The Island

A Novel

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Narrated by: Denice Hicks

Length: 15 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

great

I really enjoyed the book I love the author
I live reading about the different islands..

Loved everything except the narrator

True Elin fan for years, but struggled to get through this audible due to the narrator.

Narrator is AWFUL!

The reader was...annoying. So annoying. It’s fine to enunciate, but this is too much!

Don’t like the reader.

Spitty voice. Can’t stand it. Great book, but annoying voice. I cannot take the sticky, spitty noise.

Very enjoyable as an audio book

This was my first book via audio. I'd startedthe book via kindle but forgot my kindle at home and needed to finish the book for a book club. The book is well written and an engrossing read. The narrator did an excellent job of conveying the emotions and sentiments of the four different main characters. The pacing was quite good. I was able to listen for hours on end and not lose interest, in fact I found it soothing and engaging. I actually liked listening as much as reading.

loved it

I got so wrapped up, I didn't want it to end. some of the stories echoes what I am going through right now, so I was looking for answers between the lines!

Great book...

I loved this book. I think this book was so well written. The words were so poetic. This is a great summer read!

The island

Hope you do more books about Tuckernuck. It is fascinating the people you write about, made up or real. Very entertaining.

Another fantastic story

I’m a huge fan of all of Elin’s books. This is yet another 5 star story. I love her character development and the way she wraps up all of her different characters’ stories at the end.

Narration almost UNBEARABLE!

Not a good fit between author and narrator! Especially, if you’ve listened to other Elin Hilderbrand. I had to remind myself it wasn’t set in 1940! Spoiler!! Birdie’s reaction to Hank’s wife and his decision is disgusting!