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Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Jefferson County Public Library.
haklh
Sep 26, 2018haklh rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This book is an excellent example of the way windswept shores make a broody, atmospheric setting (Hannah Kent's Burial Rites also comes to mind). The story is set in the Elizabeth Islands, a group of wild, rocky, sparsely populated islands off the coast of Massachusetts (the location itself conjures up images of hardship and tough people already). While the location plays an important part in the story, the story's narrow focus on the lives of only three main characters gives it a timeless, almost fable-like quality at the same time. (It was set in the 1920s but there were very few time-clues). This story is rich and dense in a good way. The central story - with themes of identity, belonging, and what makes a family - is enough to fill a middle-grade novel on its own; but just when you expect the story to be resolved, the author lobbs in additional acrs full of mystery, danger, and history. These twists and turns will hold your attention right to the end. Even the author's notes make a terrific read.