The Island

A Novel

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Narrated by: Denice Hicks

This “deliciously addictive” (Kirkus) beach listen from Elin Hilderbrand follows a family in upheaval after a cancelled wedding fills 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.

©2010 Elin Hilderbrand (P)2010 Hachette

Critic reviews

"This never-never land portrait of the rich and randy will please those looking for a satisfying beach read." ( Publishers Weekly)

I got through it...

I struggled with the narrator. The drama of her voice acting was almost too distracting to listen to the story. The voice ranges for the characters were very subtle, but they were there. Cute story line. I wasn't sure how she was going to fill the time up and create a whole story based on people living on such an isolated island! My mind went back to the Castaway. Maybe not my favorite Hilderbrand but it filled the time on the beach.

I enjoyed it...

I'm sorry to hear so many complaints on this book. I really enjoyed it and don't think you have to relate to every character that is in a book. Made me wish I had an island to go to for a month....

Very enjoyable

Well written, enjoyed every page. The characters were very interesting. The family dynamic rings true.

Not a fan of the narration

I might have liked the story a bit more-but the narrator’s voice was rather “prissy” and distracted from some of the characters personalities .

Four Self-Absorbed Wealthy Women

I found it difficult to relate to, or like, any of the four main characters. Jealousy, selfishness, petty disagreements overshadowed how women can overcome heartbreak and change. Their situations were relatable, but their behavior put me off.

Not her best work.

Not my favorite of hers. I also found the reader a bit off putting at times.

a decent way to spend 15 hrs.

I enjoyed the story, but the thing I will probably remember most is the little details that didn't make sense. I guess the issue was that I'm the same age as the girls, would have grown up at the same time, and live in the Philadelphia area. Moat details Elin hit the nail on the head, but other minor items, particularly in the daughter's life ruined it for me (computer details, products in the girls lives, also they would have primarily grown up in the 90s, not the 80s.) Also, I don't love how Tate's character was drawn. For an independent "tomboy" who was a computer professional, she was kind of unbelievable. Chess and India were written much better. Fun, but overly sappy in parts.

I was waiting for something to happen

The main characters are on an island for a month... I was just waiting for some action to happen and not much did.

Not my favorite Hilderbrand

This was definitely not the best book from this author. At times, the story dragged. The narrator mispronounced many words, especially names such as Kevin Youkilis , pronounced Joukilis.I find it annoying when audio books are not edited carefully for errors. I almost didn’t make it through!

Love this author, but…

Have loved this author for years, but this is not her best work. Character development was slow and the characters seems shallow. Just couldn’t get invested in their stories.