pickThis book transports the reader to a small Welsh fishing island in the years leading up to World War II. The islanders live in the old traditional ways, but change is coming… indeed has already come to the mainland. The writing is spare but poignant, honest but nuanced, immersive but reflective. A true gem of a read. I feel like I lived this book.
Another fabulous #LiteraryCrew selection. You definitely know how to pick ‘em, @Librarybelle ! 👏
pickI had no idea about the Highland Clearances before this novel. People were being forcibly removed from their homes in the Highlands & the islands by their landlords. It‘s bleak and devastating. This novella follows John, a minister-turned-errand boy who is sent to evict Ivar, the last inhabitant on his island. John becomes injured and Ivar saves his life. Their growing bond, and the arrival of John‘s wife Mary, challenge what family really means.
It‘s time for our #LiteraryCrew discussion! I have 7 questions posted as spoilers; you can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching the group‘s hashtags.
I realized I never posted the graphic for next month‘s Ragtime, so I will get that posted today.
7. O'Connor mentions a few islands that inspired this story, including St. Kilda. To get a perspective of the islands and the harshness of life, not to mention the village remains, I have a Mirror article link in the comments. #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
6. We have to talk about the whale! Do you think the whale was a good omen or a bad omen? O'Connor uses the arrival and departure of the whale's remains as an arc for the story. Why do you think she did this? What does the whale symbolize? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. How do you think Edward and Joan's work will affect the island? We already know that the “writings“ they did reflect a different perspective of the island and the community?
On a bigger scale, how will World War II affect the community? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. Edward and Joan arrive on the island to write a book, allegedly. Did you opinion of Edward and Joan change throughout the novel? Why do you think they came to the island, chose this island? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. Let's talk about the islanders (we'll save Edward and Joan for our next question). What were your impressions of Monad? Of Llinos? Of the community? Why do you think those still living on the island chose to stay? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. For me, the setting was a powerful aspect of the novel--I could feel the dampness mentioned throughout the novel. How did the setting contribute to the storytelling? Could this story be set in a different location or time? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. Overall, what did you think of the novel? Think about the flow of the story and O'Connor's use of vignettes to power the narration. Did this style work? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
