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The Wild Isle #1
Paskutinė vasara
Nusisukusi ji nužingsniavo keteros link, nugara jausdama jų nuogąstavimą. Ji norėjo likti su draugėmis. Norėjo apsimesti, kad jos vis dar mažos mergaitės ir gyvenimas yra jei ne lengvas, tai bent jau teisingas. Tačiau tas dienas jau nusinešė saulėlydžiai ir ji žinojo, kad atėjo akimirka pasitikti savo ateitį. Flora teisi, ji visada teisi: potvynis praėjo. Atėjo laikas kasti masalą.
KAREN SWAN (Karen Svon) – daugiau nei dvidešimties tarptautinių bestselerių autorė, jos knygos nuolat leidžiamos dideliais tiražais daugybe kalbų. Lietuviškai išleista jau keturiolika jos romanų, tarp jų ir kalėdinių, be kurių skaitytojai nebeįsivaizduoja Kalėdų. Rašytojos kūryba gretinama su Lucindos Riley, Santos Montefiore, Noros Roberts. Buvusi mados žurnalistė atrado savą romanų formulę: centre – meilės istorija, įpinta į istorinį kontekstą, o skrupulingai ištyrinėta veiksmo vieta nukelia į įvairiausius pasaulio kampelius. „Paskutinė vasara“ – penkių knygų serijos „Laukinė sala“, kurią įkvėpė Sent Kildos salų gyventojų istorijos, pirma dalis.
1930-ųjų vasara atokioje laukinėje Škotijos saloje, atrodo, niekuo neypatinga: salos krantus skalaujančios Atlanto vandenyno bangos, niekada nenurimstantis vėjas, šimtų tūkstančių paukščių klegesys ir už 67 kilometrų likusi civilizacija. Tad netikėtai į salą atplaukęs Damfriso grafas ir jo sūnus lordas Šoltas akimirksniu sujaukia įprastą salos gyventojų kasdienybę. Jų vietos gide paskiriama Efė Džilis – laukinės dvasios mergina, kasdien kovojanti už vietą tarp salos vyresniųjų.
Visą nepaprastą savaitę Efė svečiams rodo gražiausias salos vietas, į širdį įsileisdama dar niekada nepatirtą jausmą – meilę. Uždrausta dviejų jaunų žmonių meilės ugnis vis labiau įsiliepsnoja ir Efė negali patikėti savo laime. Tačiau netrukus salos žmones sukrės jų gyvenimą sugriausianti žinia, o Efė bus priversta kurti savo pasaulį ir laimę iš naujo.
Kerintys laukinės Škotijos vaizdai, kvapą gniaužiantys siužeto posūkiai ir įtraukiantis pasakojimas. „Paskutinė vasara“ skaitytojus kviečia pasinerti į užburiančią, tikrų įvykių įkvėptą istoriją.
KAREN SWAN (Karen Svon) – daugiau nei dvidešimties tarptautinių bestselerių autorė, jos knygos nuolat leidžiamos dideliais tiražais daugybe kalbų. Lietuviškai išleista jau keturiolika jos romanų, tarp jų ir kalėdinių, be kurių skaitytojai nebeįsivaizduoja Kalėdų. Rašytojos kūryba gretinama su Lucindos Riley, Santos Montefiore, Noros Roberts. Buvusi mados žurnalistė atrado savą romanų formulę: centre – meilės istorija, įpinta į istorinį kontekstą, o skrupulingai ištyrinėta veiksmo vieta nukelia į įvairiausius pasaulio kampelius. „Paskutinė vasara“ – penkių knygų serijos „Laukinė sala“, kurią įkvėpė Sent Kildos salų gyventojų istorijos, pirma dalis.
1930-ųjų vasara atokioje laukinėje Škotijos saloje, atrodo, niekuo neypatinga: salos krantus skalaujančios Atlanto vandenyno bangos, niekada nenurimstantis vėjas, šimtų tūkstančių paukščių klegesys ir už 67 kilometrų likusi civilizacija. Tad netikėtai į salą atplaukęs Damfriso grafas ir jo sūnus lordas Šoltas akimirksniu sujaukia įprastą salos gyventojų kasdienybę. Jų vietos gide paskiriama Efė Džilis – laukinės dvasios mergina, kasdien kovojanti už vietą tarp salos vyresniųjų.
Visą nepaprastą savaitę Efė svečiams rodo gražiausias salos vietas, į širdį įsileisdama dar niekada nepatirtą jausmą – meilę. Uždrausta dviejų jaunų žmonių meilės ugnis vis labiau įsiliepsnoja ir Efė negali patikėti savo laime. Tačiau netrukus salos žmones sukrės jų gyvenimą sugriausianti žinia, o Efė bus priversta kurti savo pasaulį ir laimę iš naujo.
Kerintys laukinės Škotijos vaizdai, kvapą gniaužiantys siužeto posūkiai ir įtraukiantis pasakojimas. „Paskutinė vasara“ skaitytojus kviečia pasinerti į užburiančią, tikrų įvykių įkvėptą istoriją.
489 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2022
808 people are currently reading
7930 people want to read
About the author
Karen Swan
61 books2,376 followersKaren Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her books include Christmas at Tiffany's, Summer at Tiffany's, The Perfect Present, Christmas in the Snow, The Summer Without You, The Paris Secret, and Christmas Under the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 628 reviews
September 13, 2022
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I loved this book and I need the next one now!!
I never read the back cover blurb before I start a book, always preferring to go in blind. So I was thinking this was a dual time line, as some of Karen Swan's previous books, but I was delighted to find that The Last Summer is purely historical fiction and also the first in a new five book series.
Set on the remote island of Hirta in the St Kilda archipelago in the months leading up to the 1930 evacuation of the villagers to the mainland of Scotland. Swan uses real events to weave a fictitious tale of resilience.
Life is hard for the villagers on the island but it's the only life 18 year old Effie Gillies has known. Effie is wild and determined she has had to work as hard as the men to help support her ailing father.
Lord Sholto has lead a privileged life but when he and his father visit the island they do not show airs and graces as Effie acts as tour guide to the visitors. Sholto falls for Effie the minute he sees her and Effie dreams there may be a life for her off the island.
I loved all the descriptions of the wild beauty of the island, Effie’s skill at cragging (abseiling) on the sheer cliffs and how the villagers lived in harmony like one large family. The continuous effort of getting a meal on the table as well as work to pay taxes to the landlord was extremely interesting.
Karen Swan has delivered the perfect forbidden love story with the two protagonists separated by powerful class boundaries that seemed insurmountable.
I was totally immersed in this story from beginning to end and I flew through the pages eager for Effie to find acceptance as her wild, free self.
The Last Summer is a love story that defies distance, standing and a dangerously jealous man.
Be warned, the story ends on a cliffhanger that will have you eager for the next installment.
*I received my copy from the publisher
I loved this book and I need the next one now!!
I never read the back cover blurb before I start a book, always preferring to go in blind. So I was thinking this was a dual time line, as some of Karen Swan's previous books, but I was delighted to find that The Last Summer is purely historical fiction and also the first in a new five book series.
Set on the remote island of Hirta in the St Kilda archipelago in the months leading up to the 1930 evacuation of the villagers to the mainland of Scotland. Swan uses real events to weave a fictitious tale of resilience.
Life is hard for the villagers on the island but it's the only life 18 year old Effie Gillies has known. Effie is wild and determined she has had to work as hard as the men to help support her ailing father.
Lord Sholto has lead a privileged life but when he and his father visit the island they do not show airs and graces as Effie acts as tour guide to the visitors. Sholto falls for Effie the minute he sees her and Effie dreams there may be a life for her off the island.
I loved all the descriptions of the wild beauty of the island, Effie’s skill at cragging (abseiling) on the sheer cliffs and how the villagers lived in harmony like one large family. The continuous effort of getting a meal on the table as well as work to pay taxes to the landlord was extremely interesting.
Karen Swan has delivered the perfect forbidden love story with the two protagonists separated by powerful class boundaries that seemed insurmountable.
I was totally immersed in this story from beginning to end and I flew through the pages eager for Effie to find acceptance as her wild, free self.
The Last Summer is a love story that defies distance, standing and a dangerously jealous man.
Be warned, the story ends on a cliffhanger that will have you eager for the next installment.
*I received my copy from the publisher
April 21, 2022
Ok several dogs died in this which was very logical for the plot and time period but unnecessarily upsetting?!!
Otherwise, the atmosphere of this was stunning. It was definitely different from Karen Swan's other books in that it felt less...trashy ...(to be clear I like trash) but what she always gets right is bringing you into the destination.
I am now fixated on visiting st Kilda and I am so intrigued for the rest of this series!
Otherwise, the atmosphere of this was stunning. It was definitely different from Karen Swan's other books in that it felt less...trashy ...(to be clear I like trash) but what she always gets right is bringing you into the destination.
I am now fixated on visiting st Kilda and I am so intrigued for the rest of this series!
November 3, 2025
Vis žvilgčiojau į šią Swan knygų seriją, bet nesiryždavau pradėti. Tačiau nusprendžiau, jog verta vis dėlto pabandyti. Tiek gero girdėjau!
Atokioje Škotijos saloje gyvena vos 36 žmonės, kurie neįsivaizduoja gyvenimo už salos ribų. Jų kasdienybę sujaukia į salą atplaukęs laivas, kartu su grafu bei jo sūnumi lordu.
Papasakoti apie gyvenimą saloje bei parodyti visas įdomybes priskiriama Efei Džilis.
Po truputį tarp Efės ir lordo Šolco užsimezga šilti jausmai. Abu jaunuoliai supranta, jog jų meilė nėra nei priimtina nei paprastai pateisinama. Tačiau netrukus salos gyvenimą pasieks žinia, kuri gali Efės gyvenimą pasukti visai kita linkme..
Vos tik pradėjus skaityti man nebuvo labai paprasta įsijausti į skaitomą istoriją. Pamenu, jog pagalvojau, kuo visus sužavėjo ši istorija 🤭 Tačiau skaitant toliau, tapo tik dar įdomiau. Pamilau tą laukinukę Efę. Tiesą pasakius, ji užkariavo mano širdį. Ji tokia mergina, kuri be galo empatiška, jautri bei atlapaširdė. Nors jos gyvenimas saloje ir gerokai skyrėsi nuo gyvenimo žemyne, tačiau ji puikiai pristaikė prie pasikeitusių gyvenimo sąlygų. Ir tai, kaip ji sugebėjo už save pastovėti! Tai buvo kažkas tokio 🥹
Taip pat autorė įtaigiai sukūrė tą atšiaurios salos vaizdą. Skaičiau ir atrodo jaučiau tą švilpiantį vėją..
Buvo labai gera skaityti apie Efės ir Šolco užgimusius jausmus. Tai buvo taip tyra ir gražu.
Sakyčiau, jog man ši istorija šiek tiek priminė "Ten, kur gieda vėžiai". Tikrai nesitikėjau, jog man taip patiks! Jau noriu skaityti tęsinį!
Atokioje Škotijos saloje gyvena vos 36 žmonės, kurie neįsivaizduoja gyvenimo už salos ribų. Jų kasdienybę sujaukia į salą atplaukęs laivas, kartu su grafu bei jo sūnumi lordu.
Papasakoti apie gyvenimą saloje bei parodyti visas įdomybes priskiriama Efei Džilis.
Po truputį tarp Efės ir lordo Šolco užsimezga šilti jausmai. Abu jaunuoliai supranta, jog jų meilė nėra nei priimtina nei paprastai pateisinama. Tačiau netrukus salos gyvenimą pasieks žinia, kuri gali Efės gyvenimą pasukti visai kita linkme..
Vos tik pradėjus skaityti man nebuvo labai paprasta įsijausti į skaitomą istoriją. Pamenu, jog pagalvojau, kuo visus sužavėjo ši istorija 🤭 Tačiau skaitant toliau, tapo tik dar įdomiau. Pamilau tą laukinukę Efę. Tiesą pasakius, ji užkariavo mano širdį. Ji tokia mergina, kuri be galo empatiška, jautri bei atlapaširdė. Nors jos gyvenimas saloje ir gerokai skyrėsi nuo gyvenimo žemyne, tačiau ji puikiai pristaikė prie pasikeitusių gyvenimo sąlygų. Ir tai, kaip ji sugebėjo už save pastovėti! Tai buvo kažkas tokio 🥹
Taip pat autorė įtaigiai sukūrė tą atšiaurios salos vaizdą. Skaičiau ir atrodo jaučiau tą švilpiantį vėją..
Buvo labai gera skaityti apie Efės ir Šolco užgimusius jausmus. Tai buvo taip tyra ir gražu.
Sakyčiau, jog man ši istorija šiek tiek priminė "Ten, kur gieda vėžiai". Tikrai nesitikėjau, jog man taip patiks! Jau noriu skaityti tęsinį!
September 22, 2024
Kerintys laukinės Škotijos vaizdai, įdomus siužeto posūkiai ir įtraukiantis pasakojimas. Tikrai patiko ir aišku lauksim tęsinio kaip toliau susiklostys laukinukės Efės gyvenimas. Audio knyga 🎧 😉
May 24, 2025
Jau imdama skaityti šią knygą, turėjau nemažus lūkesčius, kadangi šią autorės seriją labai išgyrė ir rekomendavo draugė. Kartu, "Paskutinė vasara" man visada bus ta ypatinga knyga, nes ji kartu su manimi keliavo į ligoninę prieš gimstant Taurui ir buvo toji, kuri leido pabėgti nuo pogimdyvinės emocijų karuselės. Pradžioje istorija man buvo kiek sausoka, nežinau, ko tiksliai tikėjausi, tačiau man labai reikėjo priprasti prie rašymo stiliaus ir laikotarpio, kuriuo metu vyksta veiksmas atokioje Škotijos saloje.
Vėliau, į istoriją įsitraukiau visu pajėgumu! Labai įdomus kontrastas, tarp žmonių iš žemyninės dalies ir salos gyventojų. Kaip gyvenant tam pačiam amžiuje, tuo pačiu laikotarpiu, gali skirtis absoliučiai viskas buityje ir pasaulėžiūroje. Taip pat, autorė puikiai moka sukurti atmosferą, aprašyti vietoves ir gamtą, tad ir "Paskutinė vasara" nėra išimtis, reikia nepamiršti ir to, kad knyga paremta tikrais faktais! Skaitydama svajojau atsidurti vėjuotoje, paukščių klyksmo ir Atlanto vandenyno ošimo apsuptoje Sent Kildos saloje.
Žinoma, labai svarbi čia ir meilės linija, tokia subtili, paslaptinga ir žaisminga, puikiai perteikianti to laikmečio standartus ir visuomenės lūkesčius. Tik man, bent šioje knygoje, meilės linija visiškai nublanko prieš visa kita, kas vyko. Salos gyvenimą, žemyninį gyvenimą, visuomenės požiūrį, įvykdytą nudikaltimą. Tai, nors ir turėjau kiek sunkesnę knygos pradžią, pabaigoje jau visiškai mėgavausi istorija ir tikrai ilgai nelaukusi, planuoju imti antrą dalį!
Vėliau, į istoriją įsitraukiau visu pajėgumu! Labai įdomus kontrastas, tarp žmonių iš žemyninės dalies ir salos gyventojų. Kaip gyvenant tam pačiam amžiuje, tuo pačiu laikotarpiu, gali skirtis absoliučiai viskas buityje ir pasaulėžiūroje. Taip pat, autorė puikiai moka sukurti atmosferą, aprašyti vietoves ir gamtą, tad ir "Paskutinė vasara" nėra išimtis, reikia nepamiršti ir to, kad knyga paremta tikrais faktais! Skaitydama svajojau atsidurti vėjuotoje, paukščių klyksmo ir Atlanto vandenyno ošimo apsuptoje Sent Kildos saloje.
Žinoma, labai svarbi čia ir meilės linija, tokia subtili, paslaptinga ir žaisminga, puikiai perteikianti to laikmečio standartus ir visuomenės lūkesčius. Tik man, bent šioje knygoje, meilės linija visiškai nublanko prieš visa kita, kas vyko. Salos gyvenimą, žemyninį gyvenimą, visuomenės požiūrį, įvykdytą nudikaltimą. Tai, nors ir turėjau kiek sunkesnę knygos pradžią, pabaigoje jau visiškai mėgavausi istorija ir tikrai ilgai nelaukusi, planuoju imti antrą dalį!
February 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Šiai rašytojai simpatiją jaučiu jau seniai, tačiau pradėjus klausyti "Paskutinė vasara", man autorė atsiskleidė visai kitomis spalvomis. Ši istorija labai sodri, kupina autentiškumo ir laukinės gamtos grožio. Knygos pradžioje viskas vystėsi gana lėtokai, tačiau po truputį pasakojimas įtraukė ir privertė išgyventi daugybę jausmų. 🌿✨ Pykau dėl neteisybės, žavėjausi Efės stiprybe, troškau veikėjams šviesaus rytojaus ir nepalaužiamos meilės - visko labai daug jutau keliaudama po šį pasakojimą. 🤍
O Kalviukė.. jai skirta atskira vieta mano širdyje. 🥹
Nuostabi knyga apie moters, žiauriame vyrų pasaulyje, striprybę ir nenugalimą ryžtą. Apie žmones, kurie daugybę metų gyveno savame pasaulyje ir buvo priversti palikti savo mylimus namus. Apie netikėtą ir tyrą meilę, kuriai lemta išgyventi ne vieną kliūtį kelyje. ✨
Buvo gražu, skaudu, liūdna ir jautru - labai rekomenduoju. 🤍
Tik nesitikėjau, kad istorija baigsis pačiame įvykių sukūryje - būtinai klausysiu ir antrą serijos dalį, tiesiog privalau sužinoti kas toliau laukia personažų. 🤭
Šiai rašytojai simpatiją jaučiu jau seniai, tačiau pradėjus klausyti "Paskutinė vasara", man autorė atsiskleidė visai kitomis spalvomis. Ši istorija labai sodri, kupina autentiškumo ir laukinės gamtos grožio. Knygos pradžioje viskas vystėsi gana lėtokai, tačiau po truputį pasakojimas įtraukė ir privertė išgyventi daugybę jausmų. 🌿✨ Pykau dėl neteisybės, žavėjausi Efės stiprybe, troškau veikėjams šviesaus rytojaus ir nepalaužiamos meilės - visko labai daug jutau keliaudama po šį pasakojimą. 🤍
O Kalviukė.. jai skirta atskira vieta mano širdyje. 🥹
Nuostabi knyga apie moters, žiauriame vyrų pasaulyje, striprybę ir nenugalimą ryžtą. Apie žmones, kurie daugybę metų gyveno savame pasaulyje ir buvo priversti palikti savo mylimus namus. Apie netikėtą ir tyrą meilę, kuriai lemta išgyventi ne vieną kliūtį kelyje. ✨
Buvo gražu, skaudu, liūdna ir jautru - labai rekomenduoju. 🤍
Tik nesitikėjau, kad istorija baigsis pačiame įvykių sukūryje - būtinai klausysiu ir antrą serijos dalį, tiesiog privalau sužinoti kas toliau laukia personažų. 🤭
June 22, 2023
Moc mě to bavilo! 😍 Příběh mi i v mnohém připomínal knížku Kde zpívají raci. Akorát tohle je první díl série, takže teď funím, že pokračování nevychází ideálně zítra. 😵💫 Super to je!
September 15, 2025
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#1 The Last Summer - ★★★★★
#2 The Stolen Hours - TBR
Another Karen Swan novel, and another book that entirely gripped me. The Last Summer is the first book in the Wild Isle Series, with the Stolen Hours being published this year (2024). Set in the remote Scottish island of St. Kilda, it was the perfect blend of wilderness and romance.
About The Book:
Summer on St Kilda – a wild, remote Scottish island.
Two strangers from drastically different worlds meet . . .
Wild-spirited Effie Gillies has lived all her life on the small island of St Kilda but when Lord Sholto, heir to the Earl of Dumfries, visits, the attraction between them is instant. For one glorious week she guides the handsome young visitor around the isle, falling in love for the first time – until a storm hits and her world falls apart.
Three months later, St Kilda falls silent as the islanders are evacuated for a better life on the mainland. With her friends and family scattered, Effie is surprised to be offered a position working on the Earl’s estate. Sholto is back in her life but their differences now seem insurmountable, even as the simmering tension between them grows. And when a shocking discovery is made back on St Kilda, all her dreams for this bright new life are threatened by the dark secrets Effie and her friends thought they had left behind.
My Thoughts:
Life at St. Kilda is very remote, and we get to find out more through Effie’s adventures. When the island has some new guests, one in particular is about to catch Effie’s eye. After a few days of adventure, and what seems to be, the start of a love story, the islands receive the news that they are to be evacuated for a better life on the mainland.
“I don’t know what you’re so worried about. A girl’s perfectly safe flirting with a man she knows can never marry her, especially the son of an earl. It’s the men who can marry you that you should be wary of.”
The book is split into two parts, before and after the evacuation and the change of tone and atmosphere is evident.
“But I’m not poor, sir.”, she replied, with sudden defiance. “That’s just it. I have everything I need here. A poor man needs what he does not have, but I want nothing more.”
People find it hard to adjust and I couldn’t help but feel for them. I know it doesn’t compare, but it reminded me of me coming to the UK for the very first time. Thinking I know English, and yet, not quite capturing the accent and asking people to talk slowly to me. Not fully understanding the culture and humour, and not quite fitting in.
“I know it’s hard. Hardest of all on the two of you. In a couple of months, our lives are going to change forever. We’ll leave here and everything we know will be different. Every single thing. Some will be better, some will be worse. But I also know a day will come when we’ll look back on this moment – on the three of us sitting on the grass, with feathers in our hair and dead birds by our feet – and there’ll be something of it that still remains.”
This book was a bundle of emotions, but I enjoyed every moment of it. It made me really want to visit Scotland, and especially St. Kilda. I am now quite intrigued and excited to continue this journey and also read The Stolen Hours.
“Their gazes locked again and she had it again – that sensation of falling, far scarier than anything she’d ever known on a rope; a tension seemed to exist between them that paid no need to barriers the factor had warned must keep them apart.”
#1 The Last Summer - ★★★★★
#2 The Stolen Hours - TBR
Another Karen Swan novel, and another book that entirely gripped me. The Last Summer is the first book in the Wild Isle Series, with the Stolen Hours being published this year (2024). Set in the remote Scottish island of St. Kilda, it was the perfect blend of wilderness and romance.
About The Book:
Summer on St Kilda – a wild, remote Scottish island.
Two strangers from drastically different worlds meet . . .
Wild-spirited Effie Gillies has lived all her life on the small island of St Kilda but when Lord Sholto, heir to the Earl of Dumfries, visits, the attraction between them is instant. For one glorious week she guides the handsome young visitor around the isle, falling in love for the first time – until a storm hits and her world falls apart.
Three months later, St Kilda falls silent as the islanders are evacuated for a better life on the mainland. With her friends and family scattered, Effie is surprised to be offered a position working on the Earl’s estate. Sholto is back in her life but their differences now seem insurmountable, even as the simmering tension between them grows. And when a shocking discovery is made back on St Kilda, all her dreams for this bright new life are threatened by the dark secrets Effie and her friends thought they had left behind.
My Thoughts:
Life at St. Kilda is very remote, and we get to find out more through Effie’s adventures. When the island has some new guests, one in particular is about to catch Effie’s eye. After a few days of adventure, and what seems to be, the start of a love story, the islands receive the news that they are to be evacuated for a better life on the mainland.
“I don’t know what you’re so worried about. A girl’s perfectly safe flirting with a man she knows can never marry her, especially the son of an earl. It’s the men who can marry you that you should be wary of.”
The book is split into two parts, before and after the evacuation and the change of tone and atmosphere is evident.
“But I’m not poor, sir.”, she replied, with sudden defiance. “That’s just it. I have everything I need here. A poor man needs what he does not have, but I want nothing more.”
People find it hard to adjust and I couldn’t help but feel for them. I know it doesn’t compare, but it reminded me of me coming to the UK for the very first time. Thinking I know English, and yet, not quite capturing the accent and asking people to talk slowly to me. Not fully understanding the culture and humour, and not quite fitting in.
“I know it’s hard. Hardest of all on the two of you. In a couple of months, our lives are going to change forever. We’ll leave here and everything we know will be different. Every single thing. Some will be better, some will be worse. But I also know a day will come when we’ll look back on this moment – on the three of us sitting on the grass, with feathers in our hair and dead birds by our feet – and there’ll be something of it that still remains.”
This book was a bundle of emotions, but I enjoyed every moment of it. It made me really want to visit Scotland, and especially St. Kilda. I am now quite intrigued and excited to continue this journey and also read The Stolen Hours.
“Their gazes locked again and she had it again – that sensation of falling, far scarier than anything she’d ever known on a rope; a tension seemed to exist between them that paid no need to barriers the factor had warned must keep them apart.”
June 4, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy of this book. I’ve been a long term fan of Karen Swan’s books, always enjoying the flowing prose filled with descriptive sentences that allow the readers to really immerse themselves in the setting as well as the story. Whether the setting is Spain, Rome, Norway or Canada, there is a real sense of place in her books. This time her setting is St Kilda and the Scottish mainland in the 1930s, at the time of the evacuation of the inhabitants of the island of St Kilda, whose meagre population struggles for survival in a centuries old manner, cut off from much of modern conveniences. It is told through the eyes of Effie Gillies, a wild tom boy type whose skill at all the men’s work required for their survival, including rope work along the cliffs, captures the attention of Lord Sholto when he visits with his father, the Earl of Dumfries, just before the evacuation. She becomes their guide, her knowledge and understanding of birds catching the earl’s attention and admiration. But it’s his son who finds her more than a source of information, and his attention becomes irresistible to Effie. The two are drawn together, ever closer, until circumstances forces them apart.
The novel is the first of a trilogy, something new for Swan, as well as taking on historical fiction for the whole of a novel, rather than just a parallel story, as she has done on occasion. But just as in her past novels, the setting is wonderfully created with such loving detail there is no doubt about the meticulous research that went into it. And the time period rings true, the accuracy seemingly spot on. As a writer of historical fiction, I can say that is no easy feat and one of the reasons I am drawn to her novels is her attention to these kind of details so seamlessly slipped in. This novel is no different. The Cinderella story is also told with heart and understanding of Effie and draws the reader in, though at a few points it presents a little more facile than usually found in her novels. Its place as the first of a trilogy may have led the decision on the ending, which for me I would have liked to be a little less abrupt. Still, it’s an exhilarating tale, one that captured me immediately and I finished in only a few sittings.
The novel is the first of a trilogy, something new for Swan, as well as taking on historical fiction for the whole of a novel, rather than just a parallel story, as she has done on occasion. But just as in her past novels, the setting is wonderfully created with such loving detail there is no doubt about the meticulous research that went into it. And the time period rings true, the accuracy seemingly spot on. As a writer of historical fiction, I can say that is no easy feat and one of the reasons I am drawn to her novels is her attention to these kind of details so seamlessly slipped in. This novel is no different. The Cinderella story is also told with heart and understanding of Effie and draws the reader in, though at a few points it presents a little more facile than usually found in her novels. Its place as the first of a trilogy may have led the decision on the ending, which for me I would have liked to be a little less abrupt. Still, it’s an exhilarating tale, one that captured me immediately and I finished in only a few sittings.
November 9, 2022
That ending seriously?
Who ends a novel seriously on an ending like that?
I have not read a novel with a cliffhanger that doesn’t actually show what happens. Usually everything is sorted in one way or another. Therefore this novel loses a star (was originally 4 but that ending is disappointment).
This novel has a lot of animal abuse and deaths just so you are aware as it wasn’t entirely pleasant to listen to.
It took me a little while to realise this novel was set a century ago. Takes place in the setting of a Scottish place called St Kilda.
How the main character lived without a lot of basic essentials even back then is beyond me.
Overall this novel was alright. Karen Swan has written better novels.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/11/14/book-re...
Who ends a novel seriously on an ending like that?
I have not read a novel with a cliffhanger that doesn’t actually show what happens. Usually everything is sorted in one way or another. Therefore this novel loses a star (was originally 4 but that ending is disappointment).
This novel has a lot of animal abuse and deaths just so you are aware as it wasn’t entirely pleasant to listen to.
It took me a little while to realise this novel was set a century ago. Takes place in the setting of a Scottish place called St Kilda.
How the main character lived without a lot of basic essentials even back then is beyond me.
Overall this novel was alright. Karen Swan has written better novels.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/11/14/book-re...
July 3, 2022
Rich boy meets plot girl
Starting in St Kilda. The island is used as a prop to set up the main female character. Rich boy visits and they fall in love. Bad man intervenes. Typical of many novels really. Not many more characters explored. It's technically well written and flows from one dramatic episode to another but it was difficult to really connect or care about either her or him. I would have given up less than half way through but oddly feel that I must finish every novel . The ending was rubbish totally contrived to set up a second book and get you to buy that. Possibly the publishers idea.
Starting in St Kilda. The island is used as a prop to set up the main female character. Rich boy visits and they fall in love. Bad man intervenes. Typical of many novels really. Not many more characters explored. It's technically well written and flows from one dramatic episode to another but it was difficult to really connect or care about either her or him. I would have given up less than half way through but oddly feel that I must finish every novel . The ending was rubbish totally contrived to set up a second book and get you to buy that. Possibly the publishers idea.
May 2, 2022
5 stars +:
I’ll say it right away. THE LAST SUMMER is by far my favorite Karen Swan novel. Everything in it is amazing, from the very well-drawn characterization, to the rich and highly addictive narrative, not to mention the beautiful and envious setting of Scotland’s St Kilda (in the 1930s). The story focuses on Effie. She is a young and strong-willed highlander who ultimately leaves St Kilda to embark on a personal journey that will deviate from everything she has come to know. Of course she will find love and some unhappiness in this new world of hers. This novel is a departure from the author usual lighter repertoire. It is stronger, more grounded, and so much more rewarding in the end, in my opinion. Oh don’t get me wrong. You still get the same Karen Swan that we all know but with an extra edge. I still found myself turning the pages as fast as permitted and yearning for the next tome to materialize soon. Because, yes, there will be a next one. This is the first in a series. I hope THE LAST SUMMER is a bigger hit for Karen Swan, for she certainly deserves all the praises. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fantastic ARC.
Longer review: https://sleaze-factor.blogspot.com/20...
I’ll say it right away. THE LAST SUMMER is by far my favorite Karen Swan novel. Everything in it is amazing, from the very well-drawn characterization, to the rich and highly addictive narrative, not to mention the beautiful and envious setting of Scotland’s St Kilda (in the 1930s). The story focuses on Effie. She is a young and strong-willed highlander who ultimately leaves St Kilda to embark on a personal journey that will deviate from everything she has come to know. Of course she will find love and some unhappiness in this new world of hers. This novel is a departure from the author usual lighter repertoire. It is stronger, more grounded, and so much more rewarding in the end, in my opinion. Oh don’t get me wrong. You still get the same Karen Swan that we all know but with an extra edge. I still found myself turning the pages as fast as permitted and yearning for the next tome to materialize soon. Because, yes, there will be a next one. This is the first in a series. I hope THE LAST SUMMER is a bigger hit for Karen Swan, for she certainly deserves all the praises. My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fantastic ARC.
Longer review: https://sleaze-factor.blogspot.com/20...
July 25, 2023
Normally this kind of thing wouldn't really be my cup of tea, but this was beautifully atmospheric and I enjoyed it enough for 3.5 stars, rounded up.
January 23, 2025
Labai įtraukė! Tos visos Sent Kildos salos gyvenimo subtilybės. Pamilau ir pagrindinius veikėjus. Nepaprastoji Efė Džilis, kurioje slypi laukinė aistra salai. Ir netikėtai įsižiebusi, iš pažiūros netinkama, meilė. Neriu į antrą dalį.
“Nėra paslapties, jei ją žino trys.”
“Jis vietos gyventojams buvo ir pyragas ir botagas.”
“Meilė <..>Ji buvo svaiginanti, sukrečianti it elektra, skausminga ir jaudinanti, teikianti jai pilnatvę, bet kartu ir apdovanojanti visiškos tuštumos jausmu.”
“Palikdamas tik jų širdyje išdegintus prisiminimus.”
“Pastarąją savaitę miegas aplankydavo taip pat dažnai kaip ir vaivorykštė.”
“Jis buvo permainingesnis už vėją.”
“Nėra paslapties, jei ją žino trys.”
“Jis vietos gyventojams buvo ir pyragas ir botagas.”
“Meilė <..>Ji buvo svaiginanti, sukrečianti it elektra, skausminga ir jaudinanti, teikianti jai pilnatvę, bet kartu ir apdovanojanti visiškos tuštumos jausmu.”
“Palikdamas tik jų širdyje išdegintus prisiminimus.”
“Pastarąją savaitę miegas aplankydavo taip pat dažnai kaip ir vaivorykštė.”
“Jis buvo permainingesnis už vėją.”
June 2, 2025
Imdama Karen Swan knygas visada jaučiu, kad bus gerai. Istorijos ne tik gilios, išjaustos bei su laiminga, romantiška pabaiga. Bet kai atėjo laikas pirmąjai Sent Kildos salų serijos knygai, vistiek jaučiau nedidelį nerimą - ar tikrai pavyko autorei vėl sukurti kažką, kas mane sužavės ir nustebins? Bet buvau daug daugiau nei tikėjausi džiugiai nustebinta!
Efė gyvena nedidelėje ir nuo viso likusio pasaulio atskirtoje Sent Kildos saloje, į kurią patekti ne taip lengva. Taip pat, kaip ir išvykti. Ten karaliauja gamtos didybė bei paukščių karalija, o nedidelė grupė gyventojų nustatę griežtas ir nelaužomas taisykles. Bet Efės širdyje degantis maištingumas bei meilė salai išlieka stiprus tol, kol į salą neužklysta Damfriso grafas bei jo sūnus lordas Šoltas. Šis susitikimas nulemia tiek daug, kad painūs likimo keliai ne tik užkuria uždraustos meilės ugnį, bet ir atneša skausmą bei tragediją. Be viso to, salos gyventojus pasiekia žinia - jie iškeldinami iš Sent Kildos į žemyną, kur visas jų laukiantis gyvenimas išties pasikeis.
Istorija padalinta į dvi dalis - viena sukasi apie Sent Kildos salos įvykius, o antrojoje - kaip visiems sekėsi persikėlus į žemyninę Škotijos dalį. Įtampos netrūko per visą istoriją, nes ne tik jaudinausi dėl Efės bei Šolto likimų, teko panerimauti ir dėl saloje įvykusios mirties. Veiksmas pinasi ir rutuliojasi link tos atomazgos, kad jau atsitraukt neišsiaiškinus pabaigos tikrai sunku. Pradžia gal lėčiau klausėsi, o ties viduriu įsibėgėjo tempas nevaldomai, negalėjau niekaip sustot! Man patiko ir ta romantinė linija, stiprus Efės paveikslas bei tas nedidelis detektyvas, verčiantis mane narpliot visas istorijos daleles! Pabaiga išvis buvo bomba ir norėjos iškart griebt sekančią dalį!
Žinau, kad kitos serijos knygos užmins tik dar daugiau mįslių, bet negaliu sulaukt, kol sužinosiu kitų merginų - Mairės, Floros bei Džeinės likimus kartu su tragiško įvykio atomazga!
Efė gyvena nedidelėje ir nuo viso likusio pasaulio atskirtoje Sent Kildos saloje, į kurią patekti ne taip lengva. Taip pat, kaip ir išvykti. Ten karaliauja gamtos didybė bei paukščių karalija, o nedidelė grupė gyventojų nustatę griežtas ir nelaužomas taisykles. Bet Efės širdyje degantis maištingumas bei meilė salai išlieka stiprus tol, kol į salą neužklysta Damfriso grafas bei jo sūnus lordas Šoltas. Šis susitikimas nulemia tiek daug, kad painūs likimo keliai ne tik užkuria uždraustos meilės ugnį, bet ir atneša skausmą bei tragediją. Be viso to, salos gyventojus pasiekia žinia - jie iškeldinami iš Sent Kildos į žemyną, kur visas jų laukiantis gyvenimas išties pasikeis.
Istorija padalinta į dvi dalis - viena sukasi apie Sent Kildos salos įvykius, o antrojoje - kaip visiems sekėsi persikėlus į žemyninę Škotijos dalį. Įtampos netrūko per visą istoriją, nes ne tik jaudinausi dėl Efės bei Šolto likimų, teko panerimauti ir dėl saloje įvykusios mirties. Veiksmas pinasi ir rutuliojasi link tos atomazgos, kad jau atsitraukt neišsiaiškinus pabaigos tikrai sunku. Pradžia gal lėčiau klausėsi, o ties viduriu įsibėgėjo tempas nevaldomai, negalėjau niekaip sustot! Man patiko ir ta romantinė linija, stiprus Efės paveikslas bei tas nedidelis detektyvas, verčiantis mane narpliot visas istorijos daleles! Pabaiga išvis buvo bomba ir norėjos iškart griebt sekančią dalį!
Žinau, kad kitos serijos knygos užmins tik dar daugiau mįslių, bet negaliu sulaukt, kol sužinosiu kitų merginų - Mairės, Floros bei Džeinės likimus kartu su tragiško įvykio atomazga!
September 4, 2022
The Last Summer by Karen Swan is a new story which is part one of a three part series set in the Summer of 1930 on the wild, remote Scottish Island of St Kilda.
There's a lot of research that's gone into this book into what life was like living on St Kilda in the early days.
Karen Swan has turned it into a real life story of her own with wild romance, adventure and many twists and turns.
It's a mega read 📚 that everyone interested in Scottish tales should read.
I look forward to the next one in the series.
There's a lot of research that's gone into this book into what life was like living on St Kilda in the early days.
Karen Swan has turned it into a real life story of her own with wild romance, adventure and many twists and turns.
It's a mega read 📚 that everyone interested in Scottish tales should read.
I look forward to the next one in the series.
July 24, 2022
I'm a fan of Karen Swan's books, always enjoying her flowing prose full of descriptive sentences that allow readers to really immerse themselves in the setting, as well as the story. She is an author that I am very glad to have discovered.
This time, the place is the isle of St. Kilda, an isolated island belonging to Scotland, in the 1930s. The story begins shortly before the evacuation of the inhabitants of the island, whose small population, only a few dozen people, is fighting for survival in a centuries-old way, isolated from many of the modern amenities. The book was inspired by real events.
The book tells the story through the eyes of Effie Gillies, a beautiful but wild teenager whose strength and will captures the attention of Lord Sholto. The Lord, along with his father, the Earl of Dumfries, visit the island to relax, just before the evacuation. She becomes their guide, her knowledge and understanding of birds capturing the earl's attention and admiration. It is his son, however, who finds her more than a source of information, and his attention becomes irresistible to Effie. The two fall in love, but circumstances force them to separate.
They meet again a few months later when Effie accepts a job offer from the Earl of Dumfries. Now, Effie has the opportunity to see Sholto in the society which he is part of. The status differences are now more obvious, and their story seems impossible, even before it really begins.
As in her previous novels, the setting is wonderful, created and told with such detail that there is no doubting the meticulous research the author has carried out. One of the reasons I'm drawn to her novels is her attention to details and this novel is no different.
Swan's earlier novels are largely contemporary in which he carefully introduces another story that begins in the past. "The Last Summer" is entirely historical fiction, but I enjoyed it just as much. I've read several of the author's previous novels and I love the way she combines romance and a bit of mystery with a strong sense of place. In this case, I was pleased to learn about the evacuation of the island of St. Kilda.
And then why only four stars?! Because the story wasn't consistent. I thought it was a bit laggy in the first part, before the relocation, and way too rushed in the second part. Not to mention that the novel ended with a big cliffhanger, waiting for volume two. Anyway, I enjoyed reading it and I can't wait for her next novels.
This time, the place is the isle of St. Kilda, an isolated island belonging to Scotland, in the 1930s. The story begins shortly before the evacuation of the inhabitants of the island, whose small population, only a few dozen people, is fighting for survival in a centuries-old way, isolated from many of the modern amenities. The book was inspired by real events.
The book tells the story through the eyes of Effie Gillies, a beautiful but wild teenager whose strength and will captures the attention of Lord Sholto. The Lord, along with his father, the Earl of Dumfries, visit the island to relax, just before the evacuation. She becomes their guide, her knowledge and understanding of birds capturing the earl's attention and admiration. It is his son, however, who finds her more than a source of information, and his attention becomes irresistible to Effie. The two fall in love, but circumstances force them to separate.
They meet again a few months later when Effie accepts a job offer from the Earl of Dumfries. Now, Effie has the opportunity to see Sholto in the society which he is part of. The status differences are now more obvious, and their story seems impossible, even before it really begins.
As in her previous novels, the setting is wonderful, created and told with such detail that there is no doubting the meticulous research the author has carried out. One of the reasons I'm drawn to her novels is her attention to details and this novel is no different.
Swan's earlier novels are largely contemporary in which he carefully introduces another story that begins in the past. "The Last Summer" is entirely historical fiction, but I enjoyed it just as much. I've read several of the author's previous novels and I love the way she combines romance and a bit of mystery with a strong sense of place. In this case, I was pleased to learn about the evacuation of the island of St. Kilda.
And then why only four stars?! Because the story wasn't consistent. I thought it was a bit laggy in the first part, before the relocation, and way too rushed in the second part. Not to mention that the novel ended with a big cliffhanger, waiting for volume two. Anyway, I enjoyed reading it and I can't wait for her next novels.
July 4, 2022
I chose this audiobook as part of it is set on the now uninhabited island of St Kilda.
The book is in two parts, following the life of eighteen year old Effie before and after the evacuation from the island in 1930.
Sholto, the heir to the Earl of Dumfries, visits the island and despite their different backgrounds they end up falling for each other. Effie is offered a job as ornithological advisor to the Earl, assisting him in organising his collection of eggs.
Unfortunately, I didn’t warm to Effie’s character at all.
I found the narrator’s voice extremely slow and had to speed up the audio to listen to it. I also thought she over enunciated some words which made her a bit irritating to listen to.
For me, I thought the book was too long and it really dragged at times, especially the first half. It picks up a little in the second half but I found the conclusion a bit convenient.
I like the idea of a book set on a remote island and the descriptions of the location were very good. Unfortunately, the story didn’t grab me.
The cover is very pretty and suits the setting of the book.
2.5 rounded to 2.
Thanks to MacMillan UK Audio and NetGalley for a copy to review.
The book is in two parts, following the life of eighteen year old Effie before and after the evacuation from the island in 1930.
Sholto, the heir to the Earl of Dumfries, visits the island and despite their different backgrounds they end up falling for each other. Effie is offered a job as ornithological advisor to the Earl, assisting him in organising his collection of eggs.
Unfortunately, I didn’t warm to Effie’s character at all.
I found the narrator’s voice extremely slow and had to speed up the audio to listen to it. I also thought she over enunciated some words which made her a bit irritating to listen to.
For me, I thought the book was too long and it really dragged at times, especially the first half. It picks up a little in the second half but I found the conclusion a bit convenient.
I like the idea of a book set on a remote island and the descriptions of the location were very good. Unfortunately, the story didn’t grab me.
The cover is very pretty and suits the setting of the book.
2.5 rounded to 2.
Thanks to MacMillan UK Audio and NetGalley for a copy to review.
November 14, 2024
All her young life Effie Gillies has lived, wild and free, on the remote Scottish island of St Kilda. But when Lord Sholto visits the island, the attraction between them is instant. For one glorious week she guides the handsome young Lord around the isle, and falls in love for the first time. But a storm hits and her world falls apart.
Three months later, all the islanders are moved to a better life on the mainland. And Effie is surprised to be offered a job working for Sholto's father. But Sholto and Effie come from two different worlds - can love ever win?
Three months later, all the islanders are moved to a better life on the mainland. And Effie is surprised to be offered a job working for Sholto's father. But Sholto and Effie come from two different worlds - can love ever win?
June 17, 2022
The last summer.
Wow this book will stay with me forever! EVERYONE SHOULD READ!
Such delightful writing, this book has everything! Romance, history, mystery, period drama, comedy & lots lots more.... (Warnings re sexual harassment & animal death).
Initially I thought I would struggle with the narration being such a strong Scottish accent, however, within minutes I was hooked and I feel that it actually bought more delight and realism to the characters in this already delightful book. The story starts on a small remote island off the North of Scotland called St kilder, set in the 1930s, with the inhabitants living in a manner we could not even imagine with no idea of mainland life. They are all controlled by a few misely characters and currency is materials.
Effie,18, is the main character. A delightful and so inspirational and such a fiery girl!
After losing her mother and her brother it is just her and her father, with poor health, surviving and she is desperate for her father's attention as not being his son Effy has to compete with the male islanders to provide for her father.
Description of life on the island is unimaginable and yet so real. Cold baths, hay beds, hunting for own food to survive, no trees, rock-climbing being effys unique barefoot talent!
Effy has to compete and win against the males and it seems no challenge is too small for this young girl.
Being so strong and independent and outspoken causes many upsets among all the islanders and wearing her dead brothers clothes she really does not conform to the expected behaviours of the women of the era. Effys enthusiasm to learn from the rare gifted books given by the Factor is kept a secret from her father and later is revealed as a dark alteria motive.
When a unique visit from the mainlands Earl and his son throws Effy into being a guide for a week she easily impresses with her knowledge of the island and the bird inhabitants and obviously her amazing climbing skills! Of which will never be forgotten. Effy also has her first experience of that loving spark but sadly once again Effys actions are not well received by her father and the others!
The islanders are begrudgingly (by some) evacuated to the mainland in light of a harsh winter approaching and this new life brings unimaginable developments.
Not only shops and trees but new rules and discrimination never known to Effy before and yes she causes chaos!
However, her ambition and her spark creates many open doors for exploring and despite initial prejudices for her name sake, she wins the hearts of many surprising characters! I can imagine in the 1930s this spirited girl existed and I hope it's true!
Despite romance seemingly the focus initially, all is definately not what it seems and the reader's endure an unforgettable adventure with fun, sadness hardships and so much laughter and unpredictability even a pet cheetah & food fights!
Throughout the many hours listening I was kept hooked and I didn't want this to end! Especially like it did! Literally a cliff hanger - excuse the pun!
The author certainly leaving us wanting more and I do hope we get to find out who owned the brooch. I actually want to relisten to see if there are any hidden clues!
I believe the quality and the education captured within the pages of this novel could and should become a classic to be studied in schools. It is defintely one of the best books I have ever read!
I can't thank you enough NetGally, Macmillan UK audio and the author Karen Swan and the superb narrator for this advanced copy of this audiobook.
Best book of the year for me! Unforgettable!
Wow this book will stay with me forever! EVERYONE SHOULD READ!
Such delightful writing, this book has everything! Romance, history, mystery, period drama, comedy & lots lots more.... (Warnings re sexual harassment & animal death).
Initially I thought I would struggle with the narration being such a strong Scottish accent, however, within minutes I was hooked and I feel that it actually bought more delight and realism to the characters in this already delightful book. The story starts on a small remote island off the North of Scotland called St kilder, set in the 1930s, with the inhabitants living in a manner we could not even imagine with no idea of mainland life. They are all controlled by a few misely characters and currency is materials.
Effie,18, is the main character. A delightful and so inspirational and such a fiery girl!
After losing her mother and her brother it is just her and her father, with poor health, surviving and she is desperate for her father's attention as not being his son Effy has to compete with the male islanders to provide for her father.
Description of life on the island is unimaginable and yet so real. Cold baths, hay beds, hunting for own food to survive, no trees, rock-climbing being effys unique barefoot talent!
Effy has to compete and win against the males and it seems no challenge is too small for this young girl.
Being so strong and independent and outspoken causes many upsets among all the islanders and wearing her dead brothers clothes she really does not conform to the expected behaviours of the women of the era. Effys enthusiasm to learn from the rare gifted books given by the Factor is kept a secret from her father and later is revealed as a dark alteria motive.
When a unique visit from the mainlands Earl and his son throws Effy into being a guide for a week she easily impresses with her knowledge of the island and the bird inhabitants and obviously her amazing climbing skills! Of which will never be forgotten. Effy also has her first experience of that loving spark but sadly once again Effys actions are not well received by her father and the others!
The islanders are begrudgingly (by some) evacuated to the mainland in light of a harsh winter approaching and this new life brings unimaginable developments.
Not only shops and trees but new rules and discrimination never known to Effy before and yes she causes chaos!
However, her ambition and her spark creates many open doors for exploring and despite initial prejudices for her name sake, she wins the hearts of many surprising characters! I can imagine in the 1930s this spirited girl existed and I hope it's true!
Despite romance seemingly the focus initially, all is definately not what it seems and the reader's endure an unforgettable adventure with fun, sadness hardships and so much laughter and unpredictability even a pet cheetah & food fights!
Throughout the many hours listening I was kept hooked and I didn't want this to end! Especially like it did! Literally a cliff hanger - excuse the pun!
The author certainly leaving us wanting more and I do hope we get to find out who owned the brooch. I actually want to relisten to see if there are any hidden clues!
I believe the quality and the education captured within the pages of this novel could and should become a classic to be studied in schools. It is defintely one of the best books I have ever read!
I can't thank you enough NetGally, Macmillan UK audio and the author Karen Swan and the superb narrator for this advanced copy of this audiobook.
Best book of the year for me! Unforgettable!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2023
Dinsdag 14 maart '23 stond voor mij in het teken van de verschijning van 'Het wilde eiland', van Karen Swan, het allereerste deel in haar gloednieuwe, gelijknamige en vooral historische reeks. Ik mocht van de uitgeverij al een exemplaar ontvangen en ik kan je zeggen: de auteur stelt wederom niet teleur!
Waar dat mee te maken heeft? Met twee dingen: de schrijfstijl van Karen Swan die ervoor zorgt dat alle beschrijvingen van het prachtige eiland tot leven komt en de unieke karakters. Je volgt namelijk de onverschrokken, dappere en eigenzinnige Effie die haar hele leven tot nu toe heeft doorgebracht op het afgelegen eiland St. Kilda - ver weg van de buitenwereld en de ontwikkelingen die zich op het vasteland hebben afgespeeld (zoals de Industriële Revolutie). Maar dan komt de rijke en vooral enorm aantrekkelijke Lord Soltho op het eiland, die haar hart voor het eerst in haar leven sneller laat kloppen.
En als haar dat al niet genoeg stress oplevert, verandert haar leven nóg meer als zij - samen met de 35 andere inwoners van dit eiland - wordt geëvacueerd naar de bewoonde wereld. Plots moet ze zien te wennen aan 'simpele' dingen die zij nog nooit heeft gekend als trappen in een huis, spiegels om jezelf in te bewonderen tot veel keuze bij de slager.
Ik kan nog van alles zeggen over de inhoud, maar buiten kijf staat dat 'Het wilde eiland' van Karen Swan een avontuur is. Een fijn, meeslepend, ietwat traag maar vooral een bijzonder avontuur dat naar meer smaakt. Ik ben alleen al door het einde hiervan reuzebenieuwd hoe het verdergaat in het tweede deel... dat hopelijk niet lang meer op zich zal laten wachten!
Waar dat mee te maken heeft? Met twee dingen: de schrijfstijl van Karen Swan die ervoor zorgt dat alle beschrijvingen van het prachtige eiland tot leven komt en de unieke karakters. Je volgt namelijk de onverschrokken, dappere en eigenzinnige Effie die haar hele leven tot nu toe heeft doorgebracht op het afgelegen eiland St. Kilda - ver weg van de buitenwereld en de ontwikkelingen die zich op het vasteland hebben afgespeeld (zoals de Industriële Revolutie). Maar dan komt de rijke en vooral enorm aantrekkelijke Lord Soltho op het eiland, die haar hart voor het eerst in haar leven sneller laat kloppen.
En als haar dat al niet genoeg stress oplevert, verandert haar leven nóg meer als zij - samen met de 35 andere inwoners van dit eiland - wordt geëvacueerd naar de bewoonde wereld. Plots moet ze zien te wennen aan 'simpele' dingen die zij nog nooit heeft gekend als trappen in een huis, spiegels om jezelf in te bewonderen tot veel keuze bij de slager.
Ik kan nog van alles zeggen over de inhoud, maar buiten kijf staat dat 'Het wilde eiland' van Karen Swan een avontuur is. Een fijn, meeslepend, ietwat traag maar vooral een bijzonder avontuur dat naar meer smaakt. Ik ben alleen al door het einde hiervan reuzebenieuwd hoe het verdergaat in het tweede deel... dat hopelijk niet lang meer op zich zal laten wachten!
January 29, 2025
LT / EN
Tai knyga, kurioje susipina tikri, Škotijos istorijos, faktai su autorės vaizduotės vaisiais.
Matosi, kad autorė įdėjo be galo daug darbo ir rūpestingo informacijos ieškojimo į šį savo nuostabų ir užburiantį kūrinį.
Man pačiai gyvenančiai Škotijoje, buvo tiesiog saldu išgirsti ne tik apie Išoriniuose Hebriduose esančią salą, bet ir žinomų kraštų kaip Obanas, Fort Viljamas, Loch Lomondas pavadinimus, o dar ir 1930ųjų metų fone. Tikros lyriškumo vyšnios ant romantika, senove ir intrigomis kvepiančio torčiuko!
Autorės spalvingas detalių aprašymas vaizduotei leidžia piešti neįtikėtinus piešinius, ir tai tiesiog maitino mano sielą.
Laukiu nesulaukiu tęsinio...
---------------------------------------------------
It's a book where Scottish history and facts intertwine with authors creativeness and imagination.
You can feel the work and research that was put into this wonderfully charming book.
I find it particularly interesting as I live in Scotland myself and hearing the story not only about wild and beautiful Outer Hebrides Island, but also about the well known and explored Oban, Fort William, Tarbet, Loch Lomond – and more so in late 1930. It’s pure delight.
K. Swan attention to detail allows imagination to paint a colourful picture and it slowly nourishes your soul.
To be continued...
Tai knyga, kurioje susipina tikri, Škotijos istorijos, faktai su autorės vaizduotės vaisiais.
Matosi, kad autorė įdėjo be galo daug darbo ir rūpestingo informacijos ieškojimo į šį savo nuostabų ir užburiantį kūrinį.
Man pačiai gyvenančiai Škotijoje, buvo tiesiog saldu išgirsti ne tik apie Išoriniuose Hebriduose esančią salą, bet ir žinomų kraštų kaip Obanas, Fort Viljamas, Loch Lomondas pavadinimus, o dar ir 1930ųjų metų fone. Tikros lyriškumo vyšnios ant romantika, senove ir intrigomis kvepiančio torčiuko!
Autorės spalvingas detalių aprašymas vaizduotei leidžia piešti neįtikėtinus piešinius, ir tai tiesiog maitino mano sielą.
Laukiu nesulaukiu tęsinio...
---------------------------------------------------
It's a book where Scottish history and facts intertwine with authors creativeness and imagination.
You can feel the work and research that was put into this wonderfully charming book.
I find it particularly interesting as I live in Scotland myself and hearing the story not only about wild and beautiful Outer Hebrides Island, but also about the well known and explored Oban, Fort William, Tarbet, Loch Lomond – and more so in late 1930. It’s pure delight.
K. Swan attention to detail allows imagination to paint a colourful picture and it slowly nourishes your soul.
To be continued...
June 30, 2022
Trigger warning, this book has an attempted rape scene, and then murdering of a pet. I stopped reading halfway through. Hopefully future novels will refrain from this kind of content. I’ve been a long time lover and reader of Karen Swan books, but this is too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 31, 2025Klausydama prieš akis mačiau nuožmią ir atšiaurią gamtą, jaunus ir gražius žmones, jų rausvus skruostus flirtuojant ir įtūžusias akis pykstant. Daug čia buvo įvykių, jausmų, netikėtumų… Net šiek tiek trilerio elementų - paslapties, kuri taip ir neišaiškėjo knygos pabaigoje. Turiu nuojautą, kad ir antra knyga visko neatskleis, o tik su trečia jau bus galima matyti visą paveikslą… Lauksiu, klausysiu audio (man net labiau pavyksta įsijausti į pasakojimą, kai neskaitau).
January 26, 2025
Pradžioje knyga neužkabino, bet nuo vidurio nebegalėjau atplėšti akių. Daug vėjo, civilizacijų skirtumų, meilės, moterų nelygybės - ir detektyvinė pabaiga. Antros dalies neatsisakysiu paskaityti
July 1, 2025
Labai patiko viskas: lokacija ir jos perteikimas, įsigilinimas į laikmetį (pavardės, patarlės, tradicijos), siužetas irgi pats tas balansas tarp dramos, meilės ir nusikaltimo.
September 22, 2022
In 2020 during the lockdowns I took a deep dive into Karen Swan’s backlist and read a lot of her books. She’s become a must-read author for me and this is her latest release. It does differ from her other books that I have read which are mostly dual timeline with 1 or 2 that are a contemporary story only but this one is only a historical story. It’s set in St Kilda, a very remote archipelago in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland and if you don’t know anything about St Kilda and the people that lived there until the mass evacuation (and when I say mass, it was the entire population which by then, was only about 36 people) to the mainland in 1930, then you should definitely look it up and read a little about their way of life. It’s absolutely fascinating.
This is the first book in a series featuring three young women from the island. This book centres around Effie, a ‘tomboy’ who as the only child of her unable-to-work father, does the work of men on the island. She’s excellent at it, probably close to the best on the island, which does cause some resentment and also garners her some attention from those that she definitely wishes would rather not see her. When all the men are off on another island tending the sheep, Effie is tasked with showing an Earl and his son around, demonstrating the things the locals do such as scaling the cliffs attached to ropes. The Earl is a keen bird watcher and collector and Effie is incredibly knowledgeable and is able to share that with the Earl, who admires her. She also connects with his son – despite them being from two very different worlds. When Effie and the rest of the locals are evacuated, the Earl offers her a job curating his collection. But Effie is in a completely different setting now and she’s hurt when the Earl’s son, Lord Sholto, treats her differently.
I absolutely loved this. I really enjoyed the first part, which detailed Effie’s life on the island, as well as introduced the reader to a lot of the other inhabitants, including her two best friends, Flora and Mhairi who I believe will get their own books. The reader is given insight to the way of life on the island – they are a cashless society who pay their “rent” to the laird who owns the island by way of goods. They must also be pretty much entirely self sufficient, making use of the good weather during summer as much as they can. But the way of life is coming to an end – the population has dropped below having enough able bodies to provide for everyone and they have a signed petition asking to be removed from the island, which ended up going to parliament in London to be debated. When their request is granted, they are moved en masse and given new jobs and new houses and have to adjust to an entirely different life. Effie has never even seen things like mirrors, it makes for a big adjustment period.
There’s a little in this for everyone – there’s a mystery that runs through the second half of the story, where someone meets their demise and there are investigations into it. There’s also a bit of romance although I’m not really sure about that portion of the story. I actually thought a much better match for Effie came from one of the men working for the Earl, as I never really warmed to the one that seemed to be end game. I just really didn’t like the way Effie was treated at certain stages and felt like the excuses for such things were very poor (but to be honest, probably not unrealistic).
The further I got into this, the more I liked it (which says a lot, as I thought the beginning on St Kilda was amazing) and I felt like Karen Swan did such a great job grounding the reader in the setting. Especially when it’s such an isolated place with a lifestyle that most would not have really known existed and sadly, has disappeared (the last St Kildan died in their 90s about five or six years ago). And as the book dropped more clues about the mystery I became more intrigued with that too and wanting answers! Fair warning though, this book does end on a cliffhanger. Karen Swan is quite a prolific author, generally releasing two books a year (summer themed around this time and winter themed around Christmas) so I’d imagine the next instalment might be published this time next year. I really want to read it, especially after the final page of this one.
An excellent read and I highly recommend it!
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
This is the first book in a series featuring three young women from the island. This book centres around Effie, a ‘tomboy’ who as the only child of her unable-to-work father, does the work of men on the island. She’s excellent at it, probably close to the best on the island, which does cause some resentment and also garners her some attention from those that she definitely wishes would rather not see her. When all the men are off on another island tending the sheep, Effie is tasked with showing an Earl and his son around, demonstrating the things the locals do such as scaling the cliffs attached to ropes. The Earl is a keen bird watcher and collector and Effie is incredibly knowledgeable and is able to share that with the Earl, who admires her. She also connects with his son – despite them being from two very different worlds. When Effie and the rest of the locals are evacuated, the Earl offers her a job curating his collection. But Effie is in a completely different setting now and she’s hurt when the Earl’s son, Lord Sholto, treats her differently.
I absolutely loved this. I really enjoyed the first part, which detailed Effie’s life on the island, as well as introduced the reader to a lot of the other inhabitants, including her two best friends, Flora and Mhairi who I believe will get their own books. The reader is given insight to the way of life on the island – they are a cashless society who pay their “rent” to the laird who owns the island by way of goods. They must also be pretty much entirely self sufficient, making use of the good weather during summer as much as they can. But the way of life is coming to an end – the population has dropped below having enough able bodies to provide for everyone and they have a signed petition asking to be removed from the island, which ended up going to parliament in London to be debated. When their request is granted, they are moved en masse and given new jobs and new houses and have to adjust to an entirely different life. Effie has never even seen things like mirrors, it makes for a big adjustment period.
There’s a little in this for everyone – there’s a mystery that runs through the second half of the story, where someone meets their demise and there are investigations into it. There’s also a bit of romance although I’m not really sure about that portion of the story. I actually thought a much better match for Effie came from one of the men working for the Earl, as I never really warmed to the one that seemed to be end game. I just really didn’t like the way Effie was treated at certain stages and felt like the excuses for such things were very poor (but to be honest, probably not unrealistic).
The further I got into this, the more I liked it (which says a lot, as I thought the beginning on St Kilda was amazing) and I felt like Karen Swan did such a great job grounding the reader in the setting. Especially when it’s such an isolated place with a lifestyle that most would not have really known existed and sadly, has disappeared (the last St Kildan died in their 90s about five or six years ago). And as the book dropped more clues about the mystery I became more intrigued with that too and wanting answers! Fair warning though, this book does end on a cliffhanger. Karen Swan is quite a prolific author, generally releasing two books a year (summer themed around this time and winter themed around Christmas) so I’d imagine the next instalment might be published this time next year. I really want to read it, especially after the final page of this one.
An excellent read and I highly recommend it!
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
June 16, 2022
The Last Summer by Karen Swan and audiobook Narrated by Katie Leung is an excellent historical fiction that takes us into the lives of those living and leaving St Kilda during the 1930s, and I just loved it.
This book is the first in The Wild Isle series and what a great start it sure is. This is the third book that I have read about the history, lives, and events taking place on the isolated island of St Kilda, and each one is so unique and brings something different to the table.
This book is special in that it is almost two books in one. The first part involves the inhabitants still living on St Kilda, and the second gives us a glimpse of the unique positions these women (and men) experience when they are forced to vacate their home and find a new life for themselves on the mainland. Society, culture, relationships, and the structure of classes are all an awakening and a jolt for sure. Some changes are positive, some are different and difficult. Relationships that were simple on the island are now complex, complicated, and sometimes changed and broken. There is love, loss, friendship, family, changes, mystery, and it is all drawn out beautifully by the author and it all sounds lovely by the impressive narrator and her stunning accent. It really adds to the novel.
I really love Effie as a character. She is beautifully written and I really enjoyed her story.
Definitely a 5/5 star rating.
Thank you NG and Macmillan UK Audio for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/21/22.
This book is the first in The Wild Isle series and what a great start it sure is. This is the third book that I have read about the history, lives, and events taking place on the isolated island of St Kilda, and each one is so unique and brings something different to the table.
This book is special in that it is almost two books in one. The first part involves the inhabitants still living on St Kilda, and the second gives us a glimpse of the unique positions these women (and men) experience when they are forced to vacate their home and find a new life for themselves on the mainland. Society, culture, relationships, and the structure of classes are all an awakening and a jolt for sure. Some changes are positive, some are different and difficult. Relationships that were simple on the island are now complex, complicated, and sometimes changed and broken. There is love, loss, friendship, family, changes, mystery, and it is all drawn out beautifully by the author and it all sounds lovely by the impressive narrator and her stunning accent. It really adds to the novel.
I really love Effie as a character. She is beautifully written and I really enjoyed her story.
Definitely a 5/5 star rating.
Thank you NG and Macmillan UK Audio for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/21/22.
November 3, 2024
I didn’t know this book ends with a cliffhanger! 😩
January 4, 2023
Oh my goodness I absolutely adored this book. This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to read one of her books. I went on such an amazing journey with Effy and just fell in love with all the wonderful characters.
The book is told in two halves. Before describes Effy’s life on St Kilda before the evacuation and After details Effy’s life after the evacuation as the villagers adjust to life on the mainland. I initially felt very sad when the story switched to After as I had really enjoyed the fabulous descriptions of life on St Kilda but I actually ended up loving following life at the house and all the fabulous people Effy meets.
I loved the author’s vivid descriptions of St Hilda which told of a very different life to the one I know. The author writes the book so I felt like I was actually there scaling the cliffs and hunting for birds alongside Effy. I was so intrigued that I spent a lot of time googling the Isle to see how it looked in real life. I doubt I’d have been able to cope with the harsh life there but it was interesting to live it through Effy. The description of the house and the community there amongst the servants was also really wonderful. I loved following Effy as she adjusted to life at the house and made new friends.
Overall, as you can probably tell, I loved this book and can’t wait to read more in the series. I quickly became absorbed into Effy’s world and found the book hard to put down as I was so enjoying it. There was always something happening to keep my interest and I loved following Effy & Shoto as they grew closer. I really wanted there to be a happy ending for them both. The last few chapters were brilliant and I loved the unexpected way the book was going. Fair warning the book does end sudden on a cliff hanger though and I’ll now be impatiently awaiting the next instalment next year.
I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction lovers and anyone who’s looking for an absorbing, intriguing read.
The book is told in two halves. Before describes Effy’s life on St Kilda before the evacuation and After details Effy’s life after the evacuation as the villagers adjust to life on the mainland. I initially felt very sad when the story switched to After as I had really enjoyed the fabulous descriptions of life on St Kilda but I actually ended up loving following life at the house and all the fabulous people Effy meets.
I loved the author’s vivid descriptions of St Hilda which told of a very different life to the one I know. The author writes the book so I felt like I was actually there scaling the cliffs and hunting for birds alongside Effy. I was so intrigued that I spent a lot of time googling the Isle to see how it looked in real life. I doubt I’d have been able to cope with the harsh life there but it was interesting to live it through Effy. The description of the house and the community there amongst the servants was also really wonderful. I loved following Effy as she adjusted to life at the house and made new friends.
Overall, as you can probably tell, I loved this book and can’t wait to read more in the series. I quickly became absorbed into Effy’s world and found the book hard to put down as I was so enjoying it. There was always something happening to keep my interest and I loved following Effy & Shoto as they grew closer. I really wanted there to be a happy ending for them both. The last few chapters were brilliant and I loved the unexpected way the book was going. Fair warning the book does end sudden on a cliff hanger though and I’ll now be impatiently awaiting the next instalment next year.
I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction lovers and anyone who’s looking for an absorbing, intriguing read.
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