The Island
The acclaimed million-copy number one bestseller and winner of Richard & Judy’s Summer Read 2006. Victoria Hislop tells a dramatic tale of four generations, illicit love, violence and leprosy, from the thirties, through the war, to the present day.
On the brink of a life-changing decision, Alexis Fielding longs to find out about her mother’s past. But Sofia has never spoken of it. All she admits to is growing up in a small Cretan village before moving to London. When Alexis decides to visit Crete, however, Sofia gives her daughter a letter to take to an old friend, and promises that through her she will learn more.
Arriving in Plaka, Alexis is astonished to see that it lies a stone’s throw from the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga – Greece’s former leper colony. Then she finds Fotini, and at last hears the story that Sofia has buried all her life: the tale of her great-grandmother Eleni and her daughters and a family rent by tragedy, war and passion.
She discovers how intimately she is connected with the island, and how secrecy holds them all in its powerful grip…
Out of stock
Jenn Thornley –
From the book club meeting:
Most of us enjoyed this book, particularly the historical element. The book completely changed our image of leprosy as we learned more about what life was like for those who suffered with it and their loved ones. We loved most of the central characters and the way their relationships were developed, although we had a few unanswered questions and would have liked to know more, particularly about Dmitri’s story and what happened to Maria and Dr. Krystatsis once Sofia ran away. A number of us have already recommended this book to family and friends.
Overall, The Island averaged 3.5*