The Island - Elin Hilderbrand

The Island

By Elin Hilderbrand

  • Release Date: 2010-07-06
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4
4
From 1,795 Ratings

Description

A summertime story only Elin Hilderbrand can tell: a family in upheaval after a cancelled wedding fill an island summer with heartache, laughter, and surprises.

Birdie Cousins has thrown herself into the details of her daughter Chess's lavish wedding, from the floating dance floor in her Connecticut back yard to the color of the cocktail napkins. Like any mother of a bride-to-be, she is weathering the storms of excitement and chaos, tears and joy. But Birdie, a woman who prides herself on preparing for every possibility, could never have predicted the late-night phone call from Chess, abruptly announcing that she's cancelled her engagement.

It's only the first hint of what will be a summer of upheavals and revelations. Before the dust has even begun to settle, far worse news arrives, sending Chess into a tailspin of despair. Reluctantly taking a break from the first new romance she's embarked on since the recent end of her 30-year marriage, Birdie circles the wagons and enlists the help of her younger daughter Tate and her own sister India. Soon all four are headed for beautiful, rustic Tuckernuck Island, off the coast of Nantucket, where their family has summered for generations. No phones, no television, no grocery store - a place without distractions where they can escape their troubles.

But throw sisters, daughters, ex-lovers, and long-kept secrets onto a remote island, and what might sound like a peaceful getaway becomes much more. Before summer has ended, dramatic truths are uncovered, old loves are rekindled, and new loves make themselves known.
 

Reviews

  • Nice Read

    4
    By Dani yellow
    Started slow, but I stuck with the book, and I’m glad I did..!
  • Fell in love with Tuckernut Island aka “sliced bread or bread”

    5
    By kaykaybean13
    Tuckernut is a privately owned island very close to Nantucket where it’s residents have all passed their homes on to their ancestors since turn of century. This island doesn’t have any stores- it is strictly residential homes. If a vehicle is to be had, it’s typically a 4x4 or small old jalopies. The only way to get onto the island is through an invite. It’s quite known for its exclusive primitive way of life. Generators help with power, while there’s no hot water and none of toilets can flush anything BUT waste. Any tp or other things MUST be thrown trash. Their groceries mail and anything and all they need is brought on island from Nantucket and boated over. Trash and all waste/litter is removed off island and brought across to Nantucket and then it is also off site. The homes aren’t about grandiosity, you won’t find a one on the island. There’s a no mail(it’s obviously delivered yet the tradition and proper Tuck ways frown upon mail, television, telephones and WIFI(there’s none) cell service is usually unavailable and the purpose of island is for VISITING, conversing with loved ones, family meals, family games, reading hiking and swimming. Fishing, clamming and kayaking along with all water sport/ exercise is a regular routine. This is encouraging the families to be present in the moment and enjoy one another without the distractions pressures and continuous external noise and societal expectations. It’s a wonderful way to be at one with nature, those you love best and to heal the soul and fill your spirit whilst there. My favorite traditional greeting of all is the islands very own and long running “LIFE IS GOOD” when greeted in this way, an islander knows to repeat back LIFE IS GOOD. It’s been a way to also when perhaps locals are coming across unfamiliar face to see if they are islander or family of those who own homes there
  • Yes!! Read it!

    4
    By Cistonie
    I liked this book. Elin Hilderbrand gets a bad rap for being “Danielle Steelesque” but she has a pretty good insight into the trials and tribulations of upper middle class white women. I actually enjoyed it. I’ve read several of her books and loved them all. Some of her lines and insights are spot on and they keep me coming back for more.
  • School dsta shouldn’twzs

    3
    By John Pires
    Y’all yes I e uw dhdsshf
  • Doesn’t work

    1
    By Toryj8
    I bought this book and haven’t been able to open it. It will not open!!! I’ve purchased other books on my phone since and they work fine. Was looking forward to reading so want a fix but if not I want a refund.
  • Reader

    5
    By Schmegz01
    What a perfect book!! Couldn't put it down if I wanted to! I never really enjoyed reading until I got ahold of Elin Hilderbrand's books!!
  • Just a way to make a paycheck

    1
    By Kittyusa2015
    Don't bother to read this, it is not writing, just a way to make a paycheck
  • Wonderful book

    5
    By WooOui
    Great unexpected read..
  • Predictable, but fun!

    4
    By sskova
    An entertaining beach read! Fun in the sun...
  • Good, not great.

    3
    By SOehmler
    I wasn't really into the characters until I was 3/4 of the way through the book. And I wish a bit more had been done with the ending. Overall good book.

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