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Island on the Edge: A Life on Soay
Anne Cholawo was a typical career girl working in a busy London advertising agency, when in 1989, holidaying in Skye, she noticed an ad for a property on the Isle of Soay. She had never heard of Soay before, let alone visited it, but something inexplicable drew her there. Within ten minutes of stepping off the fishing boat, she had fallen under the island's spell, and after a few months she moved there. When she arrived on the remote west coast island there were only 17 inhabitants—among them the legendary Hebridean sharker Tex Geddes and his family. Today, including Anne and her husband Robert, there are only three. This book describes her extraordinary transition from a hectic urban lifestyle to one of rural isolation and self-sufficiency, without main electricity, medical services, shops or any of the other modern amenities we take for granted. Anne describes the history of Soay and its unique wildlife and tells her own personal story—along the way introducing some of the offbeat and colorful characters associated with the island, like Tex's one-time associate, the celebrated writer and naturalist, Gavin Maxwell.
300 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2018
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269 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 2, 2016
Absolutely loved this book a fasanating story into the struggles of living on a island.
If you enjoy reading life stories of people trying to make a go of it in remote places or Scottish islands such as the western isles or outer Hebrides then this is a book you will really get into and enjoy.
If like myself you have books on your shelf by Gavin Maxwell,Mike Tomkies,Tex Geddes or Katharine Stewart then this is a book for you.
Met Anne in Oban where she was doing a book signing in Waterstones a pleasure to meet such lovely lady with a great story to tell.
Hope it's not too long before I'm ordering another book by her.
If you enjoy reading life stories of people trying to make a go of it in remote places or Scottish islands such as the western isles or outer Hebrides then this is a book you will really get into and enjoy.
If like myself you have books on your shelf by Gavin Maxwell,Mike Tomkies,Tex Geddes or Katharine Stewart then this is a book for you.
Met Anne in Oban where she was doing a book signing in Waterstones a pleasure to meet such lovely lady with a great story to tell.
Hope it's not too long before I'm ordering another book by her.
February 23, 2017
If you want to read about a life full of challenge and ways to overcome then this is the book for you.
Anne Cholawo made a life changing decision in her 20's that was going to blow her mind. She had no idea what an amazing impact this would have on her life, but just knew that she had to do it.
Whilst on holiday on the Isle of Skye Anne saw a cottage advertised for sale on Soay. At the time she didn't realise that this was on another very small island. An island without power, many of the services that other places have, or anything as civilised as a shop.
After her holiday on Skye Anne went back to her job and busy life in London. But she couldn't stop thinking about the cottage that she had seen advertised for sale.
It was then that she made the momentous decision to go and view the cottage on that remote island called Soay. It was love at first sight for Anne despite the dilapidated state of the cottage.
Island On The Edge is about Anne's struggle to overcome the realities of her decision, and the joys of her successes too.
Anne has an admirable fighting spirit that won't let her give up.
This back enthralled and delighted me. I could feel every inch of Anne's pain because of the wonderful descriptions in this book. It was a riveting read.
Anne Cholawo made a life changing decision in her 20's that was going to blow her mind. She had no idea what an amazing impact this would have on her life, but just knew that she had to do it.
Whilst on holiday on the Isle of Skye Anne saw a cottage advertised for sale on Soay. At the time she didn't realise that this was on another very small island. An island without power, many of the services that other places have, or anything as civilised as a shop.
After her holiday on Skye Anne went back to her job and busy life in London. But she couldn't stop thinking about the cottage that she had seen advertised for sale.
It was then that she made the momentous decision to go and view the cottage on that remote island called Soay. It was love at first sight for Anne despite the dilapidated state of the cottage.
Island On The Edge is about Anne's struggle to overcome the realities of her decision, and the joys of her successes too.
Anne has an admirable fighting spirit that won't let her give up.
This back enthralled and delighted me. I could feel every inch of Anne's pain because of the wonderful descriptions in this book. It was a riveting read.
August 5, 2018
I found this book in a bookshop in Oban over my holiday in Scotland. Couldn’t pick a better book!
More than once I have found myself so wrapped up in the book that when I glanced up I was surprised I am in fact not in Scotland.
Even though, I‘ve learned how difficult it is to live on a remote island, I still like to think I will at some point have the chance to try myself out and make a living somewhere as equally serene and challenging as Soay.
More than once I have found myself so wrapped up in the book that when I glanced up I was surprised I am in fact not in Scotland.
Even though, I‘ve learned how difficult it is to live on a remote island, I still like to think I will at some point have the chance to try myself out and make a living somewhere as equally serene and challenging as Soay.
June 11, 2022
Loved this book. It's a very honest, down-to-earth account of a young woman who abandons her professional life in London to live in a run-down cottage in remote Scotland without stopping to think about what the move entails. She is so ignorant about her new home that at first, she didn't even realise the cottage was on an island!
Totally unprepared for such a basic, 'on the edge' existence, and with no relevant knowledge, skills, equipment or plans for earning an income, she throws herself into the challenge with zest. Over time, she grows stronger, learns new skills, adapts to the island way of life and makes some firm friends among the other islanders. Toward the close of the book, we hear about her slow-blossoming romance with the man who became her husband and her concerns about the way the community on the island is dwindling, as the gap between island life and the rest of the world becomes larger, and fewer people are able to cope with the leap from one to the other.
I usually find stories of people who move to remote rural places without proper preparation to be really annoying but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I think it is because the young Anne has such a positive attitude, is so determined to succeed, and once she realises how badly prepared she is, she is so willing to learn from others and is grateful for the help she receives. And of course, she is someone who stuck it out, instead of running back to the mainland the moment things got difficult.
A refreshing change from some of the 'pity memoirs' I've read from others who have made a similarly hasty move.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about life in remote places or about self-sufficency. It should also be required reading for anyone considering moving to a remote location themselves, as Anne doesn't sugar-coat the challenges involved in such a lifestyle. One of my favourite books so far this year, and one that has earned a place on my bookshelf, since I know I'll enjoy rereading it.
Totally unprepared for such a basic, 'on the edge' existence, and with no relevant knowledge, skills, equipment or plans for earning an income, she throws herself into the challenge with zest. Over time, she grows stronger, learns new skills, adapts to the island way of life and makes some firm friends among the other islanders. Toward the close of the book, we hear about her slow-blossoming romance with the man who became her husband and her concerns about the way the community on the island is dwindling, as the gap between island life and the rest of the world becomes larger, and fewer people are able to cope with the leap from one to the other.
I usually find stories of people who move to remote rural places without proper preparation to be really annoying but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I think it is because the young Anne has such a positive attitude, is so determined to succeed, and once she realises how badly prepared she is, she is so willing to learn from others and is grateful for the help she receives. And of course, she is someone who stuck it out, instead of running back to the mainland the moment things got difficult.
A refreshing change from some of the 'pity memoirs' I've read from others who have made a similarly hasty move.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about life in remote places or about self-sufficency. It should also be required reading for anyone considering moving to a remote location themselves, as Anne doesn't sugar-coat the challenges involved in such a lifestyle. One of my favourite books so far this year, and one that has earned a place on my bookshelf, since I know I'll enjoy rereading it.
February 15, 2021
I got his book sent my a friend, who knows of my love for Scotland.
I love reading books about the country, true stories, people's stories, basically. Anne Cholawo wrote such a book and I truly enjoyed it!
Not only did she do something, that probably many people dream of: leave your old, fast-paced life behind and start anew in a remote place. She chose a poorly inhabited island south from Skye and that made the whole endeavour significantely harder. But she somehow succeded.
Even though, this book doesn't follow a plot arch or anything, I was keen to pick it up again each day and continue reading about the adventures and sometimes crazy happenings on Soay. Its like a very well written diary, that dives into topics like self-efficiancy, boat-maintaining, farming, climate change and so on. She describes all the caracters living on the island really well and after I finished the book, I felt like I knew each of them myself.
If this pandemic allows travelling again soon, I hope I can find my way back to Scotland, visit all my dear friends there and maybe even dip over to Soay to see the place for myself.
I love reading books about the country, true stories, people's stories, basically. Anne Cholawo wrote such a book and I truly enjoyed it!
Not only did she do something, that probably many people dream of: leave your old, fast-paced life behind and start anew in a remote place. She chose a poorly inhabited island south from Skye and that made the whole endeavour significantely harder. But she somehow succeded.
Even though, this book doesn't follow a plot arch or anything, I was keen to pick it up again each day and continue reading about the adventures and sometimes crazy happenings on Soay. Its like a very well written diary, that dives into topics like self-efficiancy, boat-maintaining, farming, climate change and so on. She describes all the caracters living on the island really well and after I finished the book, I felt like I knew each of them myself.
If this pandemic allows travelling again soon, I hope I can find my way back to Scotland, visit all my dear friends there and maybe even dip over to Soay to see the place for myself.
October 30, 2022
Although I have never been to Skye for that matter, I have spent a lot of happy family holidays on various Scottish islands. So I was intrigued to read about this island I had never heard of and the fact that Anne moved there in her twenties rather than the more standard plot line of moving to the islands for retirement. I was transported to the harsh yet beautiful island and felt like I got to know the community. Anne does not steer away from describing the hardships of living so remotely and the struggles of a declining population size over the 28 years she lived there. Some bits were a bit too diary like and casual and there were elements of romanticism of life. But overall it was a good bit of escapism.
December 26, 2024
I love reading about people who try something completely different with their lives, particularly if it involves living in wilderness. While I’m pretty sure this kind of life is not for me, Island on the Edge gave me a greater appreciation for the joys and hardships of a quiet, isolated life in a spectacularly lovely part of the world.
Anne Cholawo paints a detailed, loving picture of what it is like to live in this remote, beautiful setting. She doesn’t shy away from the challenges or the changes she has seen in her decades living there. I enjoyed the detailed discussion of learning how to live there, the new skills required, and the practical realities of daily life on an island.
Anne Cholawo paints a detailed, loving picture of what it is like to live in this remote, beautiful setting. She doesn’t shy away from the challenges or the changes she has seen in her decades living there. I enjoyed the detailed discussion of learning how to live there, the new skills required, and the practical realities of daily life on an island.
May 20, 2020
I picked this up in a charity shop and started reading straight away, it’s a very honest book about the highs and lows of living on an island. The inhabitants of Soay island are described very personally and there are some great animal and human characters throughout. There are also some lovely photographs in the book which really bring the narrative to life. I found this read so compelling, it is sad and uplifting in equal measure and would recommend to all who want to learn more about remote island life.
April 26, 2019
Every minute spent reading this book was a joy. It's a beautifully written, well paced, carefully told story of a life well lived and hard fought for. I am Scottish and love to visit our islands, I have a dream that one day I will live on one and this book really spoke to me. I felt like I was on Soay with Anne as she dealt with all the new challenges thrown at her while adjusting to island life having been a city dweller before.
A thoroughly delightful read.
A thoroughly delightful read.
May 30, 2021
Loved it
Having been on Skye and seen the island from Soay, I was curious to find out about those who lived there. It was fascinating and I take my hat off to Anne and Robert and all who lived there. Emotionally it was understated, but whilst respecting the writers ‘right’ to keep her emotions private, I was curious to know if ever the deprivations or living conditions ever produced moments of despair, especially in the early days. On the other hand, Anne’s love for Soay, Tex etc came through loud and clear, if never actually stated. I wish the residents of Soay good health and many more days there.
Having been on Skye and seen the island from Soay, I was curious to find out about those who lived there. It was fascinating and I take my hat off to Anne and Robert and all who lived there. Emotionally it was understated, but whilst respecting the writers ‘right’ to keep her emotions private, I was curious to know if ever the deprivations or living conditions ever produced moments of despair, especially in the early days. On the other hand, Anne’s love for Soay, Tex etc came through loud and clear, if never actually stated. I wish the residents of Soay good health and many more days there.
September 9, 2021
An easy, comfortable read, Anne gives an excellent insight into the complexities of living in true isolation. The reality of island life, a dream for so many, trapped in unrewarding jobs, is a long way from the daily grind when everything is considerably more difficult when shops, electricity, and fuel supplies are not to hand. Anne seems an utterly determined type, resilient, yet with a true appreciation of wildlife and community living. One of a rare kind...
September 3, 2022
i loved this book, i found everything so interesting and was gripped on every page. the authors love for soay shines all the way through and that’s one reason this book was so lovely to read.
this book absolutely transported me to the island and really made me think about how the author dealt with all the challenges she faced. i found it fascinating and i hope to read more books by this author or similar stories soon.
this book absolutely transported me to the island and really made me think about how the author dealt with all the challenges she faced. i found it fascinating and i hope to read more books by this author or similar stories soon.
May 11, 2018
This was an enjoyable read and the book makes you consider how much we take for granted, living on the mainland. It now makes me want to see Soay for myself. Only negative comment to make is that there are a number of text errors in the book like words missing. Someone didnt proof read properly before publication. Aside from that, a great read and totally recommended.
June 20, 2018
This was a lovely read - honest and informative. Anne Cholawo describes her initially unrealistic expectations of life on Soay and how she optimistically learns and adapts to a challenging but rewarding lifestyle on this remote island. She described her fellow islanders with honest affection and gives an insightful view into her lifestyle on the island.
May 24, 2021
Inspiring book
I loved this book. Direct, practically written, intelligent about the difficulties of island life and the future of Scottish small islands.
Charming too - the writer loves her life here - recognising that it’s the challenges of the island life that has brought her so much. A lovely, absorbing read. Enjoy....
I loved this book. Direct, practically written, intelligent about the difficulties of island life and the future of Scottish small islands.
Charming too - the writer loves her life here - recognising that it’s the challenges of the island life that has brought her so much. A lovely, absorbing read. Enjoy....
August 17, 2022
An excellent read
The sheer resilience shown by the Author during her time on Soay is exceptional
I just wonder in today's society how our younger generation would cope with the demands of remote Island living
The sheer resilience shown by the Author during her time on Soay is exceptional
I just wonder in today's society how our younger generation would cope with the demands of remote Island living
November 18, 2022
A fascinating story. An insight into the challenges of living in a small, scarcely inhabited island. I would have liked the author to reflect more on the reasons that led her to make such a drastic lifestyle change.
March 6, 2025
Strength and determination
A true account of the hardship of life on a tiny island.
Written with passion the author gives an insight into the rewards that can be achieved through hard work
and belief in a better way of life.
A true account of the hardship of life on a tiny island.
Written with passion the author gives an insight into the rewards that can be achieved through hard work
and belief in a better way of life.
May 12, 2017
Could not put down this wonderful book!
October 23, 2017
Great story
Great story about the authors life changing move to the Inner Isles. I really felt like I was there at times.
Great story about the authors life changing move to the Inner Isles. I really felt like I was there at times.
August 10, 2019
Interesting story
September 8, 2019
A very interesting story
A true to life account of living on a small island of the coast of Skye and all the hardships.A great and interesting story to read. Thanks
A true to life account of living on a small island of the coast of Skye and all the hardships.A great and interesting story to read. Thanks
January 30, 2020
What an amazing woman and an incredible story
January 6, 2021
A brilliant read...
Absolutely perfect read , makes it feel what we are missing in our own mundane lives true grit and sense of belonging
Absolutely perfect read , makes it feel what we are missing in our own mundane lives true grit and sense of belonging
January 20, 2022
Bought this whilst overlooking the island. Loved this story for the realism it adds to the idyll of “giving it all up” for a simpler life. It showed the grit and hard work that is required
February 20, 2022
A fascinating and well written book about an alternative and challenging way of life on a small Scottish island at the end of the twentieth century
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
January 25, 2023
An excellent book about how a young woman suddenly giving up everything she knows for a cottage on an island.
Wonderfully written, she really brought the characters from the Isle to life.
Wonderfully written, she really brought the characters from the Isle to life.
December 27, 2023
A realistic discovery of what moving to an island is like striping away the romanticism but still retaining the magic and wonder and the power of people!.
January 31, 2017
Didn't put it down! suewild.com
September 14, 2025
Soay is an interesting island. Off the coast of Skye, near Elgol, the island once had a native population but this was evacuated in 1953 following a request from the community, leaving behind just a handful of people. Just prior to this in the 1940s, Gavin Maxwell of "Ring of Bright Water" fame established an unsuccessful shark oil processing plant in the Island.
Following this, the island had few inhabitants left and no regular ferry or postal service.
In this book we hear about Anne Cholawo, a young woman from Luton who decided to leave behind the advertising world to live on the Island following a holiday on Skye. We follow her purchase of a house on the island and her day to day life making a living and a life in a very isolated situation where self sufficiency is the name of the game.
Island on the Edge is very well written and gives a real flavour of Anne's personality and her struggles big and small on the island she loves.
The book was written in 2016 and most of the book is set before this. I'd love to hear how things have changed then - whether better technology has become available for the Island and what Anne thinks of it.
Following this, the island had few inhabitants left and no regular ferry or postal service.
In this book we hear about Anne Cholawo, a young woman from Luton who decided to leave behind the advertising world to live on the Island following a holiday on Skye. We follow her purchase of a house on the island and her day to day life making a living and a life in a very isolated situation where self sufficiency is the name of the game.
Island on the Edge is very well written and gives a real flavour of Anne's personality and her struggles big and small on the island she loves.
The book was written in 2016 and most of the book is set before this. I'd love to hear how things have changed then - whether better technology has become available for the Island and what Anne thinks of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews