Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #626 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-10
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Synopsis
On the brink of a life-changing decision, Alexis Fielding longs to find out about her mother's past. But Sofia has never spoken of it. All she admits to is growing up in a small Cretan village before moving to London. When Alexis decides to visit Crete, however, Sofia gives her daughter a letter to take to an old friend, and promises that through her she will learn more. Arriving in Plaka, Alexis is astonished to see that it lies a stone's throw from the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga - Greece's former leper colony. Then she finds Fortini, and at last hears the story that Sofia has buried all her life: the tale of her great-grandmother Eleni and her daughters and a family rent by tragedy, war and passion. She discovers how intimately she is connected with the island, and how secrecy holds them all in its powerful grip...

Customer Reviews

Wonderl book, better if reading it in Crete!!
I found this book a beautiful read. The characters in Plaka were so real, people you felt you knew, very warm. I enjoyed the way the book travelled through from one generation to another, the way the community in Spinalonga got on with their lives in a very normal way and didn't sit about waiting to die. Maria was obviously my favourite character. She was dedicated to her father after her mother was taken away to Spinalong suffering from leprosy. Then just as she thinks she has found love she is also diagnosed with the disease. This however is a blessing in disguise as she meets and fall in love with her hero on the island. I found the over all pace of the book good but the last couple of chapters were a little hurried, the book didn't really explore the feelings of guilt felt by Sophia at leaving Crete as soon as she could. I didn't want the book to end as I enjoyed every page. Hopefully the author will write a sequal. Five stars!!!

Badly written and dull
My best friend bought me this book for my birthday. She loved it and "couldn't put it down" so I really wanted to enjoy it too. Unfortunately, I found it very badly written. I didn't feel anything for the characters and I felt the writing was either boring and dull or very cheesy! I don't know why this won the Richard and Judy award. Is Ian an friend of theirs perhaps?

The Island
This has to be the most entrancing and beautiful capulated book I have ever read. Picked up hastily at an airport 3yrs ago... I believe it was a Richard and Judy book club must have... my copy is now worn out as it has been passed from pillar to post and I do not know anyone who doesn't agree how drawn you are and I do have a friend who planned a holiday around the book..... I had a 12 hr overnight flight and didn't sleep a wink whilst reading....excellent book.