Reviews

The Fourth Island by Sarah Tolmie

encounterswiththemoon's review against another edition

4.0

This is a good, quick, slightly haunting read about villagers on an Irish island who vanish. 
I think the aspect I appreciated the most was the clear double-entendres. It's easy to appreciate a mysterious vanishing but, what highlights Tolmie's writing abilities is the reasons she gives for the disappearances & how life is altered by the subsequent changes on the island. 

lburton's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.25

This short book is about a sweater, and a home for people who are lost and maybe dead. Reminiscent of The Bird King, characters are transported to a mysterious hidden island off the coast of Ireland, existing outside of space and time and with just a hint of magic. There are too many people to keep track of for a book this short, so I had a hard time following in the beginning. But about halfway through something clicked and I really enjoyed the conclusion of this one. It was lyrical and atmospheric, and makes me want to read more stories of sad and lonely villagers on dreary Irish isles. 

puffywiz's review against another edition

mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kennedyno's review against another edition

mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

sheilzbee's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A short, beautiful story. Loved all the knitting references! Makes me want to visit the Aran Islands 

erineph's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ithiliens's review against another edition

5.0

This was lovely and a good decision to read all in one go. Tolmie’s training as a historian shows here very nicely. I loved how interwoven with folklore is into the story; the island itself that recalls Tír na nÓg and the echo of Oisín in the effect the people of the island have on Inis Mór. I was also very happy to see that Tolmie is a poet and how alive poetry is in this. It was delightful to see The Lament of Art O’Leary referenced and indeed to see Nellie compose a keen. I would highly recommend anyone who enjoyed this read Doireean Ní Ghríofa’s A Ghost in the Throat.

I’m glad Tor is publishing these kinds of novellas. A very enjoyable read.

linwearcamenel's review

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aurora42's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

5.0

spestock's review against another edition

5.0

I really loved this novella. Beautifully written.