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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
With a full cast of wonderful characters, this nail biting story of survival, is a wonderful read for a rainy day.
The story follows a group of men and boys, as they set out for a small rocky island off the shore of Scotland. They are only planning on being on the island for a few weeks to harvest the birds that have come to roost, but when their ride back doesn't show, lines are drawn when the strongest of the men decided to rule the rock.
Of course, plot twist after plot twist and the men split into separate tribes. Who will survive, and who will succumb to the harsh environment of the rocks. And why didn't the boat come back for them? You will have to read to the end to find out.
Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina
The story follows a group of men and boys, as they set out for a small rocky island off the shore of Scotland. They are only planning on being on the island for a few weeks to harvest the birds that have come to roost, but when their ride back doesn't show, lines are drawn when the strongest of the men decided to rule the rock.
Of course, plot twist after plot twist and the men split into separate tribes. Who will survive, and who will succumb to the harsh environment of the rocks. And why didn't the boat come back for them? You will have to read to the end to find out.
Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina
For children twelve and up (though I think younger ones with high reading levels could handle this; the darker bits would likely go over their heads). Based on the true story of a group of boys from St Kilda who go for the traditional month of bird-catching on one of the sea stacs near the island, and find themselves stranded when the boat meant to bring them back at summer’s end never appears. Quilliam, our storytelling protagonist, is believably charismatic but conflicted, and McCaughrean is funny and accurate on the group dynamics of pre-teen boys. Genuinely high-stakes peril and real psychological nuance make this the real deal.
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked this book, and the afterword made it ten times more interesting. It does get often describe daily tasks that seem monotonous, but I also listened to it on audiobook and just enjoyed someone speaking to me in a Scottish accent even if it was about unimportant tasks haha. If you’re reading it, I can see that it might drag on/get a bit boring at parts but on audiobook I really liked it.
Based on a true story, this is a supremely interesting tale about survival, but instead of a beach or jungle, this group of boys must somehow cling to life on an outcropping of rocks off the coast of Scotland
I definitely recommend listening to the audiobook as it brings to life the Scottish brogue, as well as the underlying humor present in parts of the story.
I definitely recommend listening to the audiobook as it brings to life the Scottish brogue, as well as the underlying humor present in parts of the story.
Interesting plot with enjoyable characters, enjoyed the writing style, but never really "clicked" with this book. Was irritated by how the John situation was handled after his secret came out, so that was a major negative for me. Overall just OK, not going to re-read it.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really loved this book. The setting was so unique—I've never read a book set in St. Kilda. The islands were so mysterious and the best part was that it was based on a true story. Although slow at times, I enjoyed reading the adventerious survival of the boys on the island. It was a bit spooky and dark, but still good and I felt like I was watching a nice long movie.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes