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abooknbrew2 's review for:
The Island of Longing
by Anne Griffin
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I've read both of Anne Griffin's previous books and enjoyed them very much, so I was very excited to see she had a third book coming out. I am so glad I found out, because this book, as far as I'm concerned, is probably the best book I've ever read. Beautiful writing, beautiful descriptions of the little island in Ireland, Roaring Bay (though fictitious, I am sure there are places just like it along the Irish coast).
It's told in the first person by Rosie and starts out 8 years after her 17 year old daughter Saoirse disappears without trace. After years of searching, of not knowing, the stress has taken its toll on the whole family.
It is a compelling read, I flew through the pages and the further into the book I got, I just wanted it to go on and on for ever. There are so many wonderful characters. The relationship between Rosie and her dad is so moving. Rosie's love of their family business, operating the ferry that takes visitors and residents back and forth to the mainland. She has an affinity with the ocean and feels closest to her daughter when she's out at sea, navigating the ferry Aoibhneas.
By the end of the book, I felt I knew every one of those characters, the residents on the island, Rosie's husband Hugh, her son Cullie inside out. There are some incredibly emotional scenes throughout, but it is interspersed with lighter moments too. I adored this book and the story will stay with me for a long time. Absolutely superb.
It's told in the first person by Rosie and starts out 8 years after her 17 year old daughter Saoirse disappears without trace. After years of searching, of not knowing, the stress has taken its toll on the whole family.
It is a compelling read, I flew through the pages and the further into the book I got, I just wanted it to go on and on for ever. There are so many wonderful characters. The relationship between Rosie and her dad is so moving. Rosie's love of their family business, operating the ferry that takes visitors and residents back and forth to the mainland. She has an affinity with the ocean and feels closest to her daughter when she's out at sea, navigating the ferry Aoibhneas.
By the end of the book, I felt I knew every one of those characters, the residents on the island, Rosie's husband Hugh, her son Cullie inside out. There are some incredibly emotional scenes throughout, but it is interspersed with lighter moments too. I adored this book and the story will stay with me for a long time. Absolutely superb.