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The Island Escape
Can one woman’s marriage survive her best friend’s divorce?
Octavia Shelton thought she’d have a different life. One where she travelled the world with an exotic husband and free-spirited children in tow. Instead she’s married to safe, reliable Jonathan, and her life now consists of packed lunches, school runs and mountains of dirty washing. She’s not unhappy. It’s just that she can barely recognise herself. So as Octavia watches her best friend’s marriage break up, it gets her thinking. What if life could be different? What if she could escape and rediscover the person she used to be? Escape back to the island she visited years ago? And what if the man she used to love was there waiting for her?
Octavia Shelton thought she’d have a different life. One where she travelled the world with an exotic husband and free-spirited children in tow. Instead she’s married to safe, reliable Jonathan, and her life now consists of packed lunches, school runs and mountains of dirty washing. She’s not unhappy. It’s just that she can barely recognise herself. So as Octavia watches her best friend’s marriage break up, it gets her thinking. What if life could be different? What if she could escape and rediscover the person she used to be? Escape back to the island she visited years ago? And what if the man she used to love was there waiting for her?
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
May 27, 2016
The Island Escape had one of the best openings of any chic-lit type book I've ever read. Having absolutely adored Kerry Fisher's After the Lie, I knew immediately I was in for another winner, but I was still expecting a humorous, light-hearted chic-lit beach-type romance story. Don't get me wrong, there is lots of humor in Kerry Fisher's writing, but the plot was a lot deeper and more serious than I had anticipated. In fact, nearly halfway through the book, I was still wondering when the promised feel-good factor would appear. I found a lot of this story quite heartbreaking and went back and forth between feeling sorry for some of the characters and getting angry with them. Definitely a very engaging and emotional read!
Despite the title, two-thirds of the plot actually take place in Surrey, England.
Told in alternating chapters from Octavia's and Roberta's points of view, we are privy to the disintegration of their marriages. Octavia and Roberta have been best friends since their school days though they could hardly be more different. Their friendship was lovely to follow, as they were always there for each other even if they didn't always agree. In Roberta's words, "Octavia was like family, just nicer".
Roberta fell pregnant whilst at university and did the 'responsible' thing and married reliable, parsimonious Jonathan, the father of the baby. Sixteen years later, she is the busy mother of three kids, runs her own nursery school, has a predictable marriage, and is wondering what happened to the free-spirited girl who was going to travel the world. But she just gets on with her mundane life.
Octavia rebelled against her parents and married the 'love of her life', but her marriage didn't turn out as she had expected. Having completely lost her own identity and self-confidence over the years, Octavia is a shell of the person she once was. I hated her husband Scott with a vengeance.
In case you're wondering, the feel-good was there after all and I couldn't put down the last third of the book and finished it with a great, big smile. Kerry Fisher has a real talent for creating believable characters and putting them through poignant and convincing situations, all delivered in an amusing and charming style. She now has a firm place on my must-read author list. 4.5 stars.
My sincere thanks to Bookouture for my copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the title, two-thirds of the plot actually take place in Surrey, England.
Told in alternating chapters from Octavia's and Roberta's points of view, we are privy to the disintegration of their marriages. Octavia and Roberta have been best friends since their school days though they could hardly be more different. Their friendship was lovely to follow, as they were always there for each other even if they didn't always agree. In Roberta's words, "Octavia was like family, just nicer".
Roberta fell pregnant whilst at university and did the 'responsible' thing and married reliable, parsimonious Jonathan, the father of the baby. Sixteen years later, she is the busy mother of three kids, runs her own nursery school, has a predictable marriage, and is wondering what happened to the free-spirited girl who was going to travel the world. But she just gets on with her mundane life.
Octavia rebelled against her parents and married the 'love of her life', but her marriage didn't turn out as she had expected. Having completely lost her own identity and self-confidence over the years, Octavia is a shell of the person she once was. I hated her husband Scott with a vengeance.
In case you're wondering, the feel-good was there after all and I couldn't put down the last third of the book and finished it with a great, big smile. Kerry Fisher has a real talent for creating believable characters and putting them through poignant and convincing situations, all delivered in an amusing and charming style. She now has a firm place on my must-read author list. 4.5 stars.
My sincere thanks to Bookouture for my copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2015
We've all been there haven't we. Got married or got a long term partner, we think our lives are going to be exciting and we can see nothing but buzzing bees, honeysuckle and summer days before us. But, we never think there are going to be dark clouds, rain and darn right earthquakes!
Children come along, bills come along, drudgery follows and we find ourselves buried in mire.
Its not that we aren't happy, but is this life really all there is?!
Her husband Johnathan is safe, hes solid hes reliable, but is he also boring?
When her best friends marriage breaks us she takes stock of her own life.
Where is Octavia in all of this, where is the PERSON gone, where has she vanished to? Will she be able to find herself again.
Years ago, she was on an Island, that is where she left her long lost love. What if her choices would have been different, would her life have been different, can she think of going back.
Hmmm
This was a very good well written book, I thoroughly got into the pages of this today and enjoyed it
Highly recommended to anyone who loves reading chic lit, light enjoyable reads.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, Avon for my copy
June 9, 2015
This book has such a beautiful, inviting cover- it really makes you want to book your holiday and pack a copy of this book in your case to read around the pool! The cover would definitely have drawn me to pick up a copy.
I loved her writing style and the story really drew me in- caring about the characters. It’s a book about two friends. Roberta and Octavia have known each other for years. Roberta feels she’s come to the end of her marriage whereas Octavia presents the image of a perfect marriage with 3 children. Do they make the right decisions- would you like to point them in the right direction when you feel they need prompting?!
It uses alternating chapters for the characters which is a great way to get both stories and points of view. Although it deals with many serious issues it is written with a great deal of humour.
I will definitely look out for more by this author!
I loved her writing style and the story really drew me in- caring about the characters. It’s a book about two friends. Roberta and Octavia have known each other for years. Roberta feels she’s come to the end of her marriage whereas Octavia presents the image of a perfect marriage with 3 children. Do they make the right decisions- would you like to point them in the right direction when you feel they need prompting?!
It uses alternating chapters for the characters which is a great way to get both stories and points of view. Although it deals with many serious issues it is written with a great deal of humour.
I will definitely look out for more by this author!
April 26, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this book! It had me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen in Octavia and Roberta's lives next. It's a book for anyone wondering what could have been or what might be full of humour as well as life issues we've all gone through. Absolutely 5 wonderful stars. Highly recommended!
May 23, 2015
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
'The Island Escape' is the second novel by Ms Fisher and one I've been really looking forward to reading. I love the blurb and think the cover is so gorgeous and summery.
I'll start by saying the blurb though great is slightly misleading, leading you to think the book is about Octavia Shelton, now married with children but once a real rebel and adventurer. This book is also as much of a story about Roberta, who's going through some rough time. I was slightly confused thinking I got the blurb wrong, because I certainly was expecting a story about a women who wants to reinvent herself and start living her life to the fullest. I didn't expect a wonderful and layered story about two friends, who're trying to get their lives straight all while being always there for each other.
However, this turned out to be even better than I was hoping for. I absolutely loved both stories and despite not always approving Roberta and Octavia's choices, I certainly rooted for them from the beginning. Roberta was always the more mature and the serious type of girl. After years of investing in her marriage, even giving up on her career, she's come to the point where divorce seems like a best solution. Octavia on the other hand, appears to have the perfect marriage even though no one expected that rebel of a girl to settle so early and give birth to three kids. Octavia and Roberta have been friends for about two decades, sharing the good and bad in their lives and always supporting each other.
It was indeed a great experience to read about such amazing friends and I really loved the fact the book features two mature ladies in their forties. However, there were some points in the book where I had my doubts about their choices, knowing they are adults who in my opinion should have managed some situations differently. I don't want to judge anyone, even fictional characters, but I must admit there were times when I wanted to give both Octavia and Roberta a good shake. Being a mother myself, I could really understand their sacrifices, the ones every mother would make, willing to patch their marriage for the sake of their kid/s. The book took me on a real roller coaster, one moment making me sympathize for both of them, and the next being simply thrown off to a completely new direction wondering what the hell are these ladies doing.
But despite not always agreeing with their choices, I truly cared for Octavia and Roberta and even envied them on their relationship and the strong bond they nurtured for years. They seem like ladies I would love to hang out with, talking about our kids, what they're going through in school and each of our little daily troubles. They seem like genuine awesome friends I wish I had in my life.
I can't say who I like best though, Octavia or Roberta. I really tried to analyze them and one minute I would feel like Roberta type, next I would recognize myself in Octavia. OK, so they make some poor choices, but don't we all sometimes? And this is exactly the reason why they seemed real to me and was thoroughly interested in their stories and what will happen to them at the end. Will they get their happily ever afters? I was really cheering for them!
Despite talking about friendship, the book had a fair amount of romance too. My favorite male character was Jake, who in my opinion is one of the best male fictional characters I've ever read about. I certainly hope I will get to see him as well as the other characters in another book, simply because they are that fab. Especially Jake, he's such an amazing person and cares deeply about his loved ones.
Overall, this was truly an enjoyable read. I simply couldn't put it down and was completely invested in the story. Ms Fisher is a remarkable author with a unique voice, and one I would certainly watch out for. Fantastic read you'll devour in a sitting all while dreaming of exotic destinations. I absolutely recommend it!
May 24, 2015
I absolutely adored Kerry's debut novel "The School Gate Survival Guide". Absolutely. And I couldn't wait for her next novel to be published - I so fell in love with her writing, her storytelling and was hoping for another cracker of a book. And let me tell you right here, right now, that "The Island Escape" has totally lived up to my expectations. It is a little different to Kerry's debut novel, especially in the subject matter, but this what made me so adore Kerry's books was there - exceptional writing, great storytelling, down - to - earth characters and fresh, original plot. Although I must admit that first I was slightly confused - the blurb says about Octavia and there was no word about Roberta, and the story started with Roberta, and I found myself thinking, what's up? Who is Roberta and where is Octavia? But it quickly became clear that it is a story about two best friends, and both of them were facing big changes in their lives.
The book follows the stories of two friends, Octavia and Roberta, both of them on turning points in their lives, whatever the reason. Roberta has finally decided to get a divorce from her bullying, arrogant husband Scott who's not afraid on calling a police on his wife, and is desperate to start a new life and follow her dream of having her own company as an interior designer. She also relatively quickly tries experimenting on the dating market and learns a wonderful man, but even then Scott manages to destroy this relationship. What now? Is Roberta going to pick herself up once more?
Octavia lives happily, married to Jonathan, and they have three children. She's juggling family life and her career and leads your normal, everyday life. The problems start when Jonathan is being made redundant - he not only goes into his own personal space but also becomes distant towards his wife and family. Octavia is sure that it's going to change when he gets a new job - because he will get a new job eventually, right? But all the uncertainties in life make Octavia think about her youth and her first true love - what would happen if they hadn't parted their way those twenty years ago? Would she be happily married to Xavi now or is it only delusion, and she should be happy in her relationship with Jonathan and appreciate what she has?
It is incredible what Kerry Fisher has done with (and to) her characters. I have found myself liking either Octavia or Roberta more, according to the circumstances that changed so often. But mostly through the book I was more Team - Octavia then Roberta. The latter had in my opinion more awkward moments when I really didn't know what to think about her and why she acts the way she acts. Octavia just seemed to me to be more honourable and honest, and she was much more down - to - earth. I couldn't believe that it took Roberta so much time to realize that her marriage is a fiasco in fact, and that she still tried, and tried, and tried, was a doormat to her husband, and everything in the name of love. Or that her father would say "I told you so". Sometimes you must just put the tail between your legs and admit that other people were right, even if it is hard thing to do. But! She was not so bad, don't worry :) She had her moments and I also felt sorry for her, when she thought that things were going better but they turned out only worse. Roberta lacked some depth - I really don't know how to tell you my feelings about her, but she was just too often too immature. Octavia was really more a girl after my own heart, she was more adventurous, not afraid of all sort of mischief, and I just fell more for her, she seemed to me much more sympathetic. Roberta was more posh and came from a "better" family, and she behaved differently, she was more stiff and tense. The only thing that she rebelled against was her father when she married Scott - and this is why she's scared of hearing "I told you so" (and also this seems to be her biggest mistake. Lesson learned, no? Parents are always right! *just joking*).
So really, the friends couldn't be more different even if you had asked for it, but they complemented each other so well, and it really did work out brilliantly in this novel.
Actually, when I think about it, all the characters were not immediately (or at all) likeable. They had their flaws, many flaws, and while I absolutely adore characters that are not perfect, here I just couldn't warm to some of them. I think it is obvious that I hated Scott, Roberta's husband, who thought he can afford everything he wants. I really couldn't believe in some things he had the courage to do, and I couldn't believe that Roberta still closed her eyes and for the sake of - what? Love? Time spent together? Daughter, who has seen the things how they really were? Misunderstood responsibility? - did with all the humiliation.
The other character that I couldn't stand - really. I know it sounds harsh but he was incredibly unlikeable - was Jonathan, Octavia's husband (I know, right? The girls were probably standing in the wrong queue when it came to choosing a partner for them). While at the beginning his OCD and order - obsession seemed to be a little funny (maybe perhaps I am just like Octavia, and my husband is a little like Jonathan - a little! Very little! Not OCD at all, and he only likes when everything has its place) - I could absolutely relate to her rolling her eyes and humorously accepting his funny hobby, but the more I read about him, the more I disliked and detested him. I was suspecting something, much earlier than Octavia, but was not sure, but still, when the truth glimpsed the daylight I on one hand was happy that Octavia will be free from such a pedant, on the other I wanted that she'll make his life a hell and not give up without a fight (which she did in my eyes), and on the third hand (I know, I know, no third hand) I wanted to hurt him, so much! I wanted to hit him where it hurts most, and wanted to tell him that with such approach he is not a real man in my eyes.
But I also thing this is the strength of this book - that the author writes how it is, that she doesn't paint oh so rosy picture of marriage, that she writes about all the problems and frustrations in such an open, honest and genuine way. Thereby we can all relate to the story, as the domestic lives aren't usually only a bliss and walk on the clouds.
The book is told in alternating chapters, either from Octavia or Roberta's points of view. Both of them told us their own story and sometimes they were also sharing their thoughts about each other. There were moments that I had a feeling that I missed something, because they were telling about totally different things, and I felt as if I have either missed something or jumped over in time.
The further I was into the story, the more I knew how it's going to end, but nevertheless, my waiting was diversified with a fast pace and thousand of twists and turns, so it in no way spoiled my reading or bothered me.
Octavia was also talking often about Xavi. Xavi this, Xavi there, and eventually I started to long for Xavi myself, and I was totally curious if we were going to meet him or not. It's the same as with Roberta, the blurb mentions the island where Octavia can find her refuge, and so I was in fact expecting the plot to took totally different direction, and was a little disappointed that the island is in fact only a very little part of the plot, although significant - because actually everything started and ended there and, ah, I so love when the story went round in a circle! There is always such a great feeling of fulfilment and accomplishment. But yes, I wanted to say that I was expecting a totally different story and this book took me really by surprise, but this is a nice surprise.
It is not as light reading as might be expected, because it deals with many, many uncomfortable and serious issues, but it is also written in a brilliant way, with a great dose of a dry humour that balanced this seriousness, and altogether, the book makes a brilliant read.
It is a book full of questions, but who of us hasn't asked "what if" in his life? It's the same with our main characters. It tells how it is, that making decisions is not the easiest thing in life, and there is always this insecurity if the decision was right or wrong. It is also about courage and having the balls to change something in your life. Yes, I absolutely loved this novel. I followed Roberta and Octavia with pleasure on their journey and observed how they found courage to change things in their lives, proving that it is never too late to forge a new life, even if it doesn't come easily. I'd go so far and say that there is a message in this book: follow your instincts and never regret your decisions - you could always have made a worse one. Highly recommended, wonderful summery read!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
The book follows the stories of two friends, Octavia and Roberta, both of them on turning points in their lives, whatever the reason. Roberta has finally decided to get a divorce from her bullying, arrogant husband Scott who's not afraid on calling a police on his wife, and is desperate to start a new life and follow her dream of having her own company as an interior designer. She also relatively quickly tries experimenting on the dating market and learns a wonderful man, but even then Scott manages to destroy this relationship. What now? Is Roberta going to pick herself up once more?
Octavia lives happily, married to Jonathan, and they have three children. She's juggling family life and her career and leads your normal, everyday life. The problems start when Jonathan is being made redundant - he not only goes into his own personal space but also becomes distant towards his wife and family. Octavia is sure that it's going to change when he gets a new job - because he will get a new job eventually, right? But all the uncertainties in life make Octavia think about her youth and her first true love - what would happen if they hadn't parted their way those twenty years ago? Would she be happily married to Xavi now or is it only delusion, and she should be happy in her relationship with Jonathan and appreciate what she has?
It is incredible what Kerry Fisher has done with (and to) her characters. I have found myself liking either Octavia or Roberta more, according to the circumstances that changed so often. But mostly through the book I was more Team - Octavia then Roberta. The latter had in my opinion more awkward moments when I really didn't know what to think about her and why she acts the way she acts. Octavia just seemed to me to be more honourable and honest, and she was much more down - to - earth. I couldn't believe that it took Roberta so much time to realize that her marriage is a fiasco in fact, and that she still tried, and tried, and tried, was a doormat to her husband, and everything in the name of love. Or that her father would say "I told you so". Sometimes you must just put the tail between your legs and admit that other people were right, even if it is hard thing to do. But! She was not so bad, don't worry :) She had her moments and I also felt sorry for her, when she thought that things were going better but they turned out only worse. Roberta lacked some depth - I really don't know how to tell you my feelings about her, but she was just too often too immature. Octavia was really more a girl after my own heart, she was more adventurous, not afraid of all sort of mischief, and I just fell more for her, she seemed to me much more sympathetic. Roberta was more posh and came from a "better" family, and she behaved differently, she was more stiff and tense. The only thing that she rebelled against was her father when she married Scott - and this is why she's scared of hearing "I told you so" (and also this seems to be her biggest mistake. Lesson learned, no? Parents are always right! *just joking*).
So really, the friends couldn't be more different even if you had asked for it, but they complemented each other so well, and it really did work out brilliantly in this novel.
Actually, when I think about it, all the characters were not immediately (or at all) likeable. They had their flaws, many flaws, and while I absolutely adore characters that are not perfect, here I just couldn't warm to some of them. I think it is obvious that I hated Scott, Roberta's husband, who thought he can afford everything he wants. I really couldn't believe in some things he had the courage to do, and I couldn't believe that Roberta still closed her eyes and for the sake of - what? Love? Time spent together? Daughter, who has seen the things how they really were? Misunderstood responsibility? - did with all the humiliation.
The other character that I couldn't stand - really. I know it sounds harsh but he was incredibly unlikeable - was Jonathan, Octavia's husband (I know, right? The girls were probably standing in the wrong queue when it came to choosing a partner for them). While at the beginning his OCD and order - obsession seemed to be a little funny (maybe perhaps I am just like Octavia, and my husband is a little like Jonathan - a little! Very little! Not OCD at all, and he only likes when everything has its place) - I could absolutely relate to her rolling her eyes and humorously accepting his funny hobby, but the more I read about him, the more I disliked and detested him. I was suspecting something, much earlier than Octavia, but was not sure, but still, when the truth glimpsed the daylight I on one hand was happy that Octavia will be free from such a pedant, on the other I wanted that she'll make his life a hell and not give up without a fight (which she did in my eyes), and on the third hand (I know, I know, no third hand) I wanted to hurt him, so much! I wanted to hit him where it hurts most, and wanted to tell him that with such approach he is not a real man in my eyes.
But I also thing this is the strength of this book - that the author writes how it is, that she doesn't paint oh so rosy picture of marriage, that she writes about all the problems and frustrations in such an open, honest and genuine way. Thereby we can all relate to the story, as the domestic lives aren't usually only a bliss and walk on the clouds.
The book is told in alternating chapters, either from Octavia or Roberta's points of view. Both of them told us their own story and sometimes they were also sharing their thoughts about each other. There were moments that I had a feeling that I missed something, because they were telling about totally different things, and I felt as if I have either missed something or jumped over in time.
The further I was into the story, the more I knew how it's going to end, but nevertheless, my waiting was diversified with a fast pace and thousand of twists and turns, so it in no way spoiled my reading or bothered me.
Octavia was also talking often about Xavi. Xavi this, Xavi there, and eventually I started to long for Xavi myself, and I was totally curious if we were going to meet him or not. It's the same as with Roberta, the blurb mentions the island where Octavia can find her refuge, and so I was in fact expecting the plot to took totally different direction, and was a little disappointed that the island is in fact only a very little part of the plot, although significant - because actually everything started and ended there and, ah, I so love when the story went round in a circle! There is always such a great feeling of fulfilment and accomplishment. But yes, I wanted to say that I was expecting a totally different story and this book took me really by surprise, but this is a nice surprise.
It is not as light reading as might be expected, because it deals with many, many uncomfortable and serious issues, but it is also written in a brilliant way, with a great dose of a dry humour that balanced this seriousness, and altogether, the book makes a brilliant read.
It is a book full of questions, but who of us hasn't asked "what if" in his life? It's the same with our main characters. It tells how it is, that making decisions is not the easiest thing in life, and there is always this insecurity if the decision was right or wrong. It is also about courage and having the balls to change something in your life. Yes, I absolutely loved this novel. I followed Roberta and Octavia with pleasure on their journey and observed how they found courage to change things in their lives, proving that it is never too late to forge a new life, even if it doesn't come easily. I'd go so far and say that there is a message in this book: follow your instincts and never regret your decisions - you could always have made a worse one. Highly recommended, wonderful summery read!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
August 13, 2015
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Roberta and Octavia, two women who have been friends for years and are nearing the wrong side of forty. Roberta's marriage breaks down and she is left trying to start a new life with her daughter whilst Octavia is a busy mum of three with a very boring husband.
The strong characters draw you in from the first page and you find yourself wanting to read just one more chapter all the time. The book is the right mix of focusing on serious issues whilst interjecting humour too. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely readier of her books. A very enjoyable read.
The story follows Roberta and Octavia, two women who have been friends for years and are nearing the wrong side of forty. Roberta's marriage breaks down and she is left trying to start a new life with her daughter whilst Octavia is a busy mum of three with a very boring husband.
The strong characters draw you in from the first page and you find yourself wanting to read just one more chapter all the time. The book is the right mix of focusing on serious issues whilst interjecting humour too. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely readier of her books. A very enjoyable read.
May 23, 2015
4.5 Stars
Since I loved Kerry's first book, the second I saw the cover reveal for this one, I have been eager to get my hands on a copy. And I wasn't disappointed, The Island Escape is a fantastic story, although from the cover I was expecting a light hearted holiday read, this was slightly more serious, and the "Island Escape" bit doesn't really figure until the last third of the book.
There are two alternating view points, best friends Roberta and Octavia. Roberta's marriage is on the verge of a break down, she can't take Scott's controlling behaviour much longer. Roberta's life is changing, and with it, her relationship with best friend Octavia is also changing.
Octavia, was once a free spirit, but an accidental pregnancy led to her getting married to Jonathan the father. Jonathan is the safe reliable man, who likes things a certain way. They have 3 lovely children, Charlie, Poppy and Immi and a rumbling along nicely, until Jonathan suffers a professional setback.
Between Roberta's marriage break up, and Jonathan being about a lot more, Octavia is left examining her own marriage a lot more closely and finds she can't stop thinking about the year she worked in Corsica, and the charming young man she met there.
I found I was laughing out loud at this book, as early as the first sentence "I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell." which is humorous and intriguing at the same time. I was instantly wondering a) Why she was in a police cell, and b) why on earth was her choice of bra relevant. All was revealed very fast and that I feel set the tone for the book.
The Island Escape is about friendship, marriage, motherhood and reinventing yourself. There is so much more to this story as the two friends go on a journey of self-discovery. The voice of this book is refreshing and since Roberta and Octavia are from two completely different backgrounds, and have in theory completely different marriages, it is amazing the amount of similarities between both of their situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Island Escape, and found I was rooting for both characters, and for their happiness.
Since I loved Kerry's first book, the second I saw the cover reveal for this one, I have been eager to get my hands on a copy. And I wasn't disappointed, The Island Escape is a fantastic story, although from the cover I was expecting a light hearted holiday read, this was slightly more serious, and the "Island Escape" bit doesn't really figure until the last third of the book.
There are two alternating view points, best friends Roberta and Octavia. Roberta's marriage is on the verge of a break down, she can't take Scott's controlling behaviour much longer. Roberta's life is changing, and with it, her relationship with best friend Octavia is also changing.
Octavia, was once a free spirit, but an accidental pregnancy led to her getting married to Jonathan the father. Jonathan is the safe reliable man, who likes things a certain way. They have 3 lovely children, Charlie, Poppy and Immi and a rumbling along nicely, until Jonathan suffers a professional setback.
Between Roberta's marriage break up, and Jonathan being about a lot more, Octavia is left examining her own marriage a lot more closely and finds she can't stop thinking about the year she worked in Corsica, and the charming young man she met there.
I found I was laughing out loud at this book, as early as the first sentence "I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell." which is humorous and intriguing at the same time. I was instantly wondering a) Why she was in a police cell, and b) why on earth was her choice of bra relevant. All was revealed very fast and that I feel set the tone for the book.
The Island Escape is about friendship, marriage, motherhood and reinventing yourself. There is so much more to this story as the two friends go on a journey of self-discovery. The voice of this book is refreshing and since Roberta and Octavia are from two completely different backgrounds, and have in theory completely different marriages, it is amazing the amount of similarities between both of their situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Island Escape, and found I was rooting for both characters, and for their happiness.
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June 3, 2015Originally reviewed for Bookaholic Confessions
The Island Escape tells the story of friends Roberta and Octavia. Best friends since school and now in their late thirties, they are both forced to suddenly take stock of their lives when Roberta plucks up the courage to finally leave her bullying husband. Octavia then starts to examine her own life choices. She’s married with three children but can’t pin-point exactly when her life became so…well…boring. Things come to a head for Octavia when she attends an old school reunion with Roberta. What happened to the slightly wild, care-free woman Octavia once was? Plagued by a bunch of ‘What-if’s’, Octavia starts to wonder if her life could have taken a very different path. What if she hadn’t settled down? What if she had stayed together with her first love, Xavi, on the island where she spent many of her summers? Could her life be different, or is it too late to find out…?
I absolutely adored this funny, warm and surprising tale about two friends who are forced to re-evaluate their lives. We all have ‘What-If’ moments at some point in our lives; and there’s undoubtedly been hundreds of novels about characters chasing their dreams but the way in which Octavia’s ‘What-If’ is played out is done brilliantly and made a brilliant premise for the whole story.
From the synopsis I was expecting this novel to be entirely about Octavia and assumed that Roberta would take a back seat in the actual story, but it turns out I was very much mistaken with this as the story is actually told in alternating chapters between the two women. They both had a slightly sad, at times frustrating and always gripping story to tell, and the way in which their lives intertwined with one another as they helped each other out through life’s crisis’s made for a brilliant read.
I was delighted to discover that the story would be told from both Roberta and Octavia’s viewpoints and I loved watching their friendship play out over the pages. They are the kind of women you would be glad you call friends in real life; caring, genuine and reliable (y’know the sort…the type of friend you can ring at 3am and ask to collect you from a police cell…) At times I didn’t agree with their actions and even found some of the things they did utterly frustrating – but that just goes towards proving that Kerry Fisher has created two very real and believable characters in Octavia and Roberta. They had such a strong bond, I loved the chemistry between them and their friendship was a joy to read about. Like any good friendship, theirs has niggles, tensions and rivalries, which adds a great depth to the story.
I love everything about Kerry’s style of writing. She mixes humour, the lighter side of friendship and romance with darker issues that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find within the pages of this book, but weaved together you’ve got yourself a gripping, page-turner of a novel that you’ll struggle to put down with an extremely strong plot. Kerry will lure you with her fantastic storytelling qualities and before you know it you just HAVE to find out more about these characters and what’s going to happen to them. I love books where you feel as though you really become involved with the lead characters and this was certainly the case for me with Octavia and Roberta.
I also think this book possibly has one of my favourite opening lines in the whole world, ever. ‘I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell’. Tell me who wouldn’t read that opening sentence and NOT want to read on…? No one. That’s who.
I do have one warning, however. This book will make you want to close your eyes and feel the sand between your toes. I longed for the Mediterranean whilst I was devouring this book. Kerry’s descriptions will do the next best thing and help you to envisage being on a warm sandy beach somewhere with the sun on your skin and a few hunky men in the background. Sigh. I guarantee that The Island Escape will make you forget about the drizzle whilst you are submerged amongst it’s warm, sunny pages.
The range of characters were superb, including the supporting cast. I hated Roberta’s evil husband, Scott, with a passion. Simon and Michelle are two characters that I found especially hilarious at the start of the story, but there are so many others. Each character contributes to the story is their own unique way, whether they’re ones that you love or one’s you’ll love to hate. Jake is also worth a mention simply because I loved him.
Kerry Fisher has created just the kind of book that I love with The Island Escape. It’s got a juicy plot line, remains light whilst touching upon more serious issues, has a brilliant cast, is fantastically written and will have you dreaming of sunnier climes. What more could you ask for in a book? Absolutely nothing.
If you’re on the look-out for a gripping, summery read that you can enjoy by the pool whilst frantically turning the pages to find out what happens then your search is officially over.
The Island Escape tells the story of friends Roberta and Octavia. Best friends since school and now in their late thirties, they are both forced to suddenly take stock of their lives when Roberta plucks up the courage to finally leave her bullying husband. Octavia then starts to examine her own life choices. She’s married with three children but can’t pin-point exactly when her life became so…well…boring. Things come to a head for Octavia when she attends an old school reunion with Roberta. What happened to the slightly wild, care-free woman Octavia once was? Plagued by a bunch of ‘What-if’s’, Octavia starts to wonder if her life could have taken a very different path. What if she hadn’t settled down? What if she had stayed together with her first love, Xavi, on the island where she spent many of her summers? Could her life be different, or is it too late to find out…?
I absolutely adored this funny, warm and surprising tale about two friends who are forced to re-evaluate their lives. We all have ‘What-If’ moments at some point in our lives; and there’s undoubtedly been hundreds of novels about characters chasing their dreams but the way in which Octavia’s ‘What-If’ is played out is done brilliantly and made a brilliant premise for the whole story.
From the synopsis I was expecting this novel to be entirely about Octavia and assumed that Roberta would take a back seat in the actual story, but it turns out I was very much mistaken with this as the story is actually told in alternating chapters between the two women. They both had a slightly sad, at times frustrating and always gripping story to tell, and the way in which their lives intertwined with one another as they helped each other out through life’s crisis’s made for a brilliant read.
I was delighted to discover that the story would be told from both Roberta and Octavia’s viewpoints and I loved watching their friendship play out over the pages. They are the kind of women you would be glad you call friends in real life; caring, genuine and reliable (y’know the sort…the type of friend you can ring at 3am and ask to collect you from a police cell…) At times I didn’t agree with their actions and even found some of the things they did utterly frustrating – but that just goes towards proving that Kerry Fisher has created two very real and believable characters in Octavia and Roberta. They had such a strong bond, I loved the chemistry between them and their friendship was a joy to read about. Like any good friendship, theirs has niggles, tensions and rivalries, which adds a great depth to the story.
I love everything about Kerry’s style of writing. She mixes humour, the lighter side of friendship and romance with darker issues that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find within the pages of this book, but weaved together you’ve got yourself a gripping, page-turner of a novel that you’ll struggle to put down with an extremely strong plot. Kerry will lure you with her fantastic storytelling qualities and before you know it you just HAVE to find out more about these characters and what’s going to happen to them. I love books where you feel as though you really become involved with the lead characters and this was certainly the case for me with Octavia and Roberta.
I also think this book possibly has one of my favourite opening lines in the whole world, ever. ‘I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell’. Tell me who wouldn’t read that opening sentence and NOT want to read on…? No one. That’s who.
I do have one warning, however. This book will make you want to close your eyes and feel the sand between your toes. I longed for the Mediterranean whilst I was devouring this book. Kerry’s descriptions will do the next best thing and help you to envisage being on a warm sandy beach somewhere with the sun on your skin and a few hunky men in the background. Sigh. I guarantee that The Island Escape will make you forget about the drizzle whilst you are submerged amongst it’s warm, sunny pages.
The range of characters were superb, including the supporting cast. I hated Roberta’s evil husband, Scott, with a passion. Simon and Michelle are two characters that I found especially hilarious at the start of the story, but there are so many others. Each character contributes to the story is their own unique way, whether they’re ones that you love or one’s you’ll love to hate. Jake is also worth a mention simply because I loved him.
Kerry Fisher has created just the kind of book that I love with The Island Escape. It’s got a juicy plot line, remains light whilst touching upon more serious issues, has a brilliant cast, is fantastically written and will have you dreaming of sunnier climes. What more could you ask for in a book? Absolutely nothing.
If you’re on the look-out for a gripping, summery read that you can enjoy by the pool whilst frantically turning the pages to find out what happens then your search is officially over.
May 16, 2025
I picked this book by pure chance for our book club holiday, mistakenly thinking it was set in Tenerife, our holiday destination! Not quite sure how I got that so wrong but we lucked out anyway, fabulous book, great holiday read. The character development was very well written and there was a good blend of drama with some feel good moments thrown in.
May 16, 2025
We have just been on our second book club holiday to Tenerife and this was the chosen book… it was such an easy read, the characters were great and I felt invested in them. I couldn’t put the book down and I do not like to do spoilers but can honestly say it is a great holiday read
February 10, 2017
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
Kerry Fisher’s debut novel The School Gate Survival Guide was one of my favourite books last year so I couldn’t wait for her next book. For me, The Island Escape completely surpassed Kerry’s first book, I loved it even more than I imagined I would. I seriously could not put it down for one second – so immersed in the lives of Octavia and Roberta and their families. There’s such a beautiful tone to this story as we see two long-time friends, now in their late thirties, looking at where their lives are now and thinking about the future – is it ever going to be how they imagined? The Island Escape will for sure be one of my favourite books of 2015, it was such a wonderful read that I didn’t ever want to see end.
The Island Escape is told in alternating chapters between Roberta and Octavia. Both women are very different, and not afraid to admit it either, but they know each other extremely well. What I liked the most about their friendship was how honest it was. At times they didn’t understand each other and their choices, at times they were envious of each other and sometimes they did despair of each other but they cared. They always cared. There was such an incredible bond between them which was very heartening and admirable.
Roberta is married to Scott with one daughter in Alicia. The book starts with Roberta at the police station with Scott threatening to press charges so you can tell how well their marriage is going. Things quickly fall apart for the two of them and even though Roberta can’t imagine her life without Scott, she tries to manage, with the support of best friend Octavia. Octavia is quietly glad to see the back of her friend’s husband, though she’s not sure how long it will last. But keeping her newly single best friend company sees her look at her own life differently, especially when she’s barely recognised at a school reunion. Yes she’s married with three kids of her own and she’s content with that but what happened to the happy, care-free person she used to be? And whatever happened to the guy that she used to love many years ago?
There’s just something very real about Kerry’s two leading characters, Octavia and Roberta. I really genuinely took an interest in them and how their lives were turning out and through their decisions, the good and the bad ones, I found huge respect for them with their dedication to giving their children the best possible lives but still with that acknowledgment that real life isn’t perfect. People will make mistakes, they’ll hurt other people, they’ll change their minds and at times say things they might regret later but that’s what life is about. Kerry writes with such honesty and authenticity and The Island Escape is a book about ‘proper’ people, the kind you’d expect to actually meet in real life and not the kind that are so overly fictional with their incredible breaks and perfect happy endings. Flawed characters are much easier for me to connect with and Octavia and Roberta are two of my absolute favourites. I was so invested in their lives and Kerry really built so much depth to this novel with so much covered – themes I don’t want to mention to avoid spoilers but everything was developed brilliantly, each layer to this book was interesting and brought up some of the harsh realities of life but with such good humour at times too.
Though a lot of this book is about the serious side to life, marriage break-ups, parenthood, careers and old friendships, there are plenty of lighter moments and a wonderful cast of supporting characters. I loved the genuine feel to the children in this story and they brought many smiles with their one-liners and just natural childlike comments and actions. They were developed just as strongly as Kerry built up her main characters and though this story is about Roberta and Octavia, I couldn’t say any character suffered from a lack of depth or substance. I loved the characters – loved to hate some of them – in fact I just loved the whole book from start to finish. The opening line drew me in, made me laugh and I was set up to adore everything about this book. The island, from the title, doesn’t play the biggest part but there is such a summery feel to the story, even down to uplifting feel that life is for living, not regretting. I would say The Island Escape is the perfect summer read, the perfect beach read… but don’t expect it to last more than one sitting. It may be 400 pages long but it is such a delight to read, you won’t want to put it down.
*Book received for an honest review
August 22, 2015
What an amazing story! I thought I was picking up a summer/beach read but this has to have the best opening page to a romance-style novel EVER!! I thought I was reading the wrong book, so bravo Kerry Fisher!
Octavia and Roberta are best friends who have married unsuitable men. Octavia's husband, Jonathan, is anal and pernickety whilst Roberta's husband, Scott, is a controlling selfish bully. The story is therefore two-fold with Roberta and Octavia being the subject of alternative chapters.
Roberta, not surprisingly, leaves Scott and has to adjust to single life and find somewhere to live with their teenage daughter, Alicia. Roberta eventually dabbles her toe in the shark-infested waters of internet dating and meets the lovely Jake. Of course Scott is still hanging around in the wings like a pantomime villain trying to spoil her Happy Ever After.
Octavia's marriage has clearly gone stale, although she has three beautiful children. Jonathan loses his job but eventually gets offered a position in Sardinia. He is reluctant for Octavia to visit him (we can guess why, the snake!) but she eventually does. As Jonathan has no spare time to spend with her she takes the ferry over to Corsica where she revisits the haunts of her teenage travels and the homeland of her first love, Xavi. Will fate intervene and bring them together again?
Do not mistake this for a no-brainer chick-lit book. This is an engaging story of two best friends and their quest for happiness, with a sprinkling of humour along the way. It is beautifully written, it made me laugh and almost made me cry, especially with the line "maybe hands were like memory foam mattresses, carrying the imprint of people they've loved forever." Food for thought, indeed.
If you think I've overdone the exclamation marks, go read the book yourself - you won't be disappointed!!!
I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Octavia and Roberta are best friends who have married unsuitable men. Octavia's husband, Jonathan, is anal and pernickety whilst Roberta's husband, Scott, is a controlling selfish bully. The story is therefore two-fold with Roberta and Octavia being the subject of alternative chapters.
Roberta, not surprisingly, leaves Scott and has to adjust to single life and find somewhere to live with their teenage daughter, Alicia. Roberta eventually dabbles her toe in the shark-infested waters of internet dating and meets the lovely Jake. Of course Scott is still hanging around in the wings like a pantomime villain trying to spoil her Happy Ever After.
Octavia's marriage has clearly gone stale, although she has three beautiful children. Jonathan loses his job but eventually gets offered a position in Sardinia. He is reluctant for Octavia to visit him (we can guess why, the snake!) but she eventually does. As Jonathan has no spare time to spend with her she takes the ferry over to Corsica where she revisits the haunts of her teenage travels and the homeland of her first love, Xavi. Will fate intervene and bring them together again?
Do not mistake this for a no-brainer chick-lit book. This is an engaging story of two best friends and their quest for happiness, with a sprinkling of humour along the way. It is beautifully written, it made me laugh and almost made me cry, especially with the line "maybe hands were like memory foam mattresses, carrying the imprint of people they've loved forever." Food for thought, indeed.
If you think I've overdone the exclamation marks, go read the book yourself - you won't be disappointed!!!
I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2018
The Blurb :
Can one woman’s marriage survive her best friend’s divorce? Fans of Veronica Henry and Erica James, this is the next book to add to your reading list.
It’s time to get back to where it all began…
Octavia Sheldon thought she’d have a different life. One where she travelled the world with an exotic husband and free-spirited children in tow. But things didn’t turn out quite like that.
Married to safe, reliable Jonathan, her life now consists of packed lunches, school runs and more loads of dirty washing than she ever thought possible. She’s not unhappy. It’s just that she can barely recognise herself any longer.
So as Octavia watches her best friend’s marriage break up, it starts her thinking. What if life could be different? What if she could escape and get back to the person she used to be? Escape back to the island where she spent her summers? And what if the man she used to love was there waiting for her…?
My Thoughts :
The story follows two best friends, Octavia and Roberta, and told from both of their points of view. Finally Roberta has decided to divorce husband Scott, after calling the police on her she has had enough of him and his ways.
Octavia on the other hand is happily married to Jonathan, with three children. The problems start when Jonathan is made redundant and becomes distant with the family. Octavia starts to wonder what her life would of become if she hadnt settled down and married Jonathan but infact stayed with her ex Xavi.
I love how Kerry Fisher draws you in to parts of the story like your right there in the mist of things. The opening chapter in the police cell made everything that more intriguing.
This story fills us with love, life, friendship and what to do when life hasnt played out in quiet the way you wanted it to.
I loved the cover for this book and my only gripe is I wish we had more of an Island Escape and maybe more of beautiful Corsica in the story.
May 16, 2015
I will be hosting the first date of the Blog Tour on 20th May 2015 so come and take a look at my review then!!
http://www.boonsbookcase.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.boonsbookcase.blogspot.co.uk/
September 6, 2025
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!
If you're reading this before buying it, you are lucky. You're going to save a few pennies and a lot of time.
Let me start with the most important - the cover has nothing to do with the book. Do you know when the main character gets to an island? At 57% of the book. Do you know how much it spends there? Not that long, probably around 20% of the book. I wish more reviews mentioned this instead of waxing lyrical about what a fabulous read it is.
As for the laugh out loud book - I barely chuckled. But I have rolled my eyes many time at the idiotic phrases such as hands being like foam memory mattreses or eyes grilling like a barbecue or a vagina being a quarry.
Top that with 2 annoying characters (one mildly, one wildly) and you're in for extended periods of time questioning your book decisions. You're a mom of 3 kids and your life is no longer like in your 20s? Uhm...duh?
That's probably what they meant when they said don't judge a book by its cover, because this tricks you into thinking it's not the depressive and annoying read it turned out to be.
If you're reading this before buying it, you are lucky. You're going to save a few pennies and a lot of time.
Let me start with the most important - the cover has nothing to do with the book. Do you know when the main character gets to an island? At 57% of the book. Do you know how much it spends there? Not that long, probably around 20% of the book. I wish more reviews mentioned this instead of waxing lyrical about what a fabulous read it is.
As for the laugh out loud book - I barely chuckled. But I have rolled my eyes many time at the idiotic phrases such as hands being like foam memory mattreses or eyes grilling like a barbecue or a vagina being a quarry.
Top that with 2 annoying characters (one mildly, one wildly) and you're in for extended periods of time questioning your book decisions. You're a mom of 3 kids and your life is no longer like in your 20s? Uhm...duh?
That's probably what they meant when they said don't judge a book by its cover, because this tricks you into thinking it's not the depressive and annoying read it turned out to be.
April 20, 2017
Written well, and gets you invested in the characters! However, I'm not too sure why it's considered a comedy....it's not funny. As in, nothing made me laugh and I'm unsure what parts were supposed to be funny. I did find myself skipping paragraphs to get to the parts I wanted to read, so perhaps the author could have removed some unnecessary parts.
August 15, 2023
I borrowed this book from Amazon prime reading years ago. The subtitle on that old edition was “a feel good romantic comedy” and that’s what I wanted to read. It’s not what I got. And there’s very little island time so the title is misleading, too.
June 2, 2015
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
To begin with, Kerry seriously starts off The Island Escape with a bang. The bang of a cell door in a police station, no less. I haven't read many books that begin in such an eyebrow-raising way and I was immediately curious to know exactly why and how Kerry's character Roberta had ended up in a police station. I love it when, after just a few pages into a novel, the author let's loose a thousand questions in my mind that I'm just dying to know the answer to and Kerry achieved exactly that with her opening pages. As the plot began to reveal itself, and the true extent of the events unfolded, my eyebrows were raised so high they were practically at the back of my skull. I wanted to know absolutely everything about Roberta and her circumstances, including her husband Scott who, let's be real, was a bit of an idiot (so much more than a bit of an idiot). As soon as Roberta rang long-time friend Octavia, I knew that there was something special between Kerry's two characters. More than just friendship, they shared their deepest, darkest secrets and were each other's sounding boards when things got tough in each of their lives. For me, this was touching in so many ways. The bond that the two women shared went way back and only intensified the feeling that there'd never been two friends like Roberta and Octavia before. Despite being so fond of each other, what surprised me was how different the two women were. They'd had differing upbringings, both providing the other with whatever it was that they were missing. I just ADORED how well each of the women fit into the other's life. They moulded perfectly together, a mish-mash of characteristics and backgrounds, yet they hummed so beautifully when side by side! As each woman's circumstances changed and the plot progressed, I could feel myself falling deeper and harder beneath Kerry Fisher's spell.
This is the first book that I've read by Kerry, but I can assure you right now, it will not be the last. The sheer mystery, intrigue and beauty of the author's words had me absolutely enthralled. I found myself dying to know how the story would end, where the characters would end up. I found myself thinking back to where Roberta and Octavia were when the novel began, and I couldn't wait to see how their lives would change by the end of it. There were so many delicate intricacies within each woman's life, tricky situations, things that I'd have no idea how to deal with it had been myself dealing with them. Each woman became an important person to me by the end of this book. I cared about their welfare, their personal issues and whether they'd be happy or not. I was desperate to know that they'd be okay and that the rest of their lives perhaps turn out differently.
The Island Escape by Kerry Fisher was exactly that. A gorgeously, addictive escape that I craved when not wrapped up in. The characters, the settings and the situations. I was captivated by it all and I wouldn't even hesitate in picking up another book by Kerry. She has such a beautiful way with words that makes me feel like I' dancing about between them on the page, lost completely to my own imagination.
Becca's Books is awarding The Island Escape by Kerry Fisher with FIVE OF MY GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! You may have your cocktail, sunglasses and sun-cream this summer, but you're really not ready until you've got this book by your side, I can assure you.
To begin with, Kerry seriously starts off The Island Escape with a bang. The bang of a cell door in a police station, no less. I haven't read many books that begin in such an eyebrow-raising way and I was immediately curious to know exactly why and how Kerry's character Roberta had ended up in a police station. I love it when, after just a few pages into a novel, the author let's loose a thousand questions in my mind that I'm just dying to know the answer to and Kerry achieved exactly that with her opening pages. As the plot began to reveal itself, and the true extent of the events unfolded, my eyebrows were raised so high they were practically at the back of my skull. I wanted to know absolutely everything about Roberta and her circumstances, including her husband Scott who, let's be real, was a bit of an idiot (so much more than a bit of an idiot). As soon as Roberta rang long-time friend Octavia, I knew that there was something special between Kerry's two characters. More than just friendship, they shared their deepest, darkest secrets and were each other's sounding boards when things got tough in each of their lives. For me, this was touching in so many ways. The bond that the two women shared went way back and only intensified the feeling that there'd never been two friends like Roberta and Octavia before. Despite being so fond of each other, what surprised me was how different the two women were. They'd had differing upbringings, both providing the other with whatever it was that they were missing. I just ADORED how well each of the women fit into the other's life. They moulded perfectly together, a mish-mash of characteristics and backgrounds, yet they hummed so beautifully when side by side! As each woman's circumstances changed and the plot progressed, I could feel myself falling deeper and harder beneath Kerry Fisher's spell.
This is the first book that I've read by Kerry, but I can assure you right now, it will not be the last. The sheer mystery, intrigue and beauty of the author's words had me absolutely enthralled. I found myself dying to know how the story would end, where the characters would end up. I found myself thinking back to where Roberta and Octavia were when the novel began, and I couldn't wait to see how their lives would change by the end of it. There were so many delicate intricacies within each woman's life, tricky situations, things that I'd have no idea how to deal with it had been myself dealing with them. Each woman became an important person to me by the end of this book. I cared about their welfare, their personal issues and whether they'd be happy or not. I was desperate to know that they'd be okay and that the rest of their lives perhaps turn out differently.
The Island Escape by Kerry Fisher was exactly that. A gorgeously, addictive escape that I craved when not wrapped up in. The characters, the settings and the situations. I was captivated by it all and I wouldn't even hesitate in picking up another book by Kerry. She has such a beautiful way with words that makes me feel like I' dancing about between them on the page, lost completely to my own imagination.
Becca's Books is awarding The Island Escape by Kerry Fisher with FIVE OF MY GORGEOUS CUPCAKES! You may have your cocktail, sunglasses and sun-cream this summer, but you're really not ready until you've got this book by your side, I can assure you.
June 22, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by Kerry's publishers in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy to give. First up, who wouldn't be drawn to pick this book up with a cover like that, especially when we are under a deluge at the moment?! The idea of warm, sunny days with a sea view sounds like heaven to me.
The book revolves around two friends Octavia and Roberta and their husbands Jonathan and Scott. Each couple very different, Octavia and Jonathan on the surface, settled into a simple, homely, quiet routine of family life and work. Roberta and Scott, in comparison posh, go getters living life at a faster pace with different outlooks to what they want from life. Each relationship has it's problems and when Roberta ends her marriage Octavia begins to look at her own relationship. Is it what it seems?
I loved this book, a perfect holiday read for a sunny afternoon curled up by the pool with the sun glinting off the water. This was for me an easy read but was also a very thought provoking book - it's not all pink and fluffy and touches on some serious subjects but Kerry has a light writing style that more than hints at humour and has created characters that are true to life dealing with real life issues. Predictable at times but written in such a way that it was pacey. The pages flew by I was so engaged.
I guarantee this book will evoke many questions. How many of us have ever wondered 'what if'? This is exactly what Octavia does when the breakdown of Roberta's marriage causes her to take stock of her own life. Is the grass really greener on the other side? It can appear so, if like Octavia you've been in a long term relationship, family commitments and work can take over, leaving no time for fun.
This was in many ways a book full of cliches and highlighted the fact that relationships both romantic and platonic should be equal. Giving and taking in equal measures. Anything less than this can be unhealthy and you should only take out what you put into a relationship. If the balance is unfair, one party will eventually get fed up. Nothing is ever simple though, relationships are complex and sometimes you have to distance yourself from a relationship to get a clearer picture of what you have and what you want and need for the future.
I loved The Island Escape and have found another author to watch out for. A book about relationships that are more complex than would first appear has got to be good, satisfying my natural curiosity or 'nosiness' depending which way you look at it. So a huge thank you Kerry, I can't wait for your next one :)
The book revolves around two friends Octavia and Roberta and their husbands Jonathan and Scott. Each couple very different, Octavia and Jonathan on the surface, settled into a simple, homely, quiet routine of family life and work. Roberta and Scott, in comparison posh, go getters living life at a faster pace with different outlooks to what they want from life. Each relationship has it's problems and when Roberta ends her marriage Octavia begins to look at her own relationship. Is it what it seems?
I loved this book, a perfect holiday read for a sunny afternoon curled up by the pool with the sun glinting off the water. This was for me an easy read but was also a very thought provoking book - it's not all pink and fluffy and touches on some serious subjects but Kerry has a light writing style that more than hints at humour and has created characters that are true to life dealing with real life issues. Predictable at times but written in such a way that it was pacey. The pages flew by I was so engaged.
I guarantee this book will evoke many questions. How many of us have ever wondered 'what if'? This is exactly what Octavia does when the breakdown of Roberta's marriage causes her to take stock of her own life. Is the grass really greener on the other side? It can appear so, if like Octavia you've been in a long term relationship, family commitments and work can take over, leaving no time for fun.
This was in many ways a book full of cliches and highlighted the fact that relationships both romantic and platonic should be equal. Giving and taking in equal measures. Anything less than this can be unhealthy and you should only take out what you put into a relationship. If the balance is unfair, one party will eventually get fed up. Nothing is ever simple though, relationships are complex and sometimes you have to distance yourself from a relationship to get a clearer picture of what you have and what you want and need for the future.
I loved The Island Escape and have found another author to watch out for. A book about relationships that are more complex than would first appear has got to be good, satisfying my natural curiosity or 'nosiness' depending which way you look at it. So a huge thank you Kerry, I can't wait for your next one :)
August 2, 2015
Novel set in Sardinia, Corsica and Surrey (the marital merry-go-round)
Octavia and Roberta, two best friends, are settled in the South of England. Roberta is married to Scott, a tremendously successful man, with all the trappings of wealth and status. Octavia is married to Jonathan, a plodder in many respects, pernickety, a bit on the OCD spectrum. Average lives…. Roberta is, however, in an abusive relationship and the author wonderfully renders the iniquitous creep of the undermining behaviour, and the power and mind games. Octavia is the practical one, she runs a nursery, has three children and gets on with life.
Roberta summons the courage to leave Scott, fully supported by Octavia. But in any friendship group, when a couple splits up, the ripple effect can often be felt far and wide. And thus it is that Octavia becomes acutely aware of Jonathan’s habits, quirks and frustrations, which lead her to think about her first big love, Xavi, a Corsican, whom she met when she was teaching on the island of Corsica. It ended years ago, well before she met Jonathan, but she still struggles with a sense of lingering unfinished business; increasingly thoughts of him come to preoccupy her mind.
To add to their woes, Jonathan loses his job and becomes maudlin and ever more picky. But a mutual friend eventually offers him a contract on the island of Sardinia, which is within spitting distance of Corsica. And both Jonathan and Octavia perk up, but for different reasons. When Octavia is offered the chance to accompany Jonathan on one of his frequent trips, she jumps at the chance, not only purportedly to spend quality time with Jonathan but also perhaps to pursue an encounter with Xavi….
Love is certainly in the air, tempered with the routine of daily life. For Roberta, she makes a new start and rebuilds her life after the damaging period with Scott. And what of Octavia? To find out how her story pans out, you must buy the book!
An engaging book, the scene is beautifully set, describing parallel lives of two very different women. The author is adept at describing the humdrum of daily life in a thoroughly absorbing way. About halfway through the story plateaus a little but gains momentum again when the action shifts to the two islands off Italy. Corsica in particular gets a nice write-up in the novel and many places will feel familiar if you know the island. And over on Sardinia you will definitely be left wanting to try sa carapigna ice cream made from lemons and sugar.
An enjoyable Summer read.
The author shares her thoughts on location and personal photos of her time in Corsica: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...
Octavia and Roberta, two best friends, are settled in the South of England. Roberta is married to Scott, a tremendously successful man, with all the trappings of wealth and status. Octavia is married to Jonathan, a plodder in many respects, pernickety, a bit on the OCD spectrum. Average lives…. Roberta is, however, in an abusive relationship and the author wonderfully renders the iniquitous creep of the undermining behaviour, and the power and mind games. Octavia is the practical one, she runs a nursery, has three children and gets on with life.
Roberta summons the courage to leave Scott, fully supported by Octavia. But in any friendship group, when a couple splits up, the ripple effect can often be felt far and wide. And thus it is that Octavia becomes acutely aware of Jonathan’s habits, quirks and frustrations, which lead her to think about her first big love, Xavi, a Corsican, whom she met when she was teaching on the island of Corsica. It ended years ago, well before she met Jonathan, but she still struggles with a sense of lingering unfinished business; increasingly thoughts of him come to preoccupy her mind.
To add to their woes, Jonathan loses his job and becomes maudlin and ever more picky. But a mutual friend eventually offers him a contract on the island of Sardinia, which is within spitting distance of Corsica. And both Jonathan and Octavia perk up, but for different reasons. When Octavia is offered the chance to accompany Jonathan on one of his frequent trips, she jumps at the chance, not only purportedly to spend quality time with Jonathan but also perhaps to pursue an encounter with Xavi….
Love is certainly in the air, tempered with the routine of daily life. For Roberta, she makes a new start and rebuilds her life after the damaging period with Scott. And what of Octavia? To find out how her story pans out, you must buy the book!
An engaging book, the scene is beautifully set, describing parallel lives of two very different women. The author is adept at describing the humdrum of daily life in a thoroughly absorbing way. About halfway through the story plateaus a little but gains momentum again when the action shifts to the two islands off Italy. Corsica in particular gets a nice write-up in the novel and many places will feel familiar if you know the island. And over on Sardinia you will definitely be left wanting to try sa carapigna ice cream made from lemons and sugar.
An enjoyable Summer read.
The author shares her thoughts on location and personal photos of her time in Corsica: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...
May 26, 2015
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"I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell." As opening sentences go, this is certainly attention grabbing and reflects the witty charm of this book! I really enjoyed this story of friendship, love and second chances. It was a bit different than I had expected from the synopsis though. It's not just about Octavia but is equally as much about her friend Roberta. The story is told in parallel chapters from both women's points of view. The actual visit to the islands, Sardinia and Corsica, doesn't feature until quite far on in the second half of the book, although Octavia is thinking longingly of a return to Corsica for a large part of the story. It was there that she fell in love with Xavi and she has never forgotten him. She is feeling frustrated in her present-day life with a safe, predictable marriage to Jonathan, a fulltime job and three children to look after. She wonders what happened to the reckless, spontaneous person she used to be and to all the plans she had and begins to wonder, what if? Her best friend since school, Roberta, is just getting out of her marriage to domineering Scott and beginning to fulfill some of the dreams she has had on hold for some time. She is also beginning to explore the possibilites of new love. She seems to have so many opportunities opening up for her and this is what makes Octavia discontent and wishing she could turn back time.
This is very much a book about the friendship between the two women. They have known each other for years, know almost all there is to know about each other's history and are a huge support to each other in good times and bad. But there are still tensions and jealousies between them which come to the fore during this story. I felt the author explored the strains between them very realistically. I could really identify with Octavia and Roberta being of a similar age (okay a few years older, but just a few!) and having teenage children with all the happiness and challenges they bring. It is also about love in its different forms - be it passionate and romantic or safe and steady, love between family and friends, first love and new love and how that feels.
This is the first Kerry Fisher book I have read but it won't be the last. A hugely enjoyable read by an author who can really explore all kinds of relationships and emotions in her writing in an in-depth, believable and enjoyable way.
My thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for the review copy.
"I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell." As opening sentences go, this is certainly attention grabbing and reflects the witty charm of this book! I really enjoyed this story of friendship, love and second chances. It was a bit different than I had expected from the synopsis though. It's not just about Octavia but is equally as much about her friend Roberta. The story is told in parallel chapters from both women's points of view. The actual visit to the islands, Sardinia and Corsica, doesn't feature until quite far on in the second half of the book, although Octavia is thinking longingly of a return to Corsica for a large part of the story. It was there that she fell in love with Xavi and she has never forgotten him. She is feeling frustrated in her present-day life with a safe, predictable marriage to Jonathan, a fulltime job and three children to look after. She wonders what happened to the reckless, spontaneous person she used to be and to all the plans she had and begins to wonder, what if? Her best friend since school, Roberta, is just getting out of her marriage to domineering Scott and beginning to fulfill some of the dreams she has had on hold for some time. She is also beginning to explore the possibilites of new love. She seems to have so many opportunities opening up for her and this is what makes Octavia discontent and wishing she could turn back time.
This is very much a book about the friendship between the two women. They have known each other for years, know almost all there is to know about each other's history and are a huge support to each other in good times and bad. But there are still tensions and jealousies between them which come to the fore during this story. I felt the author explored the strains between them very realistically. I could really identify with Octavia and Roberta being of a similar age (okay a few years older, but just a few!) and having teenage children with all the happiness and challenges they bring. It is also about love in its different forms - be it passionate and romantic or safe and steady, love between family and friends, first love and new love and how that feels.
This is the first Kerry Fisher book I have read but it won't be the last. A hugely enjoyable read by an author who can really explore all kinds of relationships and emotions in her writing in an in-depth, believable and enjoyable way.
My thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for the review copy.
July 4, 2015
Ever wanted to escape to an island far far away? Corsica and Sardinia grab you?
Story
Octavia Shelton’s life was not how she had imagined it. She’s married yes but to safe reliable Jonathan and instead of packing the suitcase and travelling the world with him and free -spirited children, the only packing she does these days is the family’s packed lunches. The only mountains she climbs are the mounds of dirty washing.
When her best friend’s marriage breaks up, she dreams of escape herself and wonders what would happen if she returned to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and met the man she used to love?
You can imagine the scenario – the drudgery of daily life and marriage and days spent wondering what could have been. Best friends Octavia and Roberta are both in unhappy marriages and so when Roberta’s marriage ends, Octavia starts to get ever restless.
The opening sentence draws you right in to the life and plight of these women –
“I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell.”
From then on this is a journey that takes you through the myriad of serious problems that any 30 odd year old woman could be going through – marriage struggles, break ups, career issues, children and inner torment of what might have been
The island part of the story doesn’t come into play in to much later in the novel that you might expect. Rather this is a tale of two female friends journeying the rocky road of unhappiness together. No sad tale this one though as its full of laughter, humour and wry smiles. As Octavia prepares seeking the man she was once in love with –
Age was my disguise. I put on my sun hat anyway . Less Room with a View and more Carry on Corsica
Once the island comes into play however the affect is summery and mysterious in equal measure –
I almost didn’t want to look across the waves. A little ferry boat made white tracks across the sea, Corsica bound…
But the shadowy clouds of doubt and regret are always on the horizon and Octavia and Roberta have taken very different paths in life, Octavia now searching for her past in the sandy beaches of Corsica. There are many surprises buried there and the digging is a whole lot of fun..
Story
Octavia Shelton’s life was not how she had imagined it. She’s married yes but to safe reliable Jonathan and instead of packing the suitcase and travelling the world with him and free -spirited children, the only packing she does these days is the family’s packed lunches. The only mountains she climbs are the mounds of dirty washing.
When her best friend’s marriage breaks up, she dreams of escape herself and wonders what would happen if she returned to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and met the man she used to love?
You can imagine the scenario – the drudgery of daily life and marriage and days spent wondering what could have been. Best friends Octavia and Roberta are both in unhappy marriages and so when Roberta’s marriage ends, Octavia starts to get ever restless.
The opening sentence draws you right in to the life and plight of these women –
“I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell.”
From then on this is a journey that takes you through the myriad of serious problems that any 30 odd year old woman could be going through – marriage struggles, break ups, career issues, children and inner torment of what might have been
The island part of the story doesn’t come into play in to much later in the novel that you might expect. Rather this is a tale of two female friends journeying the rocky road of unhappiness together. No sad tale this one though as its full of laughter, humour and wry smiles. As Octavia prepares seeking the man she was once in love with –
Age was my disguise. I put on my sun hat anyway . Less Room with a View and more Carry on Corsica
Once the island comes into play however the affect is summery and mysterious in equal measure –
I almost didn’t want to look across the waves. A little ferry boat made white tracks across the sea, Corsica bound…
But the shadowy clouds of doubt and regret are always on the horizon and Octavia and Roberta have taken very different paths in life, Octavia now searching for her past in the sandy beaches of Corsica. There are many surprises buried there and the digging is a whole lot of fun..
May 28, 2018
Brilliant! I just loved this book, didn't want to put it down :)
July 20, 2016
Island Escape is by Kerry Fisher. It is a really good summer read. It is told in alternating chapters by Roberta and Olivia.
Octavia and Roberta have known each other since their school days. They are as opposite as can be. Octavia is from the working class while Roberta’s parents always had plenty of money. The differences between them are noticeable; but they overcome these differences to become best friends. Best friends are there for each other and Octavia was definitely there when Roberta’s husband Scott had her arrested and was going to file charges on her for battery. Octavia knew it was Scott’s fault and she had been urging Roberta to leave Scott and his abusive ways for a long time. Still, Roberta returned home to have Christmas with Scott and his Mother for their daughter’s sake. Octavia wasn’t surprised when Roberta showed up at her house on Christmas Day to tell her she was leaving Scott.
Octavia didn’t hesitate to take Roberta and her daughter in, although it meant more chaos for her family of five plus a mother. While Roberta’s marriage ends, Octavia begins remembering Xavi and her summer romance on Corsica. Then her husband, Jonathan, gets laid off and begins staying home while looking for a job. Can her marriage survive this?
Octavia and Roberta have known each other since their school days. They are as opposite as can be. Octavia is from the working class while Roberta’s parents always had plenty of money. The differences between them are noticeable; but they overcome these differences to become best friends. Best friends are there for each other and Octavia was definitely there when Roberta’s husband Scott had her arrested and was going to file charges on her for battery. Octavia knew it was Scott’s fault and she had been urging Roberta to leave Scott and his abusive ways for a long time. Still, Roberta returned home to have Christmas with Scott and his Mother for their daughter’s sake. Octavia wasn’t surprised when Roberta showed up at her house on Christmas Day to tell her she was leaving Scott.
Octavia didn’t hesitate to take Roberta and her daughter in, although it meant more chaos for her family of five plus a mother. While Roberta’s marriage ends, Octavia begins remembering Xavi and her summer romance on Corsica. Then her husband, Jonathan, gets laid off and begins staying home while looking for a job. Can her marriage survive this?
June 4, 2015
I loved the School Gate Survival Guide from Kerry Fisher, but I think The Island Escape is even better. There’s a mastery in writing from two points of view, both female protagonists, and getting the voices so distinct, which is certainly evident here. There are deeper themes in The Island Escape than in a lot of women’s fiction and issues that you can identify with. Neither Roberta or Octavia are too perfect either, which makes them all the more well-rounded and *real*. I won’t give away any spoilers, but the story had me hooked from the start until the end and I read it in two sittings. The ending isn’t rushed, like many books in the genre, and its uplifting but again *real*, with a sense of the story carrying on beyond the last page. I’m hoping that might mean that the author could return to the characters one day, because I’d certainly love to read more. It felt like I was leaving two friends behind on the island when I turned that final page, which for me is the ultimate sign of a great book. And as for Jake… yes please!
October 25, 2019
The Blurb...
Can one woman’s marriage survive her best friend’s divorce? Veronica Henry meets Erica James in this summer’s must-have read.
Octavia Shelton thought she’d have a different life. One where she travelled the world with an exotic husband and free-spirited children in tow.
Instead she’s married to safe, reliable Jonathan, and her life now consists of packed lunches, school runs and mountains of dirty washing. She’s not unhappy. It’s just that she can barely recognise herself.
So as Octavia watches her best friend’s marriage break up, it gets her thinking. What if life could be different? What if she could escape and rediscover the person she used to be? Escape back to the island she visited years ago? And what if the man she used to love was there waiting for her?
I adored the cover as soon as I saw it and thought to myself that I really needed to read this book.
I am so pleased I did, it is the perfect holiday read. It is a witty and a book full of escapism... Fab Fab Fab..
Can one woman’s marriage survive her best friend’s divorce? Veronica Henry meets Erica James in this summer’s must-have read.
Octavia Shelton thought she’d have a different life. One where she travelled the world with an exotic husband and free-spirited children in tow.
Instead she’s married to safe, reliable Jonathan, and her life now consists of packed lunches, school runs and mountains of dirty washing. She’s not unhappy. It’s just that she can barely recognise herself.
So as Octavia watches her best friend’s marriage break up, it gets her thinking. What if life could be different? What if she could escape and rediscover the person she used to be? Escape back to the island she visited years ago? And what if the man she used to love was there waiting for her?
I adored the cover as soon as I saw it and thought to myself that I really needed to read this book.
I am so pleased I did, it is the perfect holiday read. It is a witty and a book full of escapism... Fab Fab Fab..
May 16, 2017
The island escape is the perfect summer, warm and witty with a charm that sucks you in and keeps you reading. Roberta and Olivia go through some very traumatic yet life changing circumstances throughout the book, both showing great strength, determination and support for each other. There's a lot to relate to in The island escape and I really loved how Kerry Fisher guided the characters through the issues that arose. I'm trying not to say too much about the plot so as not to ruin it for the reader, so it's hard to know what to say because this book is so jam packed full of drama! The characters were well developed, I especially liked Olivia, her personality shone through and I really admited her grit and determination aswell as finding her wit very amusing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it left me with a feeling that anything is possible in life if you work at it. I'm definatley looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 21, 2015
Roberta and Octavia have been best friends since school and their friendship has endured through marriage, children and Octavia working abroad. When Roberta decides to divorce her controlling and difficult husband, Octavia suddenly can't stop herself thinking about Xavi, the man she loved in Corsica twenty years ago. As Roberta tries to build a new life, start a new business and navigate the perils of internet dating, Octavia unexpectedly finds herself back in Corsica reliving the past. I started reading this novel on a very dull four hour train journey and, not only did it keep me entertained all the way, I was slightly reluctant to put the book down and get off! I loved the relationship between Roberta and Octavia and the way they support each other even if they don't always understand the other's decisions. Kerry Fisher has a wonderful style that is warm, humorous and entertaining. Highly recommended!
June 8, 2016
I felt for both Erica and Octavia throughout this book. Both dealt with marital issues, children issues and wished for more out of their lives. Haven't we all wished for more than we have? However, these women take their lives in their hands and do something about it.
I really enjoyed reading "The Island Escape." It was not the typical summer read for me, but had more depth than I first thought it would. I really liked that both female characters were so well developed. They were best friends and were really "there" for each other through thick and thin (and there was a lot of thin).
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this amazing piece of women's fiction!
I really enjoyed reading "The Island Escape." It was not the typical summer read for me, but had more depth than I first thought it would. I really liked that both female characters were so well developed. They were best friends and were really "there" for each other through thick and thin (and there was a lot of thin).
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this amazing piece of women's fiction!
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