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jtwolf33's review against another edition
4.0
If you can get beyond the first 100 pages then it is well worth it. I almost stopped reading about 80 pages in but I’m really glad I didn’t. There’s a few editing errors and the author has an odd preoccupation with the colour of people’s eyes which is a bit grating at times, but the story itself is wonderful. I was worried about the stereotypes introduced in the first chapter but it was a heartwarming story of love and life that I couldn’t put down in the end!
My Recommendation:
If you like a slow-burn romance then this is a great choice for you. This is also a great book for challenging stereotypes and expectations, as people are not what they always seem and there is a large amount of character development that happens throughout the events of the story.
Not For Everyone:
Honestly, if you're not a fan of LGBT books then I would suggest avoiding this book where possible. There are plenty of other characters and it's not a necessarily "gay" story, but there are gay characters and gay story lines in it. If you're interested in changing your perception on books that feature LGBT characters then you may still enjoy this, but be warned. Arguably 1049 Club is largely a romance novel, yes, there is an element of survival but it's more to do with the emotional response to their situation than physical. So if you're looking for a survival/action story, I'd suggest going elsewhere.
To The Author:
Why all the eyes? Every interaction is punctuated with a comment on the colour of someone's eyes. It's a little odd at times and really out of place in others. Especially when they're across the room from each other. And did you mean to choose such stereotypical characters to challenge these views or was it more about establishing a cross-section of society?
If You've Never Read The Book And Want To Say You Have:
Sometimes it's the two people in love that take the longest to realise it. And make sure you always pack your berry basher in your suitcase, you never know when you might need it.
Academic Prompts:
How expectations are shaped by the society in which we live.
The concept of a holiday romance mentality in a monogamous relationship.
My Recommendation:
If you like a slow-burn romance then this is a great choice for you. This is also a great book for challenging stereotypes and expectations, as people are not what they always seem and there is a large amount of character development that happens throughout the events of the story.
Not For Everyone:
Honestly, if you're not a fan of LGBT books then I would suggest avoiding this book where possible. There are plenty of other characters and it's not a necessarily "gay" story, but there are gay characters and gay story lines in it. If you're interested in changing your perception on books that feature LGBT characters then you may still enjoy this, but be warned. Arguably 1049 Club is largely a romance novel, yes, there is an element of survival but it's more to do with the emotional response to their situation than physical. So if you're looking for a survival/action story, I'd suggest going elsewhere.
To The Author:
Why all the eyes? Every interaction is punctuated with a comment on the colour of someone's eyes. It's a little odd at times and really out of place in others. Especially when they're across the room from each other. And did you mean to choose such stereotypical characters to challenge these views or was it more about establishing a cross-section of society?
If You've Never Read The Book And Want To Say You Have:
Sometimes it's the two people in love that take the longest to realise it. And make sure you always pack your berry basher in your suitcase, you never know when you might need it.
Academic Prompts:
How expectations are shaped by the society in which we live.
The concept of a holiday romance mentality in a monogamous relationship.
mxsallybend's review
4.0
Going into the book, as we first met the characters on the plane, I was very much afraid we were going to be stuck flat, stereotypical, predictable stock characters. It seemed like Kim was stocking the cast for a gender/sexuality conflict, but I'm delighted to say nothing could be further from the truth. The characters on the island, and even their loved ones back home, are fully realised, fully developed characters with personalities and emotions. The creation of a friendship between Dean (uppity gay guy) and Michael (down-to-earth homophobic guy) is so subtle, you've already accepted it before you realise the antagonism is gone. As for the budding romance between Rachel (straight girl escaping a cheating husband) and Denna (a lesbian very much in love with her partner back home). . . wow, that was so sweet, so tender, and romantic. It's never forced, and never pushes the boundaries of disbelief.
Overall, this is a wonderfully well-written book. The plane crash is as tense and exciting as any big budget thiller; the sense of despair as each character washes up on the island alone is intensely powerful. The friendships and the romance are handled so beautifully, I admit I shed more than a few honest tears before the end.
Ultimately, though, what won me over about this book is the way it ends. No spoilers here (you need to discover the joy for yourself) but the ending doesn't arrive where or when you'd expect . . . and that's a wonderful gift to unwrap.
Absolutely recommended.
Overall, this is a wonderfully well-written book. The plane crash is as tense and exciting as any big budget thiller; the sense of despair as each character washes up on the island alone is intensely powerful. The friendships and the romance are handled so beautifully, I admit I shed more than a few honest tears before the end.
Ultimately, though, what won me over about this book is the way it ends. No spoilers here (you need to discover the joy for yourself) but the ending doesn't arrive where or when you'd expect . . . and that's a wonderful gift to unwrap.
Absolutely recommended.
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