alicecharlie's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lou_mac's review against another edition
3.0
I normally love Victoria Hislop books because she creates these vivid images of the surroundings and the way the characters relate to it are beautiful. As this was a sequel I felt she made less of a picture of the surroundings despite the fact many parts are in new settings. I love the Island and I wonder if I would have benefited from rereading it before picking this up as there were moments I forgot the back story to some of the characters. Having said that, it all wrapped up really nicely and tied some knots in stories which I guess we're unfinished (although, I don't remember feeling unsatisfied at the the end of island)
vickksx's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
buzzingbookworm's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
clotalksbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Another beautiful story by Hislop. I had read The Island a long time ago, and it was a five star read for me. Although I think this book can be read in isolation, I wish I had given The Island a reread before starting this one. I couldn't remember all of the characters and so some of the significance of things was a little lost on me.
I had loved learning about leprosy in the first book, but it is not a focus in this one. Though it does still explore love and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives and the wide cast of characters. Some gems!
I thought it would be weird reading this book at this time of year when it has August in the title, but it was fine. The book covers a long period of time, and all seasons. Can be enjoyed all year round!
I had loved learning about leprosy in the first book, but it is not a focus in this one. Though it does still explore love and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives and the wide cast of characters. Some gems!
I thought it would be weird reading this book at this time of year when it has August in the title, but it was fine. The book covers a long period of time, and all seasons. Can be enjoyed all year round!
stinelok's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
sgrainger_x's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
the_sara_post's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely gentle read with a wonderful cast of characters. I can't believe it's 15 years since I fell in love with The Island. It was so lovely to re-visit Crete, especially as it is currently so hard to travel anywhere in real life. The writing is so wonderfully evocative and I particularly enjoyed Manolis' and Maria's stories.