The Island
The Island
Book Brief
Beta473
Novel • Fiction
Crete, Greece • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Island by Victoria Hislop tells the story of Alexis, a Londoner who travels to Crete seeking to learn about her family's history. She discovers the previously hidden story of her grandmother's life on the leper colony of Spinalonga, exploring themes of love, perseverance, and family secrets.
Reviews & Readership
73,331 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Victoria Hislop's The Island is praised for its rich historical detail and evocative portrayal of Crete's leper colony, effectively immersing readers in its setting. Critics commend the emotional depth and well-developed characters. However, some find the pacing inconsistent and the narrative occasionally predictable. Overall, it's deemed a compelling read with minor flaws.
Who Should Read The Island?
Readers who relish historical fiction with emotional depth and vivid settings will enjoy The Island by Victoria Hislop. Comparable to fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, it appeals to those captivated by personal stories set against significant historical backdrops.
73,331 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Island by Victoria Hislop was published in 2005 and has since been translated into over 30 languages, becoming an international bestseller.
The novel's setting was inspired by the real-life island of Spinalonga in Crete, which was one of Europe's last leper colonies, and this historical backdrop plays a significant role in the narrative.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Victoria Hislop won the "Newcomer of the Year" award at the British Book Awards in 2007 for The Island, highlighting the book's impact and popularity.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
473
Novel • Fiction
Crete, Greece • 1940s
2006
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!