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A review by sharonleavy
The Island of Longing by Anne Griffin
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.75
*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