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billmc's review against another edition
4.0
These stories give a very strong sense of place--the Cape Breton area in Nova Scotia. The characters are interesting and the weaving of Gaelic and other cultural features is lovely. I got a little weary of stories about coal mining families but the overall character of the book was good.
crummeyforthewin's review against another edition
5.0
Achingly beautiful. The stories poignantly work out themes of love, loss, identity, and the reverberations of the past. One thing I especially enjoyed was the settings of the stories; they are so lovingly and thoroughly detailed that they almost become another character, acting, and being acted upon. I will definitely be reading these stories again.
latterature's review
1.0
God, this was a slog. A dozen stories about grim miners, depressing fishermen and miserable farmers. If I have to read another description of some sad sack watching animals mate, I’m going to scream. Throw a joke in every hundred pages, for heaven’s sake.
Two stars because MacLeod obviously has a powerful affinity for the New England coast, but God knows I certainly don’t.
EDIT: I've subsequently docked a further star from the rating, having found myself thinking back to this book and resenting the author for including so many scenes involving animals ejaculating. Grim, grim reading.
Two stars because MacLeod obviously has a powerful affinity for the New England coast, but God knows I certainly don’t.
EDIT: I've subsequently docked a further star from the rating, having found myself thinking back to this book and resenting the author for including so many scenes involving animals ejaculating. Grim, grim reading.
janlo26's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best short story writers I've read. Engaging, haunting, you'll remember the stories and people long after you've read this one.
kiana_hi's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
hkas's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It was pleasant and relaxing to read a collection of short stories for a change, but I'm not sure how I feel as it has less of a storyline (as what I am used to). Some stories were interesting, and others were so bland that I fell asleep. The collection of short stories explore life in Nova Scotia and how the people live, which was interesting. It also shows changes to the lifestyle over time. Apart from these two things, I'm not sure if there was something bigger to the collection of stories or not, but if there is, I'll find out when I study the novel at school. But for now, I rate Island 3 stars.
phoebelawrence's review
i appreciate that the author is very talented and his writing is beautiful but i couldn’t find myself genuinely wanting to keep reading. as far as imagery and the incredible descriptions of nature etc. it was objectively well written but my heart isn’t in it :(
rdebner's review against another edition
5.0
The best writer than few in the U.S. have heard of. I picked it up because of a feature on Canadian writers in a magazine, and because my grandfather's family came from England to mainland Canada via Newfoundland. The stories are spare, heartbreaking, riveting. They cover a rather large span in MacLeod's career; as such, they provide portraits of people and land at specific moments in time. One of the best works that give you a sense of place and a sense of what it means to be tied to such a place.
marthaterryy's review
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0