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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
Did I miss something here? There were so many loose ends…is this going to be a series? Interesting characters but finished dissatisfied.
Very readable in the way I normally only find thrillers readable. Heartwarming setting etc. The ways things tied up wasn't quite as satisfying as I'd hoped.
Audiobook was boring or at least seemed to be. Not a fan of the narration. The voice for the character taxi was like nails on a chalkboard for me. I struggle to keep focus, but when that character spoke, it annoyed me. Was going to try to power through, but I have over four hundred books on my TBR so why?
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I really loved how this book wasn’t about exposing a darker side of isolated island life, or showing how being in a tiny community is the best lifestyle possible, but shows the layers of nuance in each family on the island.
As part of that complexity, I loved the myriad POVs, though at times I didn’t catch on that the narration was suddenly back in time until a ways into the chapter (I read via the audiobook so maybe that was part of the problem?) which made some parts confusing.
I LOVE conservation and ecology and zoology which I think is a nice bonus, but not too much of it is dedicated to that science so I don’t think you have to like those subjects to like the book!
I didn’t particularly love the storyline that the author chose to use as the climax of the book, and then it ended rather suddenly afterwards, but this was definitely a story to enjoy along the way instead of trying to reach a particular conclusion. I would have rather read the protagonist having a couple more conversations that were left unresolved on page, but there were context clues for the reader to imagine some resolutions and so I wasn’t super unhappy.
As part of that complexity, I loved the myriad POVs, though at times I didn’t catch on that the narration was suddenly back in time until a ways into the chapter (I read via the audiobook so maybe that was part of the problem?) which made some parts confusing.
I LOVE conservation and ecology and zoology which I think is a nice bonus, but not too much of it is dedicated to that science so I don’t think you have to like those subjects to like the book!
I didn’t particularly love the storyline that the author chose to use as the climax of the book, and then it ended rather suddenly afterwards, but this was definitely a story to enjoy along the way instead of trying to reach a particular conclusion. I would have rather read the protagonist having a couple more conversations that were left unresolved on page, but there were context clues for the reader to imagine some resolutions and so I wasn’t super unhappy.
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
When Charlotte Walker gets the opportunity to study gold coin tortoises on a remote island far from her London home, it offers the perfect escape from her busy life and controlling mother, with a glimmer of hope she might find out more about her absent father.
Life on the isolated island of Tuga is all about community, and Charlotte experiences both the joy and frustrations of a new life without mass produced goods of every flavour on hand at a moment’s notice.
As she settles in, the sunny days are filled with a heady mix of family pressures, love interests, work, and her life’s passion.
We’re transported to this paradise and watch as Charlotte navigates a new world, experiencing the mix of emotions that comes with such a huge move. The author builds a compelling world and I quickly found myself invested in the characters, their present and the pasts that led them here. Complex but so simply human.
Secrets are revealed, feelings become known and hard decisions have to be made. Charlotte has to walk the tightrope balancing the demands of the island and one’s self.
I really enjoyed the escapism of this book and I just discovered the sequel is available so will be purchasing that soon!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
On the fence about a final rating for this one. It has original, interesting storylines, engaging characters, wonderful description of the island and fantastic audiobook narration. A couple of key questions are left unresolved, which would usually take away a star for me, but I’ve just learned it is the first book of a trilogy and am going to leave the star in place in the hopes the issues will be addressed later on…
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one was a mixed bag for me. On the one hand, the prose is lovely, the island setting is an engaging character all its own, and the cast of human and animal characters were flawed, charming, and interesting. On the other hand, the shifting POVs, the love triangle, and the plot twists left me feeling like maybe I skipped some chapters somehow. The book moved at a slow pace, so I should've had enough time to build emotional investment for the big ending to matter but it didn't resonate. I loved all the "side" characters though! I wish the book hadn't centered on Charlotte and had just presented the cast of characters each with equal footing and a more singular POV that told the island's story - with the island itself as protagonist, if you will.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Enjoyed the universe but found the plot frustrating
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes