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kathrynmhairi's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a perfect holiday weekend-away read - enjoyable, escapism, Scottish island setting.
keysersuze's review against another edition
5.0
Lorna and her daughter, Ella, live in London. When we meet them in the first few pages of the book they are making their way to Scotland on the sleeper train from Euston. I needed you want to know more about what they’re doing and why, not just because they went to Leon for dinner, which is what I would do!
On the way up, we find out a little bit more about Lorna and her daughter Ella, and the family she left behind in an island called Kip and the Hebrides. Not too much more, though.
The same time we meet Alice and her daughter Molly, who are getting ready to receive their visitors on the island. As the story ways together and they get closer and geographical terms as well as emotional, we learn that Molly and Ella are cousins who got to know each other over Facebook, but have never met, as their mum and dad don’t get on. Jack is Lorna‘s brother and Molly‘s dad.
A lot of the book is about reconciliation and forgiveness and understanding other peoples point of view, and it was done really well.
Another large part of the book is about finding out what happened. Why did Lorna leave the island when she was 18 years old and why didn’t she come back? I thought for a little part of the book that she had been abused sexually either by her dad or by someone on the island. It’s not that kind of book, and while what actually happened is terrible and sad, it’s not as dark as that.
There is a trend at the moment for author is to set their books in Scotland and I don’t know why that is, especially as most of them seem to not have ever been to Scotland and don’t understand any kind of geography. This was different, I felt like it had been researched thoroughly and that Libby Page understood what it meant to live on an island, to be dependent on the people around you-both independent and free, but reliant on your next door neighbour if anything goes wrong.
This was a joy to read, not because it was surprising or particularly deftly woven together, because I rooted for the characters. I wanted Laura and Jack to mend the relationship. I hoped that Alice and Lorna would be friends.
There are things signposts that happen along the way in the book that are easily recognisable as milestones. New man with the green eyes and the tanned arms, for example. One of the characters feeling a bit tired, nauseated, not very hungry. Even though some of that was predictable, it was comfortable, like a warm bath or a cosy lie down. Well you know what’s going to happen, is enjoyable to see that played out.
I would recommend this book for people looking for an interesting story, the search to find what you’ve had all along. Thank you as always to NetGalley and Hachette for the DRC.
On the way up, we find out a little bit more about Lorna and her daughter Ella, and the family she left behind in an island called Kip and the Hebrides. Not too much more, though.
The same time we meet Alice and her daughter Molly, who are getting ready to receive their visitors on the island. As the story ways together and they get closer and geographical terms as well as emotional, we learn that Molly and Ella are cousins who got to know each other over Facebook, but have never met, as their mum and dad don’t get on. Jack is Lorna‘s brother and Molly‘s dad.
A lot of the book is about reconciliation and forgiveness and understanding other peoples point of view, and it was done really well.
Another large part of the book is about finding out what happened. Why did Lorna leave the island when she was 18 years old and why didn’t she come back? I thought for a little part of the book that she had been abused sexually either by her dad or by someone on the island. It’s not that kind of book, and while what actually happened is terrible and sad, it’s not as dark as that.
There is a trend at the moment for author is to set their books in Scotland and I don’t know why that is, especially as most of them seem to not have ever been to Scotland and don’t understand any kind of geography. This was different, I felt like it had been researched thoroughly and that Libby Page understood what it meant to live on an island, to be dependent on the people around you-both independent and free, but reliant on your next door neighbour if anything goes wrong.
This was a joy to read, not because it was surprising or particularly deftly woven together, because I rooted for the characters. I wanted Laura and Jack to mend the relationship. I hoped that Alice and Lorna would be friends.
There are things signposts that happen along the way in the book that are easily recognisable as milestones. New man with the green eyes and the tanned arms, for example. One of the characters feeling a bit tired, nauseated, not very hungry. Even though some of that was predictable, it was comfortable, like a warm bath or a cosy lie down. Well you know what’s going to happen, is enjoyable to see that played out.
I would recommend this book for people looking for an interesting story, the search to find what you’ve had all along. Thank you as always to NetGalley and Hachette for the DRC.
craftychelc's review against another edition
3.0
The Island Home is written from the perspective of Lorna and Alice. They are sisters in law but have never met. Lorna grew up with her abusive parents and brother Jack on a small Scottish island. When she was 18, she ran away and never came back. She moved to London where she ended up raising her daughter Ella as a single mother. Alice moved to the island after falling in love with Jack and they ended up having a daughter called Molly. Despite their parents not speaking, Molly and Ella got in contact over social media and Ella eventually convinces Lorna to go back to the island for a summer so she can meet her family and attend her grandparent's funerals.
This book is set over the summer that they visit the island and also includes some flashback scenes to Lorna's childhood. On the whole, I thought this was very well written. This book handles a lot of tough issues and I think it did so in a very real way. All of the characters were realistic in that no one was perfect and everyone made some bad choices along the way.
Despite dealing with heavy topics, the book still feels like a light, fun summer read and there are plenty of heart-warming moments and even some funny ones. I would really recommend it.
This book is set over the summer that they visit the island and also includes some flashback scenes to Lorna's childhood. On the whole, I thought this was very well written. This book handles a lot of tough issues and I think it did so in a very real way. All of the characters were realistic in that no one was perfect and everyone made some bad choices along the way.
Despite dealing with heavy topics, the book still feels like a light, fun summer read and there are plenty of heart-warming moments and even some funny ones. I would really recommend it.
laurajh77's review against another edition
5.0
It’s not often I’m found in bits with a book. However so much of this resonated with me, my own life, the things we struggle to admit even to ourselves. I raced through it and sobbed. Yes it’s predictable, the characters are quite straightforward and we all know it would be far more complex to achieve in real life than the book makes out. But I loved it. Just make sure you’ve got tissues to hand.
paperbackmo's review against another edition
3.0
I could SMELL the salt in the air - beautifully written invoking vivid imagery.
Also mentioned in my June Wrap Up Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Fgfluc2pk
Lorna left the Isle of Kip 20 years ago under some difficult circumstances (which we go on to find out about later), she completely cut herself off from everyone including her brother.
This story is really about home/family/community.
I would love to read a sequel - wanna know what happens to everyone else on the Island!
Also mentioned in my June Wrap Up Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Fgfluc2pk
Lorna left the Isle of Kip 20 years ago under some difficult circumstances (which we go on to find out about later), she completely cut herself off from everyone including her brother.
This story is really about home/family/community.
I would love to read a sequel - wanna know what happens to everyone else on the Island!
portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
I so enjoyed Libby Page's last novel, The 24 Hour Cafe, and when I heard that her new book was going to be set on a tiny, fictional, Scottish island I couldn't wait to read that too. I love books set on islands! The Island Home is the story of Lorna, who left her childhood home for the mainland when she was just 18 and never went back, having barely any contact with her parents, brother or friends for the next twenty years. She has built a life for herself and her daughter Ella in London where she works as a deputy headteacher. There's always just been the two of them, a small life but a safe one. Now, she is returning to the island where she will meet her brother Jack for the first time in years and also her sister-in-law, Alice, and her niece, Molly, who she has never met.
Sometimes island settings can be used to create a sense of claustrophobia, sometimes they can seem wild or isolated. The feeling I got from Kip though was that it was a beautiful and welcoming place of sanctuary. When Lorna was young it had not seemed a safe place, but she is warmly welcomed back into the community. This actually makes her feel quite unsettled having mostly bad memories and uncomfortable associations with the island.
I loved reading about all the different kinds of connection in the book. The connection to family and to friends old and new, the connection to the past and the connection to place. Libby Page has created a community full of wonderful characters who are so grounded, welcoming and supportive. For all the story unfurls gently, it's not without some mystery, intrigue and drama.
The Island Home is quietly compelling and often poignant. It's a beautifully written story of second chances and new beginnings.
Sometimes island settings can be used to create a sense of claustrophobia, sometimes they can seem wild or isolated. The feeling I got from Kip though was that it was a beautiful and welcoming place of sanctuary. When Lorna was young it had not seemed a safe place, but she is warmly welcomed back into the community. This actually makes her feel quite unsettled having mostly bad memories and uncomfortable associations with the island.
I loved reading about all the different kinds of connection in the book. The connection to family and to friends old and new, the connection to the past and the connection to place. Libby Page has created a community full of wonderful characters who are so grounded, welcoming and supportive. For all the story unfurls gently, it's not without some mystery, intrigue and drama.
The Island Home is quietly compelling and often poignant. It's a beautifully written story of second chances and new beginnings.
takireads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A wonderful, wonderful book about humans flaws and friendship/relationships. A must-read!
nadiamg_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I’m upset that I let this one sit in my TBR for so long!
This book was a perfect blend of sad stories and real issues, coupled with moments of pure joy and love. I couldn’t put it down. The characters felt so real and the setting was sublime. Overall, definitely a title I’d recommend.
This book was a perfect blend of sad stories and real issues, coupled with moments of pure joy and love. I couldn’t put it down. The characters felt so real and the setting was sublime. Overall, definitely a title I’d recommend.
laura_t21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
3.75