Books matching: island life
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- #1
Save:'The Crofter and the Laird' by John McPhee explores the author's journey to the Isle of Colonsay, delving into the topography, culture, and mindset of his ancestral island. McPhee provides a detailed account of the history, myths, and community of Colonsay, painting a vivid picture of the island's inhabitants and their way of life. Through engaging prose, the book offers a mix of history, legends, information about Gaelic, and insights into daily life on the island, creating a unique blend of travel essay and ethnography.
McPhee's narrative style is described as conversational and instructive, with beautiful pen and ink drawings by James Graves enhancing the reading experience. The author's exploration of the relationships between the families of islanders, the history of the island, and the interactions of the people creates a captivating and informative read, providing readers with a glimpse into a different social and physical environment.
THE SCOTTISH CLAN that I belong to—or would belong to if it were now anything more than a sentimental myth —was broken a great many generations ago by a party of MacDonalds, who hunted down the last c... - #2
Save:'The Sex Lives Of Cannibals' by J. Maarten Troost is a humorous travelogue that follows the author and his girlfriend as they move to a remote island in the Pacific, specifically the atoll of Kiribati. Through vivid descriptions and self-deprecating humor, Troost shares the challenges and absurdities of adapting to a completely different way of life, highlighting the cultural differences, struggles, and unexpected adventures they encounter during their time on the island.
In which the Author expresses some Dissatisfaction with the State of his Life, ponders briefly prior Adventures and Misfortunes, and with the aid of his Beguiling Girlfriend, decides to Quit the Life ... In "The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific," Paul Theroux embarks on a journey through the Pacific islands, providing humorous and accurate impressions of the region. The book is a travelogue where Theroux visits 51 islands, showcasing his slightly cranky yet interesting writing style that captures the essence of each destination he explores. Through vivid descriptions, he sheds light on the realities of island life, debunking romantic myths and offering a critical perspective on colonial influences.
Theroux's narrative meanders around the Pacific, painting a picture of his encounters with locals, unique experiences at sea, and memorable characters. Despite his critical nature and occasional overgeneralizations, Theroux's writing keeps readers engaged with his funny anecdotes and observations. The book delves into the cultural nuances of the Pacific islands, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase both the beauty of the landscapes and the complexities of the islanders' lives.
There was no good word in English for this hopeless farewell. My wife and I separated on a winter day in London and we were both miserable, because it seemed as though our marriage was over. We both t...- #4
Save:'Don't Stop the Carnival' by Herman Wouk is a humorous departure from the author's usual historical works, focusing on the story of Norman Paperman, a New Yorker who decides to escape his city life by managing a resort in the Caribbean. The plot follows Paperman as he faces numerous troubles while trying to run the resort, showcasing a mix of humor and challenges that he encounters on the island. provides insights into the complexities of managing a business in the Caribbean, touching on themes of tourism, colonialism, and personal struggles.
The writing style of 'Don't Stop the Carnival' is characterized by a blend of humor and satire, as the narrative unfolds through a series of misfortunes and successes that Paperman experiences while navigating the idyllic yet challenging island life. The author incorporates well-developed characters and real-life situations, drawing inspiration from his own experiences of running a hotel in the Caribbean, which adds depth and authenticity to the story.
The Union Jack flew over this enchanting green hump in the blue ocean for almost two hundred years. Before that the island was Danish; before that, French; before that, cannibal. Smoky gun battles bet... - #5
Save:Set in the 1920s on the Massachusetts Elizabeth Islands, 'Beyond the Bright Sea' tells the story of Crow, a young girl who was found as a baby on a small island and raised by a hermitic man named Osh. Curious about her origins, Crow embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past, leading to unexpected discoveries and adventures. The book beautifully explores themes of family, identity, and belonging, painting a vivid picture of life on the remote islands off the coast of Massachusetts.
Still, I know I’d lived on that tiny island for eight years before I began to be more than just curious about my name. The dream that woke me, wondering anew about my name, was full of stars and whale... - #6
Save:'Winter in Paradise' by Elin Hilderbrand follows the story of Irene Steele, who receives a shocking phone call on New Year's Day informing her of her husband's death in the Caribbean. Irene and her two sons travel to the island where they discover that her husband had a secret life, including another family. As they uncover more secrets and mysteries, they also learn a lot about themselves and each other. is set on the island of St. John and is the first in a trilogy, leaving readers eager for the upcoming sequels to unravel the loose ends and unanswered questions.
The plot is filled with family dynamics, romance, secrets, heartbreaks, and mystery, engaging readers with its intriguing storyline and well-developed characters. The writing style of Elin Hilderbrand is praised for its descriptive narration of the island life, the beautiful scenery, and the complex relationships portrayed in the book. With elements of betrayal, sibling rivalry, love triangles, and unexpected twists, 'Winter in Paradise' offers a mix of emotions and surprises that keep readers hooked till the end.
Irene Steele has spent the day in a state of focused productivity. From nine to one, she filed away every piece of paperwork relating to the complete moth-to-butterfly renovation of her 1892 Queen Ann... - #7
Save:Call the Nurse is a memoir that recounts the years the author and her family spent on a Scottish Isle in the Outer Hebrides during the 1970s. The book provides a charming and interesting collection of tales and memories from the author's experience serving as the local district nurse on an isolated island. The author vividly describes her adventures in nursing in a very remote village, the challenges she faced, the people she met, and the traditional island life she observed.
The book captures the essence of traditional island life just before modernity intruded, offering a glimpse into a simpler time where people helped each other in a close-knit community. Through the author's well-written descriptions, readers are transported to a rugged and beautiful landscape, experiencing the isolation, stark beauty, and hospitable nature of the people living on the Hebridean Islands.
It was a dreary December afternoon in 1970 as I struggled up the slippery path to the croft house on the hill above. My blue uniform and the silly hat that I had anchored with a very nonuniform scarf ... - #8
Save:'A Winter Book' by Tove Jansson is a collection of stories that offer glimpses into the author's life and experiences, often blurring the lines between autobiography and fiction. Set in Finland and its surrounding islands, the stories capture moments of childhood adventures, family life, artistic pursuits, and reflections on youth and old age. Jansson's writing style is described as lyrical, observant, and filled with magical details of everyday life, creating a rich tapestry of stories that resonate with readers.
The book features a mix of short stories, letters, and notes that revolve around themes such as island life in the 1920s, childhood experiences, seasonal changes, and the challenges of communication. Jansson's storytelling weaves together elements of innocence, hard work, beauty, and the complexities of human relationships, offering readers a poignant and engaging exploration of life's nuances.
IT WAS LYING BETWEEN THE COAL DUMP AND THE GOODS wagons under some bits of wood and it was a miracle that no one had found it before me. The whole of one side shone with silver and if you rubbed away ... - #9
Save:"Getting Stoned with Savages" by J. Maarten Troost is a humorous travel memoir that follows the author's adventures in the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu and Fiji. Through witty and engaging storytelling, Troost recounts his experiences with the local culture, customs, and challenges he faces while living on these remote islands. The narrative is filled with funny anecdotes, insightful observations, and encounters with unique aspects of island life, such as trying the local intoxicating drink, kava, and learning about the history of cannibalism in the region.
IHAVE BEEN CALLED MANY THINGS IN MY LIFE, BUT IF there has been but one constant, one barb, one arrow flung my way time after time, it is the accusation that I am, in essence, nothing more than an esc... - #10
Save:The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is a collection of vignettes chronicling the summer adventures of a young girl named Sophia and her grandmother on a small island off the coast of Finland. The book captures the essence of relationships between the young and the old, humans and nature, as the duo navigates life on the island, filled with everyday incidents and moments of wisdom and whimsy.
The writing style of The Summer Book is described as quiet, poetic, and understated, with a focus on the interactions between characters and their surroundings. Through simple yet evocative prose, Tove Jansson paints a vivid picture of island life, exploring themes of family, nature, aging, and the passage of time.
The Summer Book is impossible to categorise: a work of fiction, adventure, humour and philosophy, its structure a beautifully observed overlapping of the months of summer. It is a life-affirming story...
