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Island
Love, death, hope ... the island will change their lives forever. From the bestselling David Almond, author of SKELLIG, and now with fantastic illustrations by the award-winning David Litchfield. Louise has travelled with her father to the island every year since she can remember - it's the place her mother loved best of all. The arrival of Hassan changes everything. Louise is restless and yearning for independence; meanwhile, the fiercely free and self-reliant Hassan seems to know the island from long ago as if it were his home from birth. Hassan is an acrobat, maybe a sorcerer, possibly a source of great danger. The wild boys who call the island their home want to cast him out. The forces of love, death and hope move Louise and Hassan together. The island will change their lives forever. David Almond is the author of many beloved and prize-winning books for children and teenagers. His best known work, Skellig, won the Whitbread Children's Award and the Carnegie Medal and has been widely adapted for stage and screen. He has also won the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the world's most prestigious prize for children's authors. In 2021, David was awarded an OBE for services to literature.'There really is nobody quite like Almond writing in children's or adult's fiction today.' The Times
118 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2017
10 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
David Almond
121 books823 followersDavid Almond is a British children's writer who has penned several novels, each one to critical acclaim. He was born and raised in Felling and Newcastle in post-industrial North East England and educated at the University of East Anglia. When he was young, he found his love of writing when some short stories of his were published in a local magazine. He started out as an author of adult fiction before finding his niche writing literature for young adults.
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 22, 2022
خیلی خیلی دوستش داشتم. پر از لحظههای کارپه دیمی. توصیف حال و هوای مرموز و مهآلود. یه حالتی که توش غوطه میخوردی.. جملهها رو نفس میکشیدی و سعی میکردی زندگی کنی اون لحظات رو.
و میزان غصه آلموند از جنگ رو که تو کتابهای مختلفش دنبال میکنم، و میبینم چطور تکرار میشه..، خیلی جالب و غمانگیزه… هواپیماهای سیاهی که از بالای سر عبور میکنن، صدای بمب، و انگیزه بیپایان آدما برای کشت و کشتار؛ پس کی تموم میشه؟
و میزان غصه آلموند از جنگ رو که تو کتابهای مختلفش دنبال میکنم، و میبینم چطور تکرار میشه..، خیلی جالب و غمانگیزه… هواپیماهای سیاهی که از بالای سر عبور میکنن، صدای بمب، و انگیزه بیپایان آدما برای کشت و کشتار؛ پس کی تموم میشه؟
March 13, 2017
A little gem - topical, lyrical, touching... There is so much in these few pages!
April 24, 2018
NSFW- it renders tears and paralysing sob 😭
😋😁
So I read this bit by bit in lunch times (world book day's book for world books day), and today - as it's ending - sadness and sweet loneliness came through me. I love them very very much. Louise and Hassan. I love how the story binds them unexpectedly. I love how he told her the cruelty of war but still kept his hope for better days to come. I love how she accepted him and befriend with him beyond the prejudice of strangers nowdays.
First time reader of David Almond, but I think I found myself a new fav writer. Looking forward to read Skellig.
😋😁
So I read this bit by bit in lunch times (world book day's book for world books day), and today - as it's ending - sadness and sweet loneliness came through me. I love them very very much. Louise and Hassan. I love how the story binds them unexpectedly. I love how he told her the cruelty of war but still kept his hope for better days to come. I love how she accepted him and befriend with him beyond the prejudice of strangers nowdays.
First time reader of David Almond, but I think I found myself a new fav writer. Looking forward to read Skellig.
August 3, 2018
This was a sweet book with some very dark topics, but really liked the overall message of kindness and hope. David Almond writes some of the best middle grade out there.
July 14, 2022
هر اتم بدن تو در ستارهای روبهمرگ به وجود اومده. در حقیقت ما گرد و غبار ستارهای هستیم و مسیری به این طولانیای رو طی کردیم. ما هم جوونیم و هم به قدمت جهان. وقتی از دنیا بریم، اجزای سازندهی ما دوباره به جهان برمیگردند و بچههایی جدید از اونها به وجود میآد. همه ما آواره و مسافریم، پناهنده و زائریم تا اینکه یکبار دیگه به ستاره ها برگردیم. این تاریخ حقیقیه. این جادوی حقیقیه.
March 27, 2024
Surprisingly deep, thoughtful and beautiful.
April 19, 2017
I really liked this. I feel like we had a lot of powerful information about terrosim and how it affects the survivers and how they are still face prejudice due to what they look like and are still grouped with all the evil-doers. As well as this, we had the main storyline (which actually felt like the backdrop) of Louise, visiting her mother's favourite and magical place, with her father, to stay connected to her spirit.
I wasn't expecting the book to be as wonderfully written as it was, but it is written by the author of Skellig, so I should have expected a well written story. It was very lyrical and had some beautiful quotes, particularly from Hassan. He says very little but everything had power and magic and I would love to know even more about him and his travels.
To be honest, I still had an air of confusion that followed me throughout the duration of this book, but it certainly became clearer as the story went on.
I struggled to gather where Louise was from because the dialogue was a bit different and I didn't pick up on the lingo. Those are just the two reasons why it didn't get a full 5 stas, well that and the fact that it was just too short! I wanted more! I wanted a slower build, but for a short World Book Day book, it was great.
I loved the little flying bird illustrations and they fitted the story quite nicely. It didn't feel immature but I think this could be enjoyed by a variety of people, regardless of age, as it has some strong and important themes and I think it could give people insight to how others live and what they may feel.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
I wasn't expecting the book to be as wonderfully written as it was, but it is written by the author of Skellig, so I should have expected a well written story. It was very lyrical and had some beautiful quotes, particularly from Hassan. He says very little but everything had power and magic and I would love to know even more about him and his travels.
To be honest, I still had an air of confusion that followed me throughout the duration of this book, but it certainly became clearer as the story went on.
I struggled to gather where Louise was from because the dialogue was a bit different and I didn't pick up on the lingo. Those are just the two reasons why it didn't get a full 5 stas, well that and the fact that it was just too short! I wanted more! I wanted a slower build, but for a short World Book Day book, it was great.
I loved the little flying bird illustrations and they fitted the story quite nicely. It didn't feel immature but I think this could be enjoyed by a variety of people, regardless of age, as it has some strong and important themes and I think it could give people insight to how others live and what they may feel.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
January 19, 2022
Quite preachy. Not for me.
May 2, 2022
4.5^^
So much happened in such a short amount of time
So much happened in such a short amount of time
Read
July 12, 2023this was the most beautifull book ive read in a while it was reaaly well written and I really think it should gain more fame
October 22, 2023
David Almond writes beautifully crafted stories that transcend generations. Island is no different, A lovely and engrossing story that will delight all ages and complimented by gorgeous illustrations that bring the story to life even more.
March 5, 2024
It starts slow but the ending is beautiful
December 28, 2020
What a hidden gem of a book. The story is simple, the writing gorgeous and the themes important and well explored. It's amazing how much the author has been able to fit into such a small book.
Island tells the tale of a widowed father and his daughter taking a journey to a place they visited regularly when the mother was alive. The description of the island is stunning. You can see the sights so vividly, feels the cool breezes against your face and sand beneath your feet, smell the salty air. And amongst all this beauty the protagonist meets a Syrian refugee. He has, as you would expect,been through some things and yet his perspective of life remains unique and optimistic. There are the usual tropes that you wiuld expect in a book featuring such a character such as racism and xenophobia but these are merely touched upon (not that that makes them any less important). Philosphy is what makes this ook truly shine, philosophy, perspective and gorgeous writing. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the book's only fault is that at times there is too much of the good stuff. I dont think the book would have suffered from being a little shorter and losing a few pages of description and philosophical pondering.
If you want to read a gorgeously written, relatively short story with important themes, twists and an intricate structure then look no further. This book is a real treat with an important message that everyone should read.
Island tells the tale of a widowed father and his daughter taking a journey to a place they visited regularly when the mother was alive. The description of the island is stunning. You can see the sights so vividly, feels the cool breezes against your face and sand beneath your feet, smell the salty air. And amongst all this beauty the protagonist meets a Syrian refugee. He has, as you would expect,been through some things and yet his perspective of life remains unique and optimistic. There are the usual tropes that you wiuld expect in a book featuring such a character such as racism and xenophobia but these are merely touched upon (not that that makes them any less important). Philosphy is what makes this ook truly shine, philosophy, perspective and gorgeous writing. In fact, I would go as far as to say that the book's only fault is that at times there is too much of the good stuff. I dont think the book would have suffered from being a little shorter and losing a few pages of description and philosophical pondering.
If you want to read a gorgeously written, relatively short story with important themes, twists and an intricate structure then look no further. This book is a real treat with an important message that everyone should read.
September 11, 2021
خب، «آلموندی» بود ولی نه به اندازهی اون قبلیا که ازش خونده بودم
بخشهای کوچک قشنگ جالبی داشت که خاص نویسنده بود؛ مثل تصورات مینا و شیوهی فکرکردنش درمورد جهان اطرافش و خودش. اینجا لوئیز اینطور بود. ولی بهاقتضای موضوع داستان، خیلی مطرح نمیشد
بخشهای کوچک قشنگ جالبی داشت که خاص نویسنده بود؛ مثل تصورات مینا و شیوهی فکرکردنش درمورد جهان اطرافش و خودش. اینجا لوئیز اینطور بود. ولی بهاقتضای موضوع داستان، خیلی مطرح نمیشد
November 17, 2021
This one was okay... but it felt too short and like it needed to tell more story but it just fell short. The characters were all right, the setting was okay but since the story was so short the characters felt really underdeveloped and rushed.
May 26, 2017
Mysterious and evocative short story
February 20, 2024
Review of the Island and War is Over
What a treat to disappear into David Almond's words for a few hours. Island and War is Over are both short novels illustrated by the very talented David Litchfield (whose work includes the gorgeous children's book Bear and the Piano) and both look at young people's relationship to ideas of war and peace. Both are rallying calls for beauty, both want to fight back against those who would destroy with simple language and a sense of universal empathy. I'm currently reading A Little Life, one of the most insular and introverted books I've ever read. I took a break from those horrors to allow David Almond to brighten my soul. Of the two, I think War is Over is the better book. It is a near perfect novella about an English boy John and a photograph of a German boy Jan, and about the will to say "I am not at war". It is about a man outcast into the forest for broadcasting messages of peace, it is about the cold metal horror of a bomb shell with the potential to kill, it is about the heartlessness of duty and loyalty and patriotism, about the distance of a father, mother, son or daughter to the grand, violent schemes of nations. It's also about those too scared to look for ways out, those who would brand a child a traitor because he writes a plea of friendship and hopelessly tries to post it to a boy he's never met. It's about looking out, not in, something that child both must learn and know instinctively if it is allowed to flourish.
Island is a longer, more teenage affair. It mines the wealth of Almond's symbolism. There are tramps and sand dunes, oceans and wild animals, absent parents and distant traumas. In it, Louise and her father make the annual trip to Lindisfarne in memory of Louise's mother. There her dad finds companionship in the form of an American tourist and Louise meets a young Syrian traveller called Hasan. I always thought Almond deals better with younger protagonists - Bone Music's teenage theme fell a bit flat for me - but here he gets it just right. Louise's verve, nervousness, anger and passion are all beautifully balanced. The relationship with Hasan taps a vein of romance without feeling churlish or embarrassing. The two of them tell stories, exchange lives, and towards the end Almond springs on us one of those deep breath moments when their lives are explicably connected through the shadows of their pasts. The book avoids cheesy messages, tempered always by a lush melancholy and scenes of threat and angst. The confrontation on the dunes and the bloody image of the poor slaughtered deer echo the dark romance of A song for Ella Grey while the final scenes reminded me of the mystic of The Fire-Eaters. I love how Almond weaves such recognisable threads through his work without ever seeming to repeat himself. His stories form a thick tapestry and one enriches the other.
Both these books tackle wars, two wars separated by centuries. Neither shies away from the reality of it and the similarity of the way it beats through history. War is Over is more direct in its message, but Island has its subtle value, especially as it looks at the relevant stories facing todays young people. War in Syria meets distance Lindisfarne and the two places become connected. Almond refuses to give in to the selfishness of our world. He has a vision that strives to overcome the destroyers. Art is capable of doing such a thing, of enduring. Almond endures through the decades, staying relevant and maintaining his unique style and sense of humanity in everything he writes.
What a treat to disappear into David Almond's words for a few hours. Island and War is Over are both short novels illustrated by the very talented David Litchfield (whose work includes the gorgeous children's book Bear and the Piano) and both look at young people's relationship to ideas of war and peace. Both are rallying calls for beauty, both want to fight back against those who would destroy with simple language and a sense of universal empathy. I'm currently reading A Little Life, one of the most insular and introverted books I've ever read. I took a break from those horrors to allow David Almond to brighten my soul. Of the two, I think War is Over is the better book. It is a near perfect novella about an English boy John and a photograph of a German boy Jan, and about the will to say "I am not at war". It is about a man outcast into the forest for broadcasting messages of peace, it is about the cold metal horror of a bomb shell with the potential to kill, it is about the heartlessness of duty and loyalty and patriotism, about the distance of a father, mother, son or daughter to the grand, violent schemes of nations. It's also about those too scared to look for ways out, those who would brand a child a traitor because he writes a plea of friendship and hopelessly tries to post it to a boy he's never met. It's about looking out, not in, something that child both must learn and know instinctively if it is allowed to flourish.
Island is a longer, more teenage affair. It mines the wealth of Almond's symbolism. There are tramps and sand dunes, oceans and wild animals, absent parents and distant traumas. In it, Louise and her father make the annual trip to Lindisfarne in memory of Louise's mother. There her dad finds companionship in the form of an American tourist and Louise meets a young Syrian traveller called Hasan. I always thought Almond deals better with younger protagonists - Bone Music's teenage theme fell a bit flat for me - but here he gets it just right. Louise's verve, nervousness, anger and passion are all beautifully balanced. The relationship with Hasan taps a vein of romance without feeling churlish or embarrassing. The two of them tell stories, exchange lives, and towards the end Almond springs on us one of those deep breath moments when their lives are explicably connected through the shadows of their pasts. The book avoids cheesy messages, tempered always by a lush melancholy and scenes of threat and angst. The confrontation on the dunes and the bloody image of the poor slaughtered deer echo the dark romance of A song for Ella Grey while the final scenes reminded me of the mystic of The Fire-Eaters. I love how Almond weaves such recognisable threads through his work without ever seeming to repeat himself. His stories form a thick tapestry and one enriches the other.
Both these books tackle wars, two wars separated by centuries. Neither shies away from the reality of it and the similarity of the way it beats through history. War is Over is more direct in its message, but Island has its subtle value, especially as it looks at the relevant stories facing todays young people. War in Syria meets distance Lindisfarne and the two places become connected. Almond refuses to give in to the selfishness of our world. He has a vision that strives to overcome the destroyers. Art is capable of doing such a thing, of enduring. Almond endures through the decades, staying relevant and maintaining his unique style and sense of humanity in everything he writes.
April 14, 2024
It's become a pilgrimage for Louise and her father. Travelling to Lindisfarne needed time and patience, as tides ruled the entrance to it. After years of returning to the place they used to holiday with their wife and mum, they were used to waiting and watching the sea recede from the only road forward.
As they waited to begin their yearly rituals of walks along the shore, meals in the local restaurants and refreshing their memories once more, a boy appears alongside their car. When Louise's eyes lock upon his, she realises he's a little older than she first thought. She is intrigued, especially as he begins to wade through the retreating tide ahead of the cars.
Louise always enjoys this annual visit, spending time with her dad who has raised her on his own since she was eight years old. But this time, when he is distracted by another, she too seeks out other company and sees the boy again upon the beach.
He is quiet, calm and seemingly too wise for his years. She soon hears of his heart-wrenching past as she shares her own reason for being on Lindisfarne. But there is an amazing connection between them that he has been carrying on his travels. This brings them even closer, even though they've known each other barely a day.
Others on Lindisfarne don't see what Louise sees in this stranger - only what their prejudice allows them to see. But his personal pilgrimage to the island brings both Louise and her father something wonderful.
Wow! Island is a simple, stunning and beautiful book. In only 142 pages (including beautiful illustrations by one of my fave illustrators, David Litchfield), Island encompasses human connection, loss, memories, the beauty of nature, and complete callousness of a world in turmoil.
There are so many contrasts. Louise is just gaining her independence, but another has the world at his feet. This stranger is wise, calm and patient, while the local boys are loud, offensive and brutal. A story of terrible loss is soothed by a beautiful memory stored then shared.
There are surprises, shocks, and strong emotions. There is wonder, fear, and empathy. Prejudice is ever present, but the power of understanding is stronger, overcoming it. Civilisation is ever evolving and changing, along with humankind, but beauty, nature and kindness can bring hope for our future.
As they waited to begin their yearly rituals of walks along the shore, meals in the local restaurants and refreshing their memories once more, a boy appears alongside their car. When Louise's eyes lock upon his, she realises he's a little older than she first thought. She is intrigued, especially as he begins to wade through the retreating tide ahead of the cars.
Louise always enjoys this annual visit, spending time with her dad who has raised her on his own since she was eight years old. But this time, when he is distracted by another, she too seeks out other company and sees the boy again upon the beach.
He is quiet, calm and seemingly too wise for his years. She soon hears of his heart-wrenching past as she shares her own reason for being on Lindisfarne. But there is an amazing connection between them that he has been carrying on his travels. This brings them even closer, even though they've known each other barely a day.
Others on Lindisfarne don't see what Louise sees in this stranger - only what their prejudice allows them to see. But his personal pilgrimage to the island brings both Louise and her father something wonderful.
Wow! Island is a simple, stunning and beautiful book. In only 142 pages (including beautiful illustrations by one of my fave illustrators, David Litchfield), Island encompasses human connection, loss, memories, the beauty of nature, and complete callousness of a world in turmoil.
There are so many contrasts. Louise is just gaining her independence, but another has the world at his feet. This stranger is wise, calm and patient, while the local boys are loud, offensive and brutal. A story of terrible loss is soothed by a beautiful memory stored then shared.
There are surprises, shocks, and strong emotions. There is wonder, fear, and empathy. Prejudice is ever present, but the power of understanding is stronger, overcoming it. Civilisation is ever evolving and changing, along with humankind, but beauty, nature and kindness can bring hope for our future.
April 18, 2023
This is the review for the new 2023 illustrated version .
This is a truly beautiful story about life, love ,beauty and overcoming adversity even from the darkest moments. Louise travels to the island of Lindisfarne with her father each year to remember family holidays and her mother. Whilst there she meets Hassan a Syrian refuge who has made his own pilgrimage to the island in memory of his father who visited some years earlier. The two young people find a deep connection and confront a mindless death from a group of teenagers. But from this tragedy a deeper understanding of the need to recognise the beauty in life and its power over evil and negativity shines through. This is a beautiful book with David Almond at the height of his lyrical , poetic and magical language powers whilst David Lichfield’s sublime illustrations add such depth and warmth to the story that they have the capacity to pull you even deeper into this emotional tale. From start to finish this is a book to savour and read again- for adults and teenagers this is a wonderful and powerful book that truly makes you reflect on the power of life and the human capacity to let love shine through.Highly recommended in so many ways.
This is a truly beautiful story about life, love ,beauty and overcoming adversity even from the darkest moments. Louise travels to the island of Lindisfarne with her father each year to remember family holidays and her mother. Whilst there she meets Hassan a Syrian refuge who has made his own pilgrimage to the island in memory of his father who visited some years earlier. The two young people find a deep connection and confront a mindless death from a group of teenagers. But from this tragedy a deeper understanding of the need to recognise the beauty in life and its power over evil and negativity shines through. This is a beautiful book with David Almond at the height of his lyrical , poetic and magical language powers whilst David Lichfield’s sublime illustrations add such depth and warmth to the story that they have the capacity to pull you even deeper into this emotional tale. From start to finish this is a book to savour and read again- for adults and teenagers this is a wonderful and powerful book that truly makes you reflect on the power of life and the human capacity to let love shine through.Highly recommended in so many ways.
January 13, 2018
This short, specially-written World Book Day story by David Almond is a little gem. Written in Almond’s signature poetic, ethereal prose it’s a story of a girl called Louise and her father visiting the northern island of Lindisfarne. They go every year to remember the memory of her dead mother.
On the way to the island, Louise meets a strange, mystical boy called Dark Star. He is a Syrian refugee travelling to the island to recall the memory of his dead father too. His real name is Hassan and he performs tricks to earn money and travel.
Almond is very keen on the “Otherly” nature of circus performers, travellers and those who glide through the world as if they have a wilder, more natural soul than others. This story does have the twinge of similarity to his book, Ella Grey, but – unlike that book – this one has a more powerful message about war, loving one another and that children can decide not to create the same chaos their parents have. All wrapped up in less than 100 pages and for just £1, this is a lovely little read…!
On the way to the island, Louise meets a strange, mystical boy called Dark Star. He is a Syrian refugee travelling to the island to recall the memory of his dead father too. His real name is Hassan and he performs tricks to earn money and travel.
Almond is very keen on the “Otherly” nature of circus performers, travellers and those who glide through the world as if they have a wilder, more natural soul than others. This story does have the twinge of similarity to his book, Ella Grey, but – unlike that book – this one has a more powerful message about war, loving one another and that children can decide not to create the same chaos their parents have. All wrapped up in less than 100 pages and for just £1, this is a lovely little read…!
Read
August 18, 2024A weekend for short, lyrical books. Almond has a gift for emotional complexity in brief settings — here, a 16 year-old girl returns to Lindisfarne with her father, their annual pilgrimage connecting to her dead mother. As her father is distracted by American Coral, Louise is drawn to Dark Star — the mysterious teenage boy who captures her attention on the causeway and who will turn out to be linked to her life in a deep and unpredicted way. Three raucous yobs terrorise the little island and expose the ugliness and distrust of contemporary society, fearful of refugees and wanting to turn a blind eye to pain. Almond demonstrates that pain and terror are inescapable but human love can soothe, connect and keep people growing.
March 13, 2024
Beautiful written. The kind of book I would read again just to enjoy the WAY it is written.
16 year old Louise has travelled to Lindisfarne with her father (as they have done every year, the last 8 despite her mother having died). Both meet someone new who brings new understandings about life - small things but significant.
There's no great drama (save a short violent death of an animal) but a wonderful study in human thought and appreciation and questions about life and death. Makes me want to visit the island if I ever return to the UK https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindisf...
16 year old Louise has travelled to Lindisfarne with her father (as they have done every year, the last 8 despite her mother having died). Both meet someone new who brings new understandings about life - small things but significant.
There's no great drama (save a short violent death of an animal) but a wonderful study in human thought and appreciation and questions about life and death. Makes me want to visit the island if I ever return to the UK https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindisf...
May 18, 2024
A good 4/5 two hrs read.
Didn't think this kind of fiction related to an emotional aspect plus an island could turn out like that.
But Hassan's character is my favourite of all bcz the author portrayed Hassan as such a person who is needed in this gen rn. Hassan is a much needed character in everyone's life.
Through him, I got to know about my personality aspects which I wasn't much aware of or to say I didn't notice before.
I didn't like Louise character much, that's the reason for only 4 stars.
Didn't think this kind of fiction related to an emotional aspect plus an island could turn out like that.
But Hassan's character is my favourite of all bcz the author portrayed Hassan as such a person who is needed in this gen rn. Hassan is a much needed character in everyone's life.
Through him, I got to know about my personality aspects which I wasn't much aware of or to say I didn't notice before.
I didn't like Louise character much, that's the reason for only 4 stars.
March 23, 2025
Vakkert altså. Liker den litt triste tonen som har vært gjennomgående i de fire jeg har lest til nå. Det gjør dem på en måte litt dypere enn andre lignende historer. Den her virker liksom litt nyere og har roller som er litt elsre, så det må være en young-adult-bok, altså passer den godt for sånne som meg! Denne tar opp tema migrasjon, grenser, værdensborger og minner, alle veldig viktige ting å ha tenkt litt over i en verden som er i rask endring. Likte denne også veldig godt, gleder meg til flere!!
June 29, 2017
Synopsis: A girl visits an island with her dad that they go to every year. This is the island that they used to go to with their mother before she died. This time, she meets a refugee by the name of "Dark Star," and her dad meets a new potential date. The story follows what they get up to on the island.
Key Words: Grief, Relationships, Holidays, Refugees, Spirituality
School Year Group: 6+
Review: Good ideas, a good look about how grief affects different people. Hard to get into though.
Key Words: Grief, Relationships, Holidays, Refugees, Spirituality
School Year Group: 6+
Review: Good ideas, a good look about how grief affects different people. Hard to get into though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
How could u fall in love and make love with someone you just met? (pertaining to louise's dad & coral) Louise's dad is horrible for not understanding her daughter's feelings, and for not respecting that her daughter still haven't moved on from her mother's death even though it's been so long. I hated the ending part of the book, as much as i want them to be together (hassan & louise), it will be much more better if they stayed as friends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2023
This book literally took my breath away. The writing is simply beautiful and is very "David Almond" in the sense that he seldom uses literary words but somehow he can make it sound lyrical just by varying the sentence lengths.
The drawings by David Litchfield have that warmth that is also very "David Litchfield".
Will definitely buy this when it is out.
Just one question: Is the illustration going to be in black and white like it is in the ARC?
The drawings by David Litchfield have that warmth that is also very "David Litchfield".
Will definitely buy this when it is out.
Just one question: Is the illustration going to be in black and white like it is in the ARC?
May 14, 2017
David Almond's writing is wonderful as always.
A very quiet story, though the message is very clear, maybe a bit too obvious, too lecturing. However, it is an important message and beautiful one.
Maybe I would have liked this book even more if it was longer, if characters had more time to develop.
A very quiet story, though the message is very clear, maybe a bit too obvious, too lecturing. However, it is an important message and beautiful one.
Maybe I would have liked this book even more if it was longer, if characters had more time to develop.
July 8, 2019
“So strange, how the mind can become a place, a landscape, a whole world. The world within as vivid as the world without.”
The style of writing was poetic, relaxing, and easy to read. The book talked about terrorism and war, but it felt as peaceful as Lindisfarne (the setting of the story) because of how the book was written. A great story within a few pages.
The style of writing was poetic, relaxing, and easy to read. The book talked about terrorism and war, but it felt as peaceful as Lindisfarne (the setting of the story) because of how the book was written. A great story within a few pages.
April 7, 2022
I needed something to kill a couple of hours so grabbed this from a 'book swap' shelf.
It was a nice message and as a book aimed at older children I think it covers some important topics, but I don't think short stories are for me - everything felt rushed and I formed no attachment to any characters which left me feeling thoroughly underwhelmed at the end.
It was a nice message and as a book aimed at older children I think it covers some important topics, but I don't think short stories are for me - everything felt rushed and I formed no attachment to any characters which left me feeling thoroughly underwhelmed at the end.
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