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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*ARC
The Island of Longing is the third novel written by Irish author Anne Griffin.
Rosie has been in limbo for eight years since her seventeen year old daughter Saoirse disappeared without a trace. As the rest of the family have gradually come to the realisation that Saoirse isn't coming back, Rosie refuses to give up hope - which has put a huge strain on her and those around her.
When Rosie's father asks her to come home to her small island community of Roaring Bay, where she was once the Skipper of their beloved family boat, it could just be the break she needs.
We go back and forth in this novel, to look at the beginnings of Rosie & Hugh's relationship, how their loss has affected them, and how (or if) they can move on.
Scattered throughout are single sentences on pages - it becomes apparent fairly fast what these signify, and it was really heartbreaking to read.
This was a really engaging, heartfelt read. Rosie's experience of being at home with a small baby really hit home to me, it was so incredibly similar to my own experience. I also loved how the author described life for the island community, I could picture the place in my head and almost feel the change in atmosphere between Roaring Bay and Dublin city. It was gorgeous, and I'll make it my business to read Anne's other books ("Listening Still" and "When All Is Said").
Thank you to Elaine @hachetteireland for sending me a copy of the book! x
The Island of Longing is the third novel written by Irish author Anne Griffin.
Rosie has been in limbo for eight years since her seventeen year old daughter Saoirse disappeared without a trace. As the rest of the family have gradually come to the realisation that Saoirse isn't coming back, Rosie refuses to give up hope - which has put a huge strain on her and those around her.
When Rosie's father asks her to come home to her small island community of Roaring Bay, where she was once the Skipper of their beloved family boat, it could just be the break she needs.
We go back and forth in this novel, to look at the beginnings of Rosie & Hugh's relationship, how their loss has affected them, and how (or if) they can move on.
Scattered throughout are single sentences on pages - it becomes apparent fairly fast what these signify, and it was really heartbreaking to read.
This was a really engaging, heartfelt read. Rosie's experience of being at home with a small baby really hit home to me, it was so incredibly similar to my own experience. I also loved how the author described life for the island community, I could picture the place in my head and almost feel the change in atmosphere between Roaring Bay and Dublin city. It was gorgeous, and I'll make it my business to read Anne's other books ("Listening Still" and "When All Is Said").
Thank you to Elaine @hachetteireland for sending me a copy of the book! x
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
No
I've read both of Anne Griffin's previous books and enjoyed them very much, so I was very excited to see she had a third book coming out. I am so glad I found out, because this book, as far as I'm concerned, is probably the best book I've ever read. Beautiful writing, beautiful descriptions of the little island in Ireland, Roaring Bay (though fictitious, I am sure there are places just like it along the Irish coast).
It's told in the first person by Rosie and starts out 8 years after her 17 year old daughter Saoirse disappears without trace. After years of searching, of not knowing, the stress has taken its toll on the whole family.
It is a compelling read, I flew through the pages and the further into the book I got, I just wanted it to go on and on for ever. There are so many wonderful characters. The relationship between Rosie and her dad is so moving. Rosie's love of their family business, operating the ferry that takes visitors and residents back and forth to the mainland. She has an affinity with the ocean and feels closest to her daughter when she's out at sea, navigating the ferry Aoibhneas.
By the end of the book, I felt I knew every one of those characters, the residents on the island, Rosie's husband Hugh, her son Cullie inside out. There are some incredibly emotional scenes throughout, but it is interspersed with lighter moments too. I adored this book and the story will stay with me for a long time. Absolutely superb.
It's told in the first person by Rosie and starts out 8 years after her 17 year old daughter Saoirse disappears without trace. After years of searching, of not knowing, the stress has taken its toll on the whole family.
It is a compelling read, I flew through the pages and the further into the book I got, I just wanted it to go on and on for ever. There are so many wonderful characters. The relationship between Rosie and her dad is so moving. Rosie's love of their family business, operating the ferry that takes visitors and residents back and forth to the mainland. She has an affinity with the ocean and feels closest to her daughter when she's out at sea, navigating the ferry Aoibhneas.
By the end of the book, I felt I knew every one of those characters, the residents on the island, Rosie's husband Hugh, her son Cullie inside out. There are some incredibly emotional scenes throughout, but it is interspersed with lighter moments too. I adored this book and the story will stay with me for a long time. Absolutely superb.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
The Island of Longing is the first book I have read by Anne Griffin but certainly will not be my last.
Rosie saw her 17-year-old daughter cycle into town, that would be the last she saw her. Eight years on stuck in limbo believing her daughter is still alive she receives a phone call from her father asking her to return to Roaring Bay, her hometown.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters were well-developed as was the story. My only criticism would be I felt there was a lot of repetition especially in regards to the past. In saying that I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley, Anne Griffin and Hodder & Staughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rosie saw her 17-year-old daughter cycle into town, that would be the last she saw her. Eight years on stuck in limbo believing her daughter is still alive she receives a phone call from her father asking her to return to Roaring Bay, her hometown.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters were well-developed as was the story. My only criticism would be I felt there was a lot of repetition especially in regards to the past. In saying that I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley, Anne Griffin and Hodder & Staughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced