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Island of the World: A Novel
Island of the World is the story of a child born in 1933 into the turbulent world of the Balkans and tracing his life into the third millennium. The central character is Josip Lasta, the son of an impoverished school teacher in a remote village high in the mountains of the Bosnian interior. As the novel begins, World War II is underway and the entire region of Yugoslavia is torn by conflicting German and Italian occupying armies, and the rebel forces that resist them—the fascist Ustashe, Serb nationalist Chetniks, and Communist Partisans. As events gather momentum, hell breaks loose, and the young and the innocent are caught in the path of great evils. Their only remaining strength is their religious faith and their families. For more than a century, the confused and highly inflammatory history of former Yugoslavia has been the subject of numerous books, many of them rife with revisionist history and propaganda. The peoples of the Balkans live on the border of three the Islamic, the orthodox Slavic East, and Catholic Europe, and as such they stand in the path of major world conflicts that are not only geo-political but fundamentally spiritual. This novel cuts to the core how does a person retain his identity, indeed his humanity, in absolutely dehumanizing situations? In the life of the central character, the author demonstrates that this will demand suffering and sacrifice, heroism and even holiness. When he is twelve years old, his entire world is destroyed, and so begins a lifelong Odyssey to find again the faith which the blows of evil have shattered. The plot takes the reader through Josip's youth, his young manhood, life under the Communist regime, hope and loss and unexpected blessings, the growth of his creative powers as a poet, and the ultimate test of his life. Ultimately this novel is about the crucifixion of a soul—and resurrection.
850 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2007
308 people are currently reading
5408 people want to read
About the author
Michael D. O'Brien
45 books838 followersMichael D. O'Brien is a Roman Catholic author, artist, and frequent essayist and lecturer on faith and culture, living in Combermere, Ontario, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 470 reviews
October 13, 2015
I'm rating my father's novels here as a fan. But I think I'm going to decline writing a review for now, due to my kinship with the author. Suffice to say, I look forward to his books as much as anyone else, and find them deeply moving. I am not unaware of their flaws, but their strengths surpass them, and so abundantly, that I find them almost moot. If I find myself choked up and in tears only once in a novel, I tell him it's not his best work. I'm normally moved at a deep level 3-4 times per novel. He has a rare gift of penetrating deep into spiritual truths by means of his craft, which is a reflection of the person he is -- an artist who has been refined in a furnace of faith not unlike many of his characters.
Island of the World, however, is currently my favourite of all his works, due to the way it explores the mystery of suffering: not offering pat answers, but pointing to glimpses of meaning and transcendence. In this respect, it is immensely consoling.
Island of the World, however, is currently my favourite of all his works, due to the way it explores the mystery of suffering: not offering pat answers, but pointing to glimpses of meaning and transcendence. In this respect, it is immensely consoling.
July 26, 2010
This is an extremely intense novel. Michael O'Brien has a knack for writing books that change the reader. This book is a marvelous, painful, and redemptive look at how love and suffering are two sides of one coin. He seems to capture the most sublime love and also the most unimaginable suffering, and somehow pack them into one character and make us understand how all of this could really exist in the history of one person. By the grace of God, suffering does not blot love out of his heart. This book has a way of orienting the reader to that which is actually important in life. With the main character I feel gratitude for every bit of beauty, every civility, and with him I learn to feel fearless in the face of "enemies" that are the garden-variety type I am likely to encounter.
Never have I read a book that had me exclaiming out loud when something happened to a character, or stopping dozens of times to cry, sometimes to sob. I would like to believe that no real person has ever experienced the sorts of sufferings Josip lived through. I feel like after reading this, I will tread this earth with far more reverence for its inhabitants than I have known before.
Never have I read a book that had me exclaiming out loud when something happened to a character, or stopping dozens of times to cry, sometimes to sob. I would like to believe that no real person has ever experienced the sorts of sufferings Josip lived through. I feel like after reading this, I will tread this earth with far more reverence for its inhabitants than I have known before.
July 22, 2016
Bosnia-Herzegovina. Croatia. Serbia. Yugoslavia.
Croats. Chetniks. Ustashe. Partisans. Communists.
Suffering. Massacres. Labour camps.
Having read this book, I am only marginally less confused about the history of the former Yugoslavia, but then a comprehensive view of the different parties and factions involved is not its point. This is the inner life of one person, Josip, an unusually bright and spiritually perceptive boy who grows up in the midst of unimaginable suffering. As the horror of what he has gone through takes hold, he is changed. Human love and beauty make a great difference, but not an ultimate one. When he loses everything again, he finds that his own heart has become as bitter and murderous as those who have done evil to him. It seems like an inevitable cycle "--the children of Cain breeding Cain breeding Cain breeding Cain breeding Cain--". But the cycle is broken with the forgiveness and love of Christ.
This is a devoutly Roman Catholic book. I am not; I cling to the clarity and simplicity of the Reformation solas. And yet I was deeply blessed by the deeper Christian themes of this book --themes of suffering with Christ, of redemption through his sacrifice, of the continual dying to self of the Christian life, and of Christ's return. This was a moving, even heart-breaking book in many ways, but I did not weep until I came to Josip's vision as an old man of the celestial city come down from above. I thought, "Yes. Jesus will come, and He will set everything right." There is Truth here.
I have not yet mentioned Josip's poetry, which is beautiful and all the more powerful because it is paired with this story.
I hope to read this book again when I have read The Odyssey, which is referenced throughout the book. I know I missed some depth of meaning because I was not familiar with it. I will also keep it in my mind should ever God allow deep suffering to come into my life. It is a powerful, beautiful book.
Croats. Chetniks. Ustashe. Partisans. Communists.
Suffering. Massacres. Labour camps.
Having read this book, I am only marginally less confused about the history of the former Yugoslavia, but then a comprehensive view of the different parties and factions involved is not its point. This is the inner life of one person, Josip, an unusually bright and spiritually perceptive boy who grows up in the midst of unimaginable suffering. As the horror of what he has gone through takes hold, he is changed. Human love and beauty make a great difference, but not an ultimate one. When he loses everything again, he finds that his own heart has become as bitter and murderous as those who have done evil to him. It seems like an inevitable cycle "--the children of Cain breeding Cain breeding Cain breeding Cain breeding Cain--". But the cycle is broken with the forgiveness and love of Christ.
This is a devoutly Roman Catholic book. I am not; I cling to the clarity and simplicity of the Reformation solas. And yet I was deeply blessed by the deeper Christian themes of this book --themes of suffering with Christ, of redemption through his sacrifice, of the continual dying to self of the Christian life, and of Christ's return. This was a moving, even heart-breaking book in many ways, but I did not weep until I came to Josip's vision as an old man of the celestial city come down from above. I thought, "Yes. Jesus will come, and He will set everything right." There is Truth here.
I have not yet mentioned Josip's poetry, which is beautiful and all the more powerful because it is paired with this story.
I hope to read this book again when I have read The Odyssey, which is referenced throughout the book. I know I missed some depth of meaning because I was not familiar with it. I will also keep it in my mind should ever God allow deep suffering to come into my life. It is a powerful, beautiful book.
January 13, 2014
Beautifully written novel which could be titled The Odyssey of Josip Lasta. My most respected friends had urged this book on me for years but in the end I see that Providence kept the book waiting for me.
I learned much about happiness, personal fulfillment, and forgiveness from this poetic novel. Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Once again Homer provides THE outline. I hope to one day see the Adriatic.
I did not give this book 5 stars. There is a 5-star book within these 850 pages but a bit of editing would have sharpened the dagger during the last third of the book, in my opinion. Still, well worth the time and effort to glean.
I learned much about happiness, personal fulfillment, and forgiveness from this poetic novel. Godliness with contentment is great gain.
Once again Homer provides THE outline. I hope to one day see the Adriatic.
I did not give this book 5 stars. There is a 5-star book within these 850 pages but a bit of editing would have sharpened the dagger during the last third of the book, in my opinion. Still, well worth the time and effort to glean.
January 10, 2018
"Does something really bad happen?" my husband whispers as I'm weeping inconsolably.
Yes. The whole time. Yes.
Beauty and heartbreak cover every page. Hope and despair, too.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Yes. The whole time. Yes.
Beauty and heartbreak cover every page. Hope and despair, too.
Come, Lord Jesus.
February 12, 2020
Now that I have read the last pages I know I won't be able to pick up another novel for a while, Island of the World grabbed me and will be holding me for a while longer.
I have longed for a good read, one that would stay and change me and this book, did just that. I see the world with new eyes, I understand history better and understand forgiveness even better.
Josip Lasta, what a life did he have, what a journey and what a beautiful life he lived, hard yes but also beautiful.
I will be recommending this book over and over and will re read it many more time .
I have longed for a good read, one that would stay and change me and this book, did just that. I see the world with new eyes, I understand history better and understand forgiveness even better.
Josip Lasta, what a life did he have, what a journey and what a beautiful life he lived, hard yes but also beautiful.
I will be recommending this book over and over and will re read it many more time .
October 3, 2012
I think if I were a knight, I would be called "Sir Helen, Devourer of Books." Gone with the Wind? Read that baby in two days. The Heaven Tree Trilogy? I liked that one a lot more, so I slowed down... and still finished all three books in as many days. My point is, I read fast. There's nothing wrong with that, most of the time. And then, about a month ago, I went to college. It's hard to just sit down and read, when at any given moment three essays need writing and there's a test day after tomorrow and everyone's going to dinner so won't you come? This became my bedtime book. How long I read each night depended on how drop-dead exhausted I was. It took me weeks to finish, and honestly, I think that for this book it's a good thing. Sure, the plot gallops at times, but at others it's just the slow steady unfolding of daily life, beautifully, almost poetically written. As I read it, night after night, my own life unfolded as well. My reading pace came closer to matching the plot's pace then if I'd chewed it up in a sitting. It's a temptation with this book. It wavers between transcendence and harsh, horrible reality. Terrible things happen. Wonderful things happen. Tears streamed down my cheeks more times than I'd like to count. At this speed, I could soak it all in, marinate in the prose and the story and the characters. With this book, it's worth it to take it slow.
November 19, 2010
A story of how brutal circumstances cannot break the beauty of a heart that loves God. You will ache in reading this book, but the ending ache is that of hope. One of the most beautiful novels I've read.
September 14, 2020
This is one of the most well-written books I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. It’s long and heart-rending in parts. It’s one of those books that completely absorbs you from beginning to end.
March 4, 2018
Divan je osjećaj kada nakon pročitane knjige vidiš da ni ti nisi više isti. Ima nešto što te oplemeni, uzdigne, otvori nove vidike, podsjeti na ono bitno i Vječno, postavi ti blagi osmjeh na lice, unese u tebe mir i jednostavno te učini boljim. Nema takvih knjiga puno. Doduše, ovo je jedna od spomenutih.
U vremenima zbrkanih vrijednosti i zatvaranju u čahure vlastitog egoizma te zaboravljanju na Ljubav s križa - svakako preporučam!
U vremenima zbrkanih vrijednosti i zatvaranju u čahure vlastitog egoizma te zaboravljanju na Ljubav s križa - svakako preporučam!
January 23, 2011
Borrowed from a Library. Hope to own.
This book is beautiful beyond words. Painful, excruciating at times. But even there the words are beautiful.
Joy, infinite joy. Sadness, deep sadness. It will make you think. I can't review such a book.
I suspect more than a passing knowledge of The Iliad and The Odyssey would have been helpful as this, too, was a journey of a man returning home to his beloved.
Several bloggers (U Krakovianki and Anne) have recommended it and named a life-changing book and their favorite book; I may have to concur.
This book is beautiful beyond words. Painful, excruciating at times. But even there the words are beautiful.
Joy, infinite joy. Sadness, deep sadness. It will make you think. I can't review such a book.
I suspect more than a passing knowledge of The Iliad and The Odyssey would have been helpful as this, too, was a journey of a man returning home to his beloved.
Several bloggers (U Krakovianki and Anne) have recommended it and named a life-changing book and their favorite book; I may have to concur.
April 11, 2022
Your heart, with the pages, will rip and turn and tear and rest a while. This book embodies the heights of human suffering while pulling you undeniably into the love that comes from the Crucified Lord.
____________________________
My second review:
This story felt much different the second time, somehow less dramatic and more gentle - though I think it’s because I knew what was coming.
My main takeaway is the character of Josip. Josip, Josip, I want to be like you — to love and forgive, to live so simply. If my love were yet more simple, I would take Him at His word. The interior life is endless riches, endless possibility of knowing self and knowing Love.
____________________________
My second review:
This story felt much different the second time, somehow less dramatic and more gentle - though I think it’s because I knew what was coming.
My main takeaway is the character of Josip. Josip, Josip, I want to be like you — to love and forgive, to live so simply. If my love were yet more simple, I would take Him at His word. The interior life is endless riches, endless possibility of knowing self and knowing Love.
June 20, 2017
Second time through, and it's still my favorite novel.
June 11, 2025
"We came to know that Love is the soul of the world, though its Body bleeds, and we must learn to bleed with it."
January 9, 2025
This story is a vivid depiction of the burden and beauty of individuality, both crushing and hopeful. O’Brien nears Dostoevsky in his ability to portray the isolation of the individual’s search for love but weaves in beautifully the hope of the gospel and relationship with God, echoing John Donne’s claim that “no man is an island.” While the plot of the book is not its most engaging feature and strays into the improbable and impossible often, it is full of beautiful and profound reflections and themes. I would totally recommend the book, especially for anyone who is experiencing loneliness and is struggling to feel connected to God.
January 7, 2025
Five stars are not enough. This book is in a category of its own. It is devastatingly beautiful and beautifully devastating. Poetry, philosophy, history, spiritual insight, political wisdom--it's all here, and woven together in a masterful saga of humanity, loss, love, and forgiveness. There were times that I had to lay the book aside for a time; the way this book draws you inside of it means it takes time to live the story. There is horrible pain but also poignant hope and powerful redemption. There are sparrows and stones and the sea. Always the sea. There are no words. You learn something new every day. There is no need for this, it is already spoken.
February 3, 2022
3.5/5 stars. Y'all, I so deeply wanted to love this with everything in me. Sections of the novel were an easy 5 star read - unforgettable characters, gorgeous and lyric writing, and a plot that is larger than life. Unfortunately, there were also aspects of the novel I just couldn't seem to overlook, primarily O'Brien's approach to religion.
What's done well in this book: this is a MOVING story. Gosh, the author knows how to make you care about characters, and parts of this story just made me hear sing. and feel like it was shattered hopelessly. The pathos of this story is exceptional and there are characters here I'll be thinking about for years. This is also a prime example of a modern epic. Josip Lasta lives through the later 3/4ths of the 20th century, and the history nerd in me LOVED the timeline of the novel. He honors a cultural region which is rarely written in fiction by focusing the plot in Eastern Europe, and the book as a whole is also a wonderful homage to storytelling and purpose of art. These elements I couldn't get enough of.
Sadly, there were other persistent elements in the book that took away from the parts that worked well. Look, I believe there are GOOD ways to approach religion in books; take Graham Greene's The End of the Affair, The Brothers Karamazov, or Shusaku Endo's Silence, for example. I'm not opposed to religion as a primary theme in a text when it's done well, but in my opinion, this ain't it. The implications of Josip's journey with faith are excellent: he struggles with doubt and directs anger toward God. There is breakage and repair, disbelief and numbness, and ultimately, healing and hope-filled faith. What didn't work for me was the extent to which O'Brien expects readers to suspend disbelief to explain the circumstances (and miracles) of Josip's life. The book is deeply Catholic, which explains this to some extent, but the Eucharistic miracles as primary plot point just didn't work in the narrative as a whole; at least not with the weight the author gives them. I also struggled with the narrative voice in large sections of this book - when Josip describes being a child, for instance, it's with an abstract eloquence that was hard to accept as coming from an 8 year-old boy. His descriptions of falling in love, while quite flowery and lovely from a prose standpoint, just lacked the realism and conversation to make the story believable. Especially given the detailed description and vibrancy of the text's horrific moments, it was surprising to me how the happier sections seemed so unrealistic.
On the whole, this was a very good read. I had multiple days where I couldn't put this book down, and it was hard for this 800-page story to end. Perhaps I would be less disappointed if I hadn't started out with such lofty expectations. If you're looking for a deeply religious story with a historical scope, this is still quite an excellent novel that creates deep empathy and examines the difficulty of faith in light of human suffering!
What's done well in this book: this is a MOVING story. Gosh, the author knows how to make you care about characters, and parts of this story just made me hear sing. and feel like it was shattered hopelessly. The pathos of this story is exceptional and there are characters here I'll be thinking about for years. This is also a prime example of a modern epic. Josip Lasta lives through the later 3/4ths of the 20th century, and the history nerd in me LOVED the timeline of the novel. He honors a cultural region which is rarely written in fiction by focusing the plot in Eastern Europe, and the book as a whole is also a wonderful homage to storytelling and purpose of art. These elements I couldn't get enough of.
Sadly, there were other persistent elements in the book that took away from the parts that worked well. Look, I believe there are GOOD ways to approach religion in books; take Graham Greene's The End of the Affair, The Brothers Karamazov, or Shusaku Endo's Silence, for example. I'm not opposed to religion as a primary theme in a text when it's done well, but in my opinion, this ain't it. The implications of Josip's journey with faith are excellent: he struggles with doubt and directs anger toward God. There is breakage and repair, disbelief and numbness, and ultimately, healing and hope-filled faith. What didn't work for me was the extent to which O'Brien expects readers to suspend disbelief to explain the circumstances (and miracles) of Josip's life. The book is deeply Catholic, which explains this to some extent, but the Eucharistic miracles as primary plot point just didn't work in the narrative as a whole; at least not with the weight the author gives them. I also struggled with the narrative voice in large sections of this book - when Josip describes being a child, for instance, it's with an abstract eloquence that was hard to accept as coming from an 8 year-old boy. His descriptions of falling in love, while quite flowery and lovely from a prose standpoint, just lacked the realism and conversation to make the story believable. Especially given the detailed description and vibrancy of the text's horrific moments, it was surprising to me how the happier sections seemed so unrealistic.
On the whole, this was a very good read. I had multiple days where I couldn't put this book down, and it was hard for this 800-page story to end. Perhaps I would be less disappointed if I hadn't started out with such lofty expectations. If you're looking for a deeply religious story with a historical scope, this is still quite an excellent novel that creates deep empathy and examines the difficulty of faith in light of human suffering!
January 1, 2025
As I started in on this tome for the second time, I was ready to lower my rating. The story starts slowly. The horrors and brutality, while true to history, are revolting and unrelenting, reminding me of what a visit to the holocaust museum feels like. But all those pages and pages provide a sense of time passing, a life lived, and they give the second half (and the aging character) its power and brilliance. The vision of suffering and love and forgiveness remains with me.
First review: Thrilling as a story, stimulating as philosophical fodder, evocative as a retelling of history, compelling as spiritual insight, Island of the World holds moments of inexpressible beauty and inexpressible evil. Both exist in the world, but few people are able to see both with the clarity O'Brien has seen them and gives them to us. This is as true a story as a story can be.
First review: Thrilling as a story, stimulating as philosophical fodder, evocative as a retelling of history, compelling as spiritual insight, Island of the World holds moments of inexpressible beauty and inexpressible evil. Both exist in the world, but few people are able to see both with the clarity O'Brien has seen them and gives them to us. This is as true a story as a story can be.
March 24, 2020
Prekrasna knjiga. Knjiga o čovjeku koji je toliko toga proživio i doživio a svojim postupcima, razmišljanjima te ostavlja bez riječi...Kao što sam negdje pročitala: "Zlo ih je pržilo, oni umjesto da odgovore mržnjom, odgovaraju dobrim i nadom u bolje sutra."
Knjigu je tako tesko bilo ispustati iz ruke, a onda kad bi je zatvorila tesko sam se vracala u stvarnost. Tesko je bilo ostati ravnodusan na toliku bol, patnju, tugu. Ostati svoj, vjeran sebi, Bogu, onome sto je ispravno, biti ponizan, ne popustiti kušnjama, podrugima drugih.
"...dovoljno je biti ono što jesi. To je tvoja poruka svijetu."
"Ne traži ništa za sebe!! Budi spreman služiti u tišini, ne tražeći ništa, ne očekujući ništa, žrtvujući se i moleći da nitko ne zna. Tiho, tiho, tiho... "
Knjigu je tako tesko bilo ispustati iz ruke, a onda kad bi je zatvorila tesko sam se vracala u stvarnost. Tesko je bilo ostati ravnodusan na toliku bol, patnju, tugu. Ostati svoj, vjeran sebi, Bogu, onome sto je ispravno, biti ponizan, ne popustiti kušnjama, podrugima drugih.
"...dovoljno je biti ono što jesi. To je tvoja poruka svijetu."
"Ne traži ništa za sebe!! Budi spreman služiti u tišini, ne tražeći ništa, ne očekujući ništa, žrtvujući se i moleći da nitko ne zna. Tiho, tiho, tiho... "
August 26, 2019
An achingly sad and beautiful book. Sometimes Josip’s hardships were overwhelming and I had to put the book down for a few hours, but there was a redemptive thread throughout that kept them from being unbearable. I appreciate the ability of Catholic authors to include suffering in their fiction without facile answers. But I struggled at times to identify with the more mystical elements of Obrien’s book.
Still, this is some of the best storytelling you will ever read. The combination of drama, theology, pathos, and gentle joys (told in exquisite prose) will leave a long-lasting impression.
I’m ashamed to say that Island of the World has been on my Kindle for eight years waiting for just the right occasion to fit in an 800 page book. I’m glad I finally made the time.
Still, this is some of the best storytelling you will ever read. The combination of drama, theology, pathos, and gentle joys (told in exquisite prose) will leave a long-lasting impression.
I’m ashamed to say that Island of the World has been on my Kindle for eight years waiting for just the right occasion to fit in an 800 page book. I’m glad I finally made the time.
November 3, 2025
This book left me with few words, but many thoughts. The stories of suffering were excruciating, yet the redemption that flowed from it felt real and true (Yes, maybe idealistic, but it is the idealism which points to the higher truth that is here but which we cannot yet see in all its fullness). I was reminded of Langburg's book, Suffering and the Heart of God, many times; Island of the World felt like a novelist's spin on it.
And the writing. The writing is beautiful.
I must read this again.
And the writing. The writing is beautiful.
I must read this again.
February 9, 2023
This book was stunning. At times fast-paced and heart-wrenching and others, ponderously theological and poetically slow. It had everything you could ever want in a story. Human suffering and the ability to overcome, only by the grace and mercy of God, is a tragic and beautiful gift. I loved it and know it’ll be one I think of often.
March 6, 2013
Paul Elie, in his essay, "Has Fiction Lost Its Faith?" (New York Times, December 23, 2012) asked who are the writers today of serious spiritual content, and several persons wrote letters pointing out serious shortcomings in Elie's piece.
I would add one more writer, Michael D. O'Brien (who might have been omitted because Elie was writing about American fiction, whereas O'Brien is Canadian).
First of all, take a look at how many stars this book received, both on this site and on Amazon-dot-com. Either O'Brien has a large family or many friends to write positively about The Island of the World,/u>, or just perhaps he has sounded a note that resonates in many.
Second, O'Brien is a gifted story-teller. His books have several threads, yet he manages to keep them separated so that one does not keep tripping over too many characters or sub-pplots.
Third, his prose, often lyrical, approaches poetry - and his poems are thoughtful meditations.
What makes him a "story-teller" as opposed to a novelist is, perhaps, one can read him aloud; indeed, I think he is best appreciated read aloud, or if to oneself, sotto voce.
O'Brien is a fideist, a Roman Catholic who is unashamed of his faith, and this is reflected in the characters who populate his many novels. These characters are individuals of deep faith in God's Providence, regardless of the misfortunes that fall them. And believe me, violence and cruelty dog Josef Lasta, the protagonist of The Island of the World, but his faith, once lost but rediscovered, pulls him through
Are they "living saints"? Perhaps, but they are often flawed, never failing to recognize their human failings.
I know too many people, sadly, who would find Josef Lasta to be too other-worldly, even sappy. And more is the pity! For in this age of Materialism, Modernism, and rampant secularization, Lasta is an example of someone, who in his humility, has something to teach us all.
I would add one more writer, Michael D. O'Brien (who might have been omitted because Elie was writing about American fiction, whereas O'Brien is Canadian).
First of all, take a look at how many stars this book received, both on this site and on Amazon-dot-com. Either O'Brien has a large family or many friends to write positively about The Island of the World,/u>, or just perhaps he has sounded a note that resonates in many.
Second, O'Brien is a gifted story-teller. His books have several threads, yet he manages to keep them separated so that one does not keep tripping over too many characters or sub-pplots.
Third, his prose, often lyrical, approaches poetry - and his poems are thoughtful meditations.
What makes him a "story-teller" as opposed to a novelist is, perhaps, one can read him aloud; indeed, I think he is best appreciated read aloud, or if to oneself, sotto voce.
O'Brien is a fideist, a Roman Catholic who is unashamed of his faith, and this is reflected in the characters who populate his many novels. These characters are individuals of deep faith in God's Providence, regardless of the misfortunes that fall them. And believe me, violence and cruelty dog Josef Lasta, the protagonist of The Island of the World, but his faith, once lost but rediscovered, pulls him through
Are they "living saints"? Perhaps, but they are often flawed, never failing to recognize their human failings.
I know too many people, sadly, who would find Josef Lasta to be too other-worldly, even sappy. And more is the pity! For in this age of Materialism, Modernism, and rampant secularization, Lasta is an example of someone, who in his humility, has something to teach us all.
March 10, 2017
Just to be clear: this is a 5 star + rating. I'm astonished at this epic work. Thank you, thank you to my friend who recommended it.
This is an epic 830 page story of the life of a man, Josip Lasta, born in 1933 in the Balkans. The breadth of this historical fiction is astonishing, covering the second world war and into the year 2001. The boy grows up in a mountainous interior of Croatia, an idyllic pastureland, when World War II breaks out. The Germans, Italians, Fascists, and Communists all via for control of the beautiful country. What ensues is a violence all too common. Through loss of freedom and dehumanization, Josip Lasta sustains trauma and violence, struggles with hate and forgiveness, and seeks to keep his cultural heritage alive under government oppression and in exile.
The author writes with poetry sprinkled throughout, as Josip Lasta becomes a poet. The poetry itself is very beautiful. The author is a Catholic writer and the book is published by Ignatius Press--maybe that's why it hasn't received any literary awards? Anyway, it is fully deserving. Some Catholic doctrines are in here, but it is mainly a beautiful Christian work, fully human.
Throughout the story, the reader keeps wondering if this actually happened. And in the afterword, the author says, "Dear reader, all that is most improbable in this tale occurred. Only the 'ordinary' is invented." Clearly, I do not know enough about the history of the Balkans and Croatia in particular.
The themes explore violence, deep human suffering, the refugee experience, humility of spirit, investment in people and culture, hate, anger, and forgiveness, and all that is good in literature, music, and nature. The symbolism is extensive--birds, dolphins, and other things in nature. This is a very rich book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
This is an epic 830 page story of the life of a man, Josip Lasta, born in 1933 in the Balkans. The breadth of this historical fiction is astonishing, covering the second world war and into the year 2001. The boy grows up in a mountainous interior of Croatia, an idyllic pastureland, when World War II breaks out. The Germans, Italians, Fascists, and Communists all via for control of the beautiful country. What ensues is a violence all too common. Through loss of freedom and dehumanization, Josip Lasta sustains trauma and violence, struggles with hate and forgiveness, and seeks to keep his cultural heritage alive under government oppression and in exile.
The author writes with poetry sprinkled throughout, as Josip Lasta becomes a poet. The poetry itself is very beautiful. The author is a Catholic writer and the book is published by Ignatius Press--maybe that's why it hasn't received any literary awards? Anyway, it is fully deserving. Some Catholic doctrines are in here, but it is mainly a beautiful Christian work, fully human.
Throughout the story, the reader keeps wondering if this actually happened. And in the afterword, the author says, "Dear reader, all that is most improbable in this tale occurred. Only the 'ordinary' is invented." Clearly, I do not know enough about the history of the Balkans and Croatia in particular.
The themes explore violence, deep human suffering, the refugee experience, humility of spirit, investment in people and culture, hate, anger, and forgiveness, and all that is good in literature, music, and nature. The symbolism is extensive--birds, dolphins, and other things in nature. This is a very rich book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
August 21, 2024
I simply have not stopped thinking about this scene since I read it two days ago:
…Waves of love come to him from the hands of Christ, even as the boy realizes that his own hands are pressing the wounds.
“Does it hurt you?”Josip asks
“Yes it hurts me,” Christ gently replies. There is no reproach in the words, only an assurance that he desires to bear this for love’s sake…(798)
Wow! This book made me cry (twice!) and I brought parts of it to prayer which is how you know it’s a wow book! The story is very tragic (and there are definitely some parts that I found quite disturbing so be aware of that) but “all crucified churches are resurrected churches” (774). The way that this story wrestled with pain and suffering showing how Christ can redeem even the most horrendous situations gave me so much hope. The book’s exploration of memory was truly remarkable and I enjoyed the references to the Odyssey and St. Augustine. I also don’t really know how to describe it but the way in which the main character comes to see the world and the power of words and memory is just so similar to the way in which I see it that I just really resonated with him. Highly highly recommend!
Who are you?
Where have you come from?
Where are you going?
I am here
I am here
I am here
…Waves of love come to him from the hands of Christ, even as the boy realizes that his own hands are pressing the wounds.
“Does it hurt you?”Josip asks
“Yes it hurts me,” Christ gently replies. There is no reproach in the words, only an assurance that he desires to bear this for love’s sake…(798)
Wow! This book made me cry (twice!) and I brought parts of it to prayer which is how you know it’s a wow book! The story is very tragic (and there are definitely some parts that I found quite disturbing so be aware of that) but “all crucified churches are resurrected churches” (774). The way that this story wrestled with pain and suffering showing how Christ can redeem even the most horrendous situations gave me so much hope. The book’s exploration of memory was truly remarkable and I enjoyed the references to the Odyssey and St. Augustine. I also don’t really know how to describe it but the way in which the main character comes to see the world and the power of words and memory is just so similar to the way in which I see it that I just really resonated with him. Highly highly recommend!
Who are you?
Where have you come from?
Where are you going?
I am here
I am here
I am here
April 21, 2020
Of the books I have ever logged in goodreads - I have neither given a star review or any written praise or critique. But I have to stop, at least briefly, for this novel -though I will say little other than there will never be a book I could ever recommend as strongly as this one. If you have any interest in historical fiction, poetry, politics, travel, love, grief, or the human journey... dive in. Do not be afraid by its size. Dive in.
April 23, 2017
Powerful, beautiful, captivating story. There's a few things about O'Brien's style that kind of annoy me and I wasn't a big fan of the last 50 or so pages, otherwise I was close to giving it 5-stars. Nevertheless, it was difficult to put the book back on the shelf, knowing I'll never be able to experience it all "for the first time" again. That's always a sign of a good book
February 22, 2025
By far my favorite of Michael O’Brien’s so far. It’s heart wrenching. It’s hopeful. It’s unbelievable. It’s redeeming. Josip’s life comes full circle so beautifully and tenderly and is proof that the Lord truly wants to redeem all things in our lives! What a mystery each person’s life is, and yet God knows us so intimately and personally. This book has retaught me how to live in hope and wonder again!
December 17, 2023
A book that helps calibrate the soul to true beauty
June 10, 2025
How do I begin to reflect on this book?— a book that took years for me to finish after stopping and restarting from the beginning— a book that spans the whole lifetime of one man from Croatia, a man whose life often came to a halt amidst suffering and who had to begin again countless times, a life that I’m sure felt long.
I found myself getting frustrated with all of the minute details in the middle of the book. At first, I thought the amount of details about side stories and subplots were completely unnecessary. Then after months of the book collecting dust, I became grateful for the details because I was able to dive right back into the story of Josip without any trouble. Then a lightbulb went off, and I realized that the author wouldn’t waste his breath on details on accident or without a good reason. There is purpose in the details. Because this isn’t just a story, it is a telling of Josip’s life! And aren’t all of our lives made up of all the small, minute details? All of the joys and sufferings and hopes and worries! And don’t we know that God delights in the details of each of our lives?
Josip’s life is full of details of joy and suffering (mostly suffering) that lead to what I feel is best described as a “reaching”. Josip doesn’t just let his life end with simply being described as a life of joy and suffering. Josip is moved to reaching first for God, and then to others.
“If he is there, Josip, as we once believed when we were children, he will do the rest. We only have to reach up. That alone is our task.”
“You will suffer, and this suffering will bring much good to others…. You do not need to understand. Only remember: you will be afraid. But do not be afraid.”
He remains outward focused and is always reaching beyond himself, beyond his suffering in order to stay rooted in Hope and Love.
“The light has entered the prison. Nothing can keep it out. If there is no window, the light enters within you.”
To sum up my thoughts, this is what the book is all about and what I think of it:
“And it comes to him slowly, slowly, that written in the glory of the cosmos is both a promise of joy and a promise of sorrow. Beyond them and through them is the promise of final victory. He can feel hope now, a sense that even sorrows may become part of the coming victory. He will suffer, but he will no longer suffer alone. He returns to his bed and sleeps.”
I found myself getting frustrated with all of the minute details in the middle of the book. At first, I thought the amount of details about side stories and subplots were completely unnecessary. Then after months of the book collecting dust, I became grateful for the details because I was able to dive right back into the story of Josip without any trouble. Then a lightbulb went off, and I realized that the author wouldn’t waste his breath on details on accident or without a good reason. There is purpose in the details. Because this isn’t just a story, it is a telling of Josip’s life! And aren’t all of our lives made up of all the small, minute details? All of the joys and sufferings and hopes and worries! And don’t we know that God delights in the details of each of our lives?
Josip’s life is full of details of joy and suffering (mostly suffering) that lead to what I feel is best described as a “reaching”. Josip doesn’t just let his life end with simply being described as a life of joy and suffering. Josip is moved to reaching first for God, and then to others.
“If he is there, Josip, as we once believed when we were children, he will do the rest. We only have to reach up. That alone is our task.”
“You will suffer, and this suffering will bring much good to others…. You do not need to understand. Only remember: you will be afraid. But do not be afraid.”
He remains outward focused and is always reaching beyond himself, beyond his suffering in order to stay rooted in Hope and Love.
“The light has entered the prison. Nothing can keep it out. If there is no window, the light enters within you.”
To sum up my thoughts, this is what the book is all about and what I think of it:
“And it comes to him slowly, slowly, that written in the glory of the cosmos is both a promise of joy and a promise of sorrow. Beyond them and through them is the promise of final victory. He can feel hope now, a sense that even sorrows may become part of the coming victory. He will suffer, but he will no longer suffer alone. He returns to his bed and sleeps.”
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