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)

OMG this was the worst narrator!

I couldn't even get to the heart of the story - assuming there is one. The narrator was like listening Desperate Housewives narrator or someone who read stories to 2nd graders. I was hoping for a light beach read, and maybe would accomplish that in the book version, but just couldn't stomach listening to this woman "read to me" as if I were a 7.

Couldn't relate to the women

I really disliked this book. I could not relate to any of the women. There was so much angst over so little. The narrotor's voice did not help at all. This is an author and narrator I will remember so I will never listen again.

Tunia

I am barely into this book but I can hardly stand to listen to the reader. She is so sing-songy in her delivery and pauses inappropriately and gushes over the wrong words. I wish I'd bought the book instead of the audible book. The book is fine but I don't think I can listen to 15 hours of Denise Hicks.

Avoid this reader

The story is pleasant enough but I'm in the middle of it and I honestly don't think I can tolerate this reader's voice to finish it. I will avoid her from now on.

annoying reader, boring story

sooo predictable and the reader is absolutely annoying. At first I thought if it were a different reader maybe it would be better, but probably not.

Pretty good story, horrible reader

I love Elin HIlderbrand and this story was okay as far as her work goes, but this audio version of it was painful to listen to due to the sing-songy voice of the narrator with improper inflections and just a very annoying way of reading as if she were reading a picture book to a small child. Sadly, I think even a small child would find it annoying. I cringed all the way through it, listening to the end because of how much I paid for it and also wanting to know how the story turned out, but I will never listen to another book read by that reader.

Trite

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

This was perhaps the most trite book I've ever read. Predictable, shallow and juvenile. A total disappointment. The characters were amongst the most immature characters I've encountered. I only kept listening to it because "I'd paid for it". Avoid at all costs.

Would you ever listen to anything by Elin Hilderbrand again?

not a chance

Would you be willing to try another one of Denice Hicks’s performances?

perhaps

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not really

couldn't connect

I liked the idea of the story. I'd love to stay at Tuckernuck Island. I did not like the charachters as people though, couldn't warm up to any of them.

Try not to get shipwrecked here

I really liked one of Hilderbrand's other books (The Castaways), so I was looking forward to this one. The Island, however, is pretty dull. Not much of a plot, somewhat dull characters, and overall I just wanted back to the mainland. There are much better books out there.

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!