The Island
2 journalers for this copy...
This is Victoria Hislop's first novel, though I read her second, "The Return", a couple of weeks ago, as it was lent to me by a famous master swimmer.
The formula for both books is: girl in 20's/30's goes back to the roots of her mother in Crete/Spain and discovers a unique family history related to leprosy/the Spanish Civil War, as well as lost loves, family secrets, tragedies, etc.
Meticulously researched, both books offer an entertaining and enlightening read. I think I preferred The Return, as I learnt so much about the Spanish Civil war that I never knew. The Island would, of course, be a great read if you're holidaying in Eastern Crete, as it tells the history of Spinalonga, the leper colony.
The formula for both books is: girl in 20's/30's goes back to the roots of her mother in Crete/Spain and discovers a unique family history related to leprosy/the Spanish Civil War, as well as lost loves, family secrets, tragedies, etc.
Meticulously researched, both books offer an entertaining and enlightening read. I think I preferred The Return, as I learnt so much about the Spanish Civil war that I never knew. The Island would, of course, be a great read if you're holidaying in Eastern Crete, as it tells the history of Spinalonga, the leper colony.
Gave this to bimpy for holiday reading.
Released at the Chertsey BX meet at The Crown
Picked up at the Chertsey MeetUp earlier this week.
