Stitch and Bear

A long-running Irish blog with reviews of the best restaurants in Dublin and throughout Ireland. Some wine and cocktails thrown in for good measure!

Friday, January 2, 2009

The Island At The End Of The World - Sam Taylor


How can a man protect his family from a flood? Can he protect them from the evils of the modern world? Can he raise his children isolated and seperate from other humans? This is the story of Pa and his children. The book is told initially from the viewpoints of Pa, a controlling, religious man and Finn, his young son. Each character has a uniquely different voice, even down to the poor semi-phoenetic spelling of Finn.

This family live in their ark, on an abundant and fruitful island. However, Pa's peace and new paradise is threatened when a young man arrives on their island. To illustrate the change in their circumstances, we now hear the voice of teenage Alice, who has vague recollections of her mother and events prior to the flood.

As events unfold, an eerie sense begins to build, leaving the reader feeling uncomfortable and discontent with the paradise in the book.

This is a book that I expect to hear lots about in the coming year. It is simply written (although Finn's voice is annoying) but has a powerful and potent story to tell. I think though, that while it will be strongly liked by some readers, it will be disliked for it's message and voice by others. Still though, I would encourage you to try it for yourself.
Share:

No comments

© Stitch and Bear | All rights reserved.
Blogger Template Developed by pipdig