Islands of Mercy

By: Rose Tremain

Narrated by: Katie McGrath

Brought to you by Penguin.

She was ‘The Angel of the Baths’, the one woman whose touch everybody yearned for. Yet she would do more. She was certain of that.

In the city of Bath, in the year 1865, an extraordinary young woman renowned for her nursing skills is convinced that some other destiny will one day show itself to her. But when she finds herself torn between a dangerous affair with a female lover and the promise of a conventional marriage to an apparently respectable doctor, her desires begin to lead her towards a future she had never imagined.

Meanwhile, on the wild island of Borneo, an eccentric British ‘rajah’, Sir Ralph Savage, overflowing with philanthropy but compromised by his passions, sees his schemes relentlessly undermined by his own fragility, by man’s innate greed and by the invasive power of the forest itself.

Jane’s quest for an altered life and Sir Ralph’s endeavours become locked together as the story journeys across the globe - from the confines of an English tearoom to the rainforests of a tropical island via the slums of Dublin and the transgressive fancy-dress boutiques of Paris.

Islands of Mercy is a novel that ignites the senses and is a bold exploration of the human urge to seek places of sanctuary in a pitiless world.

©2020 Rose Tremain (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Excellently Narrated

I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction, and while this book is one of the better examples of the genre I’ve come across, there was more than one occasion where I’d have set it aside unfinished were it not for Katie McGrath’s excellent narration. The story plodded at times, and some of the characterization was quite erratic. The latter may have been intentional on the author’s part, but it detracted from the story in my opinion and left the reader with very few sympathetic characters in which to become invested.

Amazing story on Katie McGrath's voice

I really enjoyed this 1st Tremaine's book, excellent story and the way it's written. And Katie just did an extraordinary job! In love with her voice. Hope to listen her again on another book soon.

Incredible pleased

Katie McGrath voice gives it a delectable and sublime touch, it was a really astonishing experience just because of her voice.

La voz de Katie es perfecta!

La colaboración es maravillosa e impecable, sin duda vale la pena escuchar todas las horas que toma terminar el libro, y la historia tiene algo que te mantiene fácilmente atrapado.

katie's voice. that's it, that's the review

bought this to listen to katie mcgrath's voice and had to read it twice to actually pay attention to the story. and I was not displeased with it! the changing of scenarios felt a bit confusing, but, in general, the book is more of a contemplation of different lives and people than a story with a beginning, middle and ending per se. I loved the characters and their unstable and dramatic natures, I loved the descriptions and the courage that the author had to go deep into any topic. it was great experience reading it.

A wonderful story

This was a wonder adventurous story.
I recommend the audio version as listening to Katie McGrath’s soothing voice is a treat. She brings all these complex characters alive.

Tremain and McGrath, amazing combo

Katie McGrath brough this book to life in such a magnificent manner! And she did left me speechless by her performance! I might have enjoyed this book as a standalone paperback, but waaaay less than this very version read by Miss McGrath! Anyhow, back to the book, this was the first book by Rose Tremain I have encountered but I did enjoy the plot, the characters, the prose, the way the writing ran smoothly... And, I like the book ending.

Amazing

Katie's voice is just so addictive, it's very soothing and wonderful to listen to. The story is also very good.

AMAZING!

Its a greay story. I enjoyed it. I cannot get enough of Jane. And as for the narrator, would like to hear more of Katie McGrath.

great narration

I loved the story and how it showed how bad compulsory heterosexuality is. and the narrator was incredible!