The Island: A Novel

Written by:
Elin Hilderbrand
Narrated by:
Denice Hicks

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
47
Narrator
4
Release Date
July 2010
Duration
15 hours 0 minutes
Summary
This “deliciously addictive” (Kirkus) beach read 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.
Reviews
Profile Avatar
Gail Hochsprung

Very enjoyable to listen to. A nice story. It's great just to relax with, and let's you believe in a good ending that I didn't give away.

Profile Avatar
Waltersgirl 11

I found this book enjoyable. Not as good as blue bistro or beach club but still worth renting.

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

This book is about sappy women chasing after men. Yuk

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

I would not usually submit a negative review, but this book was such a disappointment that I did not even finish it. I stuck through 8 CDs, mostly because I was listening to it in the car. The longer I listened, the more I realized that each of the 4 women were immature and self centered and the less I cared about what had happened to them or would happen to them in the future. Further, I got tired of waiting for some sort of real plot to develop. I finally decided - I don't need this, and gave up on the book!

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

Drowning in melodrama and endless reverential descriptions of food and wine, made worse by the simpering, affected narrator - these neurotic, jealous, self-absorbed characters give women a bad name. They have enough money to go off to some island and wallow in their self-indulgence for weeks, and unfortunately take us with them. Some interesting story elements don't make up for the bulk of events in these women's lives being too unbelievable to be other than contrivance.

Profile Avatar
gregredi

Good story, good ending, plenty of surprises. Well worth the time.

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$31.99
View Cart