The Island

by Antigone Kefala

A dazzling portrait of displacement, of love, and of longing from one of Australia's most significant and overlooked women writers.

Melina was born abroad and raised on the island. She asks her Aunt Niki about life before. She notices how people look at her, strain to understand her. She is full of longing for unknown things. The island occupies a liminal space between Melina's present moment and memories of the place her relatives still call home.

Originally published in 1984, The Island is considered an overlooked masterpiece of Australian fiction. In prose charged with feeling and sharp with observation, Kefala captures a portrait of exile and otherness.

Genres: Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What strikes me most is Antigone's mastery of words, particularly those for different shades of colours. She's so good at the description of landscape and the nuances of the interior as well. Images pop out in her writing, 'as if painted'. This novella well captures the uncertainty and arbitrariness of first love. Melina may seem naive but it is this experience of trying to love that helps her figure out what she truly expects from a relationship.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was best when I let it wash over me without worrying too much about what was happening. Clearly written by a poet, and beautifully so. I’m not surprised it is considered an overlooked work, as the best parts of it aren’t straightforward at all. There isn’t really a plot. I’m glad Transit Books is continuing to publish interesting, lesser known books from around the world.

[tiff rasberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’m very thankful my local library carries unique to me titles. i stumbled upon The Island while meandering my way through the bookshelves and the book ended up calling to me.

this vividly descriptive novella follows a story of change and discovery whether of oneself of the world around them.

there isn’t really a plot, it’s more of a vibe that carries throughout but entertaining nonetheless

[Angela Liu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty writing but that’s kinda it

[Carlton carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life good until University but perhaps dream. Good at making judgements about strangers, everyone was as real as can be

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I do love is a slender novel written by a poet

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1984 by Antigone Kefala, hailed as "one of the most significant Australian writerswho have come from elsewhere", The Island has been brought back into print by Transit Books. It's one of those books where the writing itself is the star, as Kefala's mastery of words is definitley transportive. The story, such that it is, follows Melina, part of an immigrant family now living on the Island. This coming-of-age story explores a longing for home, the stirrings of sexuality, a desire for self-actualization and independence, and the world around us.

[Annie Tate Cockrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very clearly a novel written by a poet (affectionately). The prose is incredibly sensual and lyrical. The story is broken up into many vignettes, truly wisps of moments more than anything else. Some beautiful imagery throughout! Thankful to transit for this arc and look out for The Island on June 3rd.

[Arista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very clearly an ex-pat poet using the barest of plot to hold together musings on her feelings associated with coming of age as an ex-pat poet. It was beautiful writing, but I’m not sure that specific experience will stick with me. Ok- I’m sure. It won’t. But I’m just not the right reader for this.

[Justin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

As other reviewers have noted, this is 'pretty prose, but that's about it.' After trawling through bad prose for a while, I was very glad for this. Also, it's a solid book about being an immigrant, and about being a teenager, and doesn't overstay its welcome, unlike teenagers in general.

[Robin]

Beautiful prose.

[Greg L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One that you have to sit with and re-read. want to buy

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An immigrant college student's stream of consciousness impressions and dream sequences.

[Kate Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

i don’t know how to go about rating this, but it is truly unique

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

[Rory Buckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this. Gorgeous prose that captures displacement, yearning, and the pains of youth.

[Kitty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled upon this while browsing at the library and wowee what a writer Antigone is.

[Robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was fascinate at the beginning with such lyrical poetic writing, but that soon wore off when I had to reread parts to try and get the drift of the story. By the half way mark, I thought it to be the most pathetic book I've ever had the displeasure to set eyes upon. So, I didn't finish. Flowery, unstructured trash.