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readingspells's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
3.0
This short book is truly a think of beauty. The simple no frills text by Tove Jansson (the creator of the Moomin stories) sits perfectly beside the beautiful, often times eerie paintings by their partner Tuulikki Pietila. The quality of the print and paper is such that before you even start reading you know you are holding something special in your hands
At the times the prose is a little sparse and I will say that I did find myself wanting more. It felt like so much of their story and their thoughts where missing from this book which is a shame as clearly their work is stunning and their experience of living on this remote tiny island for all those years is a fairly unique one.
I am delighted to have been gifted this beautiful copy by the publisher, Sort of Books and if you are looking for a novella this is as much of a visual work of art as it is a reading experience then this is the book for you.
At the times the prose is a little sparse and I will say that I did find myself wanting more. It felt like so much of their story and their thoughts where missing from this book which is a shame as clearly their work is stunning and their experience of living on this remote tiny island for all those years is a fairly unique one.
I am delighted to have been gifted this beautiful copy by the publisher, Sort of Books and if you are looking for a novella this is as much of a visual work of art as it is a reading experience then this is the book for you.
sweetling's review against another edition
3.5
This was so sweet and a lovely glimpse into the 60-90s and showed their relationship in such a domestic lovely way. I loved the experience of reading with the images at the same time!
inkreads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
Notes from an Island by Tove Jansson & Tuulikki Pietilä and narrated by Sandi Toksvig is a short listen but a beautiful one. As a GenXr who was absolutely in love with the Moomins, I jumped at the chance to listen to this audiobook which was co-authored by the artist of one of my favourite childrens books of all time
The couple want peace and quiet, a home away from others where they can be their true selves and live their art. They are determined to build their home and while the first is overrun by curious fans, they do not lose hope and go on to try again in a harsh and unforgiving environment, but warmed by their relationship and creativity
An absolutely wonderful audiobook and highly recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio, the author Tove Jansson & Tuulikki Pietilä and narrator Sandi Toksvig for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
The couple want peace and quiet, a home away from others where they can be their true selves and live their art. They are determined to build their home and while the first is overrun by curious fans, they do not lose hope and go on to try again in a harsh and unforgiving environment, but warmed by their relationship and creativity
An absolutely wonderful audiobook and highly recommended
Thank you to Netgalley, Saga Egmont Audio, the author Tove Jansson & Tuulikki Pietilä and narrator Sandi Toksvig for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
frozenheartv's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
3.25
3.25 stars
🌕🌕🌕🌘
🌕🌕🌕🌘
🧠 My thoughts
It was a pleasant book to listen to. The authors just simply wrote about their lives living on an island, connecting with nature, and enjoying their peaceful lives. It somehow reflected how Nordic live and enjoy their lives which was pretty different from the other memoirs I have read before.
Since it was such a simple book, I felt it lacked the introspective part. Therefore, it was not memorable for me.
👍 What I like
- Simple and pleasant story
- The Nordic elements make it different
👎 What I don't like
- Lack introspective elements
- Too-easy-to-forget story
Thanks NetGalley, Saga Egmont Audio, and the authors for a great advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!
kirjapinoni's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
the_reading_wren's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
A beautiful, collaborative work of art.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death and Alcohol
tine_nielsen's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favourite books ever.
I have a deep fantasy of doing exactly what Jansson and her crew did, and knowing it was done before makes me like the world more. Reading about Brunstrom, for example, and knowing that he was a real person who really existed makes me less disappointed with humanity. And of course the way Jansson thinks - "I am a sculptors daughter, but Tooti's papa was a carpenter, so she loves wood" - I could just die. The most indulgent fantasy - and it's true! What a gift.
I have a deep fantasy of doing exactly what Jansson and her crew did, and knowing it was done before makes me like the world more. Reading about Brunstrom, for example, and knowing that he was a real person who really existed makes me less disappointed with humanity. And of course the way Jansson thinks - "I am a sculptors daughter, but Tooti's papa was a carpenter, so she loves wood" - I could just die. The most indulgent fantasy - and it's true! What a gift.
flawed_ghost's review against another edition
4.5
Reflective and funny about Jansson's and Pietila's long-time summer home, from the build phase to their eventual retirement from the cottage. Only minus is that the illustrations are a bit washed out, which I've been told is the case with later editions.