Reviews

I normally love Victoria Hislop books because she creates these vivid images of the surroundings and the way the characters relate to it are beautiful. As this was a sequel I felt she made less of a picture of the surroundings despite the fact many parts are in new settings. I love the Island and I wonder if I would have benefited from rereading it before picking this up as there were moments I forgot the back story to some of the characters. Having said that, it all wrapped up really nicely and tied some knots in stories which I guess we're unfinished (although, I don't remember feeling unsatisfied at the the end of island)

vickksx's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

leraospoucos's review against another edition

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3.0

“A ilha” foi um dos livros que este ano, mais me surpreendeu pela positiva. Esperava um romance nas praias gregas mas saiu-me uma história impressionante sobre uma das mais importantes colónias de leprosos.

Em “Uma noite de agosto” relembramos um momento fatídico do livro anterior e acompanhamos o destino de algumas personagens secundárias, mas não menos importantes, do primeiro livro.

Apesar de ter gostado de saber mais pormenores sobre o futuro de certas personagens, pensei que se ia focar nos habitantes da ilha de Spinalonga e que iria explorar o que sentiram os sobreviventes com o peso e o estigma da doença.

“A ilha” vai ter sempre um lugar especial e aconselho a lerem-no primeiro. Caso contrário, vão apanhar imensos “spoilers” e, apesar de conseguirem compreender a narrativa, penso que perde um pouco do encanto.

buzzingbookworm's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

clotalksbooks's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Another beautiful story by Hislop. I had read The Island a long time ago, and it was a five star read for me. Although I think this book can be read in isolation, I wish I had given The Island a reread before starting this one. I couldn't remember all of the characters and so some of the significance of things was a little lost on me.

I had loved learning about leprosy in the first book, but it is not a focus in this one. Though it does still explore love and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives and the wide cast of characters. Some gems!

I thought it would be weird reading this book at this time of year when it has August in the title, but it was fine. The book covers a long period of time, and all seasons. Can be enjoyed all year round!

stinelok's review against another edition

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emotional relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

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