A review by fantlisasy
An Island by Karen Jennings

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

2.75

Pros:
-poetic language 
-vivid description of the island 
-development of Samuel’s paranoid thoughts 
-deals with important topics such as violence, dictatorship, poverty, death, colonialism and xenophobia 
-interesting concept 
-suspenseful and dark ending 

Cons:
-lack of detail: no specific setting 
-unlikeable characters (especially the protagonist) 
-randomly appearing flashbacks 
-confusing political development in Samuel’s past
-lack of interaction between Samuel and the stranger 
-wasted potential for more in depth exploration of the characters personality and identity