yet we are rooting for them the entire time. I was especially partial to Nina; I am a bit of a writer myself, and how I identified with Nina! Always finding something else that needs to be done before you actually sit in front of that computer and start writing!
Kimberley is fantastic with world building and lovely descriptions. Having visited Australia myself several times, I love going back there in her novels; I can smell the sea and feel the heat on my face. Her characters are complex and well rounded. Another great book by another great author.
honeypossum_reads's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
susemcdonald's review
3.0
3 1/2 stars...I enjoyed how this book went back and forth between the current day and one hundred years ago, sharing the story of a woman and her great grandmother. This would be a good book club read.
firstimpressionsreviews's review
4.0
When my grandmother was a child she had a doll. She was playing with this doll while work was being done on her home. She set her toy down but when she returned it had been walled in, never to be seen again. This what first came to mind upon the discovery of Nell's Diary.
I wish I could continue this elegant, thoughtful reminiscence but as time went on, I began to think of this:
A complete 360 I know but my point being is that beyond the frozen banana stand there is more than meets the eye. This was the case in Ember Island. The diaries were much more in-depth than the insurance policy Gob forgot to send but no less important.
Although, when I fell into Tilly's story, I was reminded of Lillie Langtry. Yes, I know she was a real person but for now I will refer to the 1970s mini-series.
Why did I go from crazy Arrested Development to classy Lillie Langtry. Both Tilly and Lillie (I swear I didn't choose that comparison because it rhymes). believed they were in love, marrying an image and felt it an ideal way to get out of their current situation. Soon after, Lillie and Tilly realize the life altering decision they have made and the dire straits it has put them in. Even if for a little while they find solace in their ways and find the strenght to free themselves.
Despite all these odd comparisons, Ember Island is a Gothic tale and like myself, was divulged to a modern reader.
I received a copy from the publisher
I wish I could continue this elegant, thoughtful reminiscence but as time went on, I began to think of this:
A complete 360 I know but my point being is that beyond the frozen banana stand there is more than meets the eye. This was the case in Ember Island. The diaries were much more in-depth than the insurance policy Gob forgot to send but no less important.
Although, when I fell into Tilly's story, I was reminded of Lillie Langtry. Yes, I know she was a real person but for now I will refer to the 1970s mini-series.
Why did I go from crazy Arrested Development to classy Lillie Langtry. Both Tilly and Lillie (I swear I didn't choose that comparison because it rhymes). believed they were in love, marrying an image and felt it an ideal way to get out of their current situation. Soon after, Lillie and Tilly realize the life altering decision they have made and the dire straits it has put them in. Even if for a little while they find solace in their ways and find the strenght to free themselves.
Despite all these odd comparisons, Ember Island is a Gothic tale and like myself, was divulged to a modern reader.
I received a copy from the publisher
authorheatherw's review
5.0
I was a little nervous when I found out the novel was told in two points of view from women from two different time periods. But I ended up loving Ember Island. I loved the author’s writing style and I found myself captivated over the mysteries surrounding Tilly and Nina.
Tilly and Nina’s stories were both interesting, but I was a little more intrigued by Tilly’s story and her nightmarish relationship with Jasper. Tilly was naïve at times, but I was able to see how desperate she was to be loved and cared for. Nina has her own personal demons and tries to escape them by taking over the repairs of a dilapidated house traced back to her ancestors.
I liked the way the author tied the two stories together by having Nina find the diary left behind by her grandmother Nell. Nell was also Tilly’s charge when she took on the role of governess as a way to escape her bad marriage. Nina is intrigued by Nell’s diary and searches the walls of the house to find the missing pages.
I liked the touch of romance involving handyman single dad Joe and Nina. It was sweet and I found him an endearing love interest. There are also strong female relationships featured in the book—a plot point I always like to see.
The Australian author is new to me, but I’m eager to check out her other books. I’d highly recommend the novel to fans of historical fiction.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!
Tilly and Nina’s stories were both interesting, but I was a little more intrigued by Tilly’s story and her nightmarish relationship with Jasper. Tilly was naïve at times, but I was able to see how desperate she was to be loved and cared for. Nina has her own personal demons and tries to escape them by taking over the repairs of a dilapidated house traced back to her ancestors.
I liked the way the author tied the two stories together by having Nina find the diary left behind by her grandmother Nell. Nell was also Tilly’s charge when she took on the role of governess as a way to escape her bad marriage. Nina is intrigued by Nell’s diary and searches the walls of the house to find the missing pages.
I liked the touch of romance involving handyman single dad Joe and Nina. It was sweet and I found him an endearing love interest. There are also strong female relationships featured in the book—a plot point I always like to see.
The Australian author is new to me, but I’m eager to check out her other books. I’d highly recommend the novel to fans of historical fiction.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!